Published By: Soham Halder

Holi Stains, Be Gone! Easy Ways to Remove Tough Colours from Clothes

Ever struggled to remove Holi colors from your favorite outfit? You’re not alone! Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.

The festival of colors, Holi, is one of the most vibrant celebrations across India. While creating unforgettable memories with the splashes of bright hues, concern arises from persistent Holi stains on clothing. Following are some easy and effective strategies to remove tough Holi stains.

Prevention is Better than Cure

Before knowing stain removal techniques, you should understand some preventive measures. Planning to celebrate Holi in style, follow these smart tips to protect your clothes:

Wear dark or old clothes: Light-coloured clothes get stained easily, while dark shades can sometimes mask the colours.

Apply coconut or mustard oil: Before celebrating, rub coconut or mustard oil on your skin and clothes to prevent colours from sticking.

Opt for synthetic fabrics: The choice of fabric makes a huge difference as cotton and linen absorb colours quickly. However, synthetic fabrics like polyester are easier for stain removal.

Are you already drenched in Holi hues? Follow these steps!

Rinse Immediately

Faster action gives better results. After playing Holi, shake off dry colour from your clothes and rinse them under cold running water. Don't use hot water, as it can permanently set the stain on clothes.

Soak in Mild Detergent

Before putting your clothes in the washing machine, soak them in a bucket of cold water with mild liquid detergent for half an hour. This loosens the colours, making them easier to remove.

Lemon & Baking Soda Magic

For stubborn stains, prepare a paste using lemon juice and baking soda. Apply the paste to the stained areas and keep it for 15–20 minutes. Lemon has natural bleaching properties to break down colour particles. Baking soda lifts the stain.

Vinegar and Dish Soap Solution

Mix white vinegar with a few drops of dish soap in a bowl of warm water. Soak the stained clothes in this solution for 30-40 minutes before washing them. This is an effective method for stubborn chemical colours.

Hydrogen Peroxide for White Clothes

Want to remove stains from white clothes? Prepare a mixture of hydrogen peroxide with water in a 1:2 ratio and dab it onto the stain using a cotton ball. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before washing. This strategy helps restoring the brightness of white clothes.

Buttermilk

Surprisingly, buttermilk acts as a brilliant natural stain remover. Soak your stained clothes in buttermilk overnight and then wash them with mild detergent. This is highly effective for delicate fabrics like silk and chiffon.

Liquid Bleach for Stubborn Stains

For extremely tough stains on white clothes, you can use liquid bleach. Wait, before you apply, dilute the bleach in water and soak the garment for 15-20 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Don't use bleach on coloured clothes, as it may fade the fabric.

Gentle Brushing for Dried Stains

If Holi stains have dried up on your clothes, use a soft toothbrush with mild soap to scrub the affected areas gently. Don't scrub too hard as it may damage the fabric.

Sun Drying to Naturally Fade Colours

After washing properly, dry your clothes in direct sunlight. The sunlight is also a natural bleaching agent helping lighten any remaining stains. However, don't keep it for long as it may damage the fabric.

Professional Dry Cleaning for Delicate Fabrics

If your silk or designer outfits have Holi stains, it’s best to take them to a professional dry cleaner. Sometimes, home remedies are not suitable for delicate materials.

Holi colors can be tricky to remove, but with the right methods, you can restore your favorite clothes from permanent damage. The real key is to act fast and use gentle yet effective cleaning.

So go ahead, play with colours, and let the festivities begin. Happy Holi!