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Perhaps the most frustrating thing about stains is that not every type can be treated the same way. Some stains won’t lift easily, while others react poorly to water, heat, or agitation. And when you deal with delicate fabrics (e.g., silk or lace), bold colors (e.g., red and orange colored clothes), or structured garments (e.g., blazers and tailored jackets), the risk of making the damage worse is even higher.
So even if you think you have the time and a decent stain remover at home, it might not be enough to safely treat the issue. Keep reading as we break down the seven toughest stains professional dry cleaners are trained to deal with and what makes them so challenging to handle at home.
1 | Oil and Grease
Oil and grease stains are some of the sneakiest and most frustrating stains out there. They come from everyday things like butter, cooking oil, salad dressing, lotion, or even that burger you didn’t mean to drop in your lap. The worst part is, they’re hard to see at first, but once they settle in, they leave a dark, greasy patch that doesn’t budge.
Dry cleaners use special cleaning solvents that are designed to break down oil and grease and not just push them around. They know exactly which products and techniques work best depending on the fabric type, stain age, and how the item was previously cleaned. Then, during the dry cleaning cycle, the solvent gently lifts the residue from the fibers, while the machine’s controlled environment ensures nothing gets stretched, shrunk, or faded in the process.
How Oil and Grease Stains Damage Fabric Over Time:
- Leave dark, greasy spots that get worse over time
- Soak into delicate fabrics like silk, suede, or linen, making them hard to treat
- Attract dirt and dust, which makes the stain more visible later
- Can cause permanent damage if treated the wrong way (especially if you use hot water!)
2 | Red Wine
Red wine is one of those stains that makes people gasp, especially when it hits a white shirt, a light-colored dress, or a fancy tablecloth. The second it spills, it starts soaking in fast and grabs onto fabric fibers like glue. That deep red color comes from natural dyes in the wine (called tannins), which are very hard to remove with regular laundry.
But professional dry cleaners know exactly how to tackle red wine stains, even on tricky fabrics like silk, linen, or wool. They use special stain-fighting solutions that are made to break down the wine without ruining the fabric.
Here’s What Red Wine Does to Fabric:
- Soaks in fast and spreads wide, especially on light colors
- Leaves behind a strong, deep stain that darkens over time
- Bonds with natural fibers like cotton, silk, or wool, making it hard to rinse out
- Can become permanent if treated the wrong way or left alone too long
3 | Ink and Dye Transfer
No matter how it happens, ink and dye transfer stains are bold, messy, and super tough to remove at home. The ink sinks in fast, and dye transfer can spread if you don’t catch it early.
Professional dry cleaners start by identifying the type of ink or dye involved, as well as the fabric it’s affected. From there, they use targeted stain removal agents that break down the pigment without harming the structure or color of the fabric.
The Damage Ink and Dye Transfer Can Cause to Clothes:
- Soaks deep into the fibers, especially in natural materials like cotton and silk
- Spreads easily when rubbed or washed, turning a small spot into a big mess
- Permanently alters fabric color if treated with the wrong cleaner
- Can stain through layers, especially on folded or bagged clothing
4 | Makeup and Cosmetics
Makeup and cosmetic stains might look small, but they can be a real pain. Things like foundation, lipstick, mascara, and even powder contain oils, waxes, dyes, and pigments that don’t come out easily in a regular wash. Some makeup is even designed to stay put all day—which means it also clings tightly to fabric. When makeup gets on collars, cuffs, or shirt fronts, it can smear, sink into the fibers, and leave behind greasy or colorful marks that are hard to clean.
So, it’s best to leave the treatment of these stains to professional dry cleaners. They know exactly what type of makeup caused the stain and which special cleaning solutions will remove it without harming the fabric. They test a small area first, treat the stain with the correct products, and then clean the entire piece using controlled equipment that’s way more gentle and effective than anything at home.
What That Smudge of Lipstick Does to Your Blouse:
- Leaves greasy rings or colorful smudges that stand out, especially on light-colored clothing
- Soaks into delicate fabrics like silk or linen, making the stain harder to remove
- Can smear or spread if you try to rub or wipe it
- Often resists water and detergent, especially products like lipstick, foundation, and mascara
5 | Water or Sweat Rings
Water or sweat rings are those light, circular marks you sometimes see on clothes—especially on hats, jackets, or silk shirts—after they get damp and then dry. They happen when moisture dries unevenly and leaves behind minerals, body oils, or leftover soap. What makes them tricky is that they often look worse after drying. The ring outlines the area that got wet, and on certain fabrics like wool or silk, it can make the whole garment look blotchy or stained.
These rings might seem harmless, but trying to fix them at home can make them worse. Rubbing or rewetting the fabric can leave water spots or stretch the material. That’s why this type of stain is best left to a professional dry cleaner. Dry cleaners know how to treat the entire area—not just the ring—so the fabric looks smooth and even again. They use special solvents and pressing techniques that safely remove the stain without damaging the color or shape of the fabric.
Why Water and Sweat Rings Leave Lasting Marks on Clothes:
- Create visible ring-shaped stains, especially on fabrics like silk or wool
- Leave behind salt or deodorant buildup, which can make underarm areas stiff or yellow
- Distort the fabric’s texture, making it feel rough or look crinkled
- Can cause odors regular washing doesn’t fully remove
6 | Sauces and Food Spills
Sauces and food spills are one of the most common ways we stain our clothes. Whether it’s pizza night, a barbecue, or just a quick lunch on the go, things like ketchup, mustard, salad dressing, and greasy foods tend to drip or splatter. The problem is, these spills often have oils, strong colors, and sticky ingredients that sink deep into the fabric. If you don’t treat them quickly—and treat them the right way—they can leave behind dark spots, grease rings, or faded stains that don’t come out easily in a regular wash.
Professional dry cleaners are trained to deal with these kinds of stains the right way. They know how to spot the difference between an oil-based stain and a tomato-based stain, and they use special products designed to break down each type without harming the fabric.
What Happens When Sauces Soak Into Your Clothes:
- Leave greasy, colorful stains that can spread quickly
- Soak deep into the fibers, especially in natural fabrics like cotton or linen
- Can cause permanent damage if heat is used or if rubbed too hard
- Attract more dirt and discoloration over time if not cleaned properly
7 | Blood
Blood has proteins in it that bind tightly to fabric fibers, especially natural materials like cotton, silk, and linen. If you try to clean it the wrong way or use hot water, it can actually make the stain worse. If you have a blood stain and you’re not sure what to do, skip the guesswork. Take it to a dry cleaner who knows exactly how to treat it correctly the first time. They check the fabric first—because treating cotton is very different from treating silk or wool. Dry cleaners use the proper tools, the right temperature, and a gentle process that lifts out the stain without damaging the fabric.
Why Blood Stains Are So Tough on Clothing and Textiles:
- Soak in and cling to fibers, especially in natural materials
- Dry quickly, which makes the stain harder to remove
- React badly to heat, which sets the stain and makes it permanent
- Can change the texture of fabric, leaving it stiff or rough if not cleaned properly
When Home Remedies Fail, Martinizing Cleaners Delivers Results—Stop By or Schedule Your Dry Cleaning Service Today!
When home remedies aren’t effective anymore at removing tough stains, let Martinizing Cleaners take over. We don’t just treat the stain—we restore your garments to their finest condition with our meticulous, green and eco-friendly cleaning methods. We also provide FREE Pickup and Delivery Service six days a week, so you never have to waste time traveling to and from our stores.
Stop by or schedule your dry cleaning service today! Call us at (925) 309-5298 or (925) 938-5000, or send us an email to get started.
