How to Remove Nicotine Stains From Clothing

Nicotine stains appear on clothing that is exposed to heavy cigarette smoke, or even when ash drops onto the fabric. The brown tar stains are difficult to remove with regular detergents, but you don't have to toss out your favorite blouse or that nice silk tie. With these tips, you can easily erase those nicotine stains, leaving your clothes looking as clean as new.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sponge
• Wet spot cleaning solution
• White vinegar
• Cotton pad or cloth
• Laundry detergent
• Rubbing alcohol
• Castile soap

Making Dry and Wet Spot Cleaning Solutions

1. Make a dry spot cleaning solution to remove nicotine stains by mixing one part coconut oil and eight parts liquid dry-cleaning solution.

2. Mix one part glycerin, one part white dishwashing detergent and eight parts water to create a wet spot cleaning solution.

3. Store your dry and wet spot cleaning solutions in tightly capped bottles to prevent evaporation.

Removing the Stains

4. Remove nicotine stains from rayon, acrylic, nylon, polyester or spandex clothing by dampening the stained area with a sponge, applying gentle strokes beginning at the center of the stain and working outward. Apply a few drops of wet spot cleaner and a few drops of vinegar directly on top of the stain. Cover the stain with a cotton pad or cloth and allow the pad to set, picking up the stain. Keep the stain most until it disappears, then flush the area with water and wash as normal.

5. Clean nicotine stains on "dry-clean only" clothing by using a dry spot cleaning solution. Dampen the stained area with a sponge and dry spot cleaner, applying the same gentle outward motion. Allow the solution to set for five minutes. After five minutes, dab the area gently with a cotton pad or cloth, repeating until the stain is removed. Hang the clothing to dry thoroughly.

6. Combine 1 qt. of warm water and 1/2 tsp. of liquid laundry detergent to remove nicotine stains from cotton or linen clothing. Soak the clothing in the mixture for 15 minutes before ringing out the excess water. Sponge the stained area with rubbing alcohol until the stain is removed, and launder as normal.

7. Mix one part liquid castile soap and four parts warm water to remove nicotine stains from leather or suede. Stir the soap and water mixture briskly until it forms a heavy foam. Apply the foam only to a sponge, and gently rub the stained area, beginning at the center and working outward. When the stain has been lifted, hang the clothing to dry thoroughly.