We’ve all been there – you’re hurrying to get dressed and accidentally get correction fluid (also known as whiteout) on your favorite shirt or pants. Whether it’s from knocking over an open bottle or having the cap come loose in your bag, correction fluid stains can seem impossible to remove. But don’t despair! With the right techniques and products, you can get correction fluid out of clothes and save your favorite outfit.
In this article, we’ll walk through an easy, step-by-step process for removing dry and wet correction fluid from fabric. We’ll also provide tips on how to avoid getting whiteout on your clothes in the first place. With a little bit of effort, your stain doesn’t stand a chance. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Act Quickly for Wet Stains
When correction fluid gets on clothing, time is of the essence. The quicker you can treat the stain, the better chance you have of removing it completely. Start by blotting as much of the wet fluid as possible with a clean cloth or paper towels. Avoid rubbing it in, which can further set the stain. The key is to lift the whiteout off the fabric.
- Blot with a clean, absorbent cloth or paper towels
- Avoid rubbing or spreading the stain
- Work quickly before the stain sets
Step 2: Flush Out the Stain
For wet stains that you’ve blotted, run the clothing under cold water to flush out any remaining correction fluid. This helps prevent it from drying and setting into the fabric. Turn the garment inside out and run cold water through the back of the stain until the water runs clear.
- Run under cold, running water
- Turn garment inside out
- Flush both sides of fabric under cold water
- Continue flushing until water runs clear
Step 3: Apply Stain Remover
Next, apply a laundry stain remover stick, spray, or gel to the area. Look for stain removers specially formulated for ink and markers, as they work well on correction fluid too. Apply a small amount directly to the stain, let it sit for a minute or two, then rinse with cold water.
Some recommended stain remover products:
- OxiClean Max Force Gel Stain Remover – specifically made for ink, marker, and grease stains
- Carbona Stain Devils #2 – strong on ink and correction fluid
- Afta Cleaning Fluid – removes inks and dyes from fabric
- Grandma’s Secret Spot Remover – lifts out whiteout and grease stains
No matter which brand you choose, check the label to make sure it’s suitable for the fabric you’re cleaning. Apply a small amount to the stain, let sit 1-2 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cold water.
Step 4: Make a DIY Removal Solution
If you don’t have a commercial stain remover on hand, make your own correction fluid removal solution. Mix together equal parts dish soap and vinegar, then apply it to the stain and let it soak for 15 minutes before rinsing. The dish soap helps cut through grease, while the vinegar dissolves the stain.
Supplies Needed:
- Dish soap (blue Dawn works well)
- White vinegar
- Clean cloth
- Warm water
- Bucket or sink basin
Directions:
- Mix 1 part dish soap and 1 part vinegar in a small bowl.
- Apply the solution directly to the stain.
- Let soak 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
- Repeat as needed for tough stains.
This DIY stain fighter can be easily mixed up with common household items. The key is letting it soak long enough to break down the stain before rinsing.
Step 5: Use Non-Chlorine Bleach
For tough, dried-in stains, reach for the non-chlorine bleach. Check the garment’s care tag first to make sure bleach is allowed. Mix a solution of oxygen bleach powder and cool water, then soak the clothing in it for up to 8 hours, checking periodically. This can help lift persistent whiteout stains without damaging fabrics.
- Always check clothing tags before using any bleach
- OxiClean powder works well for non-chlorine bleaching
- Mix powder with cool water in a bucket or sink basin
- Soak garment for 6-8 hours, checking periodically
- Rinse thoroughly after soaking
Non-chlorine bleach is gentler than chlorine bleach and won’t damage or discolor delicate fabrics. But it’s still powerful on dried-in stains. Just mix, soak, rinse, and repeat as needed.
Step 6: Wash Normally
After treating the stain, wash the garment as you normally would, either by machine or hand. Use warm or hot water to help loosen any remaining traces of the correction fluid. Avoid using chlorine bleach or fabric softener, as this could set the stain. Let air dry.
- Wash in warm or hot water
- Skip the fabric softener
- Avoid chlorine bleach
- Line dry or dry flat – avoid the dryer!
Washing normally after stain removal ensures you get rid of any last remnants of whiteout in the fabric. Just take care not to re-set the stain with harsh chemicals. Air drying is safest.
Step 7: Repeat as Needed
Examine the clothing after washing to see if the stain has lifted. You may need to repeat the treatment process, especially for dried-on stains. With patience and persistence, you can get the garment looking good as new again.
- Inspect clothing after washing
- Retreat stain if still visible
- May take multiple treatments, especially for older stains
- Don’t give up – you can get the stain out!
Don’t be discouraged if the whiteout doesn’t disappear after just one try. Completely removing correction fluid takes time. Just reapply stain fighters and rewash until it’s gone.
Tips for Avoiding Correction Fluid Stains
The best way to handle correction fluid stains is to avoid them completely. Here are some handy tips for keeping whiteout away from your wardrobe:
Store Carefully
- Always cap correction fluid bottles tightly when not in use. Dropping an uncapped bottle in your bag is asking for trouble.
- Store correction fluid upright and away from clothing and other fabrics. Keeping it on your desk or a shelf reduces spill risks.
Use Sparingly
- Apply whiteout carefully and sparingly. The less you use, the lower your chances of drips and smears.
- Consider using a correction tape runner instead of liquid whiteout. Tape is much tidier to apply.
Wear Protective Gear
- Wear an oversized shirt or apron when using correction fluid for arts, crafts, or DIY projects. This protects your clothing underneath.
- Place a sheet of scrap paper under your work area to catch any drips.
Remove from Skin Quickly
- If you do get correction fluid on your skin, use petroleum jelly or moisturizing hand soap to remove it promptly. Avoid harsh scrubbing.
- Baby oil also helps break down whiteout on skin. Gently massage in, rinse with soap and water.
Have Stain Removers on Hand
- Keep stain remover, dish soap, and vinegar on hand for quick treatment of wet stains.
- Having the right products ready avoids panic and encourages acting quickly.
Recommended Correction Fluid Brands
When selecting whiteout, choose a brand made to prevent stains, leaks, and messes. Here are some top options:
BIC Wite-Out Brand Correction Fluids and Tapes
BIC offers correction fluids and tapes designed not to smear, smudge, or leak through paper. This helps avoid stains. Products include:
- BIC Wite-Out Quick Dry Correction Fluid Pen – fast drying formula
- BIC Wite-Out EZ Correct Correction Tape – no liquid, just easy tape
- BIC Wite-Out Bold ‘N Bright Correction Tape – easy grip, bold lines
Tombow MONO Correction Tape
This tape runner features a strong adhesive and durable ergonomic design to prevent transfer stains. The correction tape is also acid-free and won’t damage paper.
Seed Correction Tape
Seed makes a premium correction tape in stylish, colorful designs. The strong adhesive prevents seepage stains while adding some flair to your stationery.
Choosing a top-quality brand formulated to avoid messes can go a long way towards correction fluid stain prevention. But even the most secure whiteout can drip sometimes, so stay prepared to treat stains promptly.
Conclusion
Correction fluid stains can be frustrating, but removing them doesn’t have to be an exercise in futility. With this simple, step-by-step guide, you can banish whiteout spills from your wardrobe for good. Just act quickly on fresh stains, employ stain removers and DIY solutions, and launder carefully. Persistence and repeat treatments may be needed for dried-on stains. But with the right techniques and products, you can keep your clothes looking their best, minus any evidence of whiteout mishaps.
