How to Remove Clay Stains From Clothing

Red clay spots are among some of the most frustrating stains to attempt to remove. Once this substance is ground into garments, it seems like nothing will release its hold on the fabric. Though this method is not foolproof, treating a garment with Murphy's Oil Soap and an ammonia soak seems to eliminate, or at least lighten, red clay stains in most washable fabrics.

Things You'll Need

• Towel
• Murphy's Oil Soap
• Gallon-sized bucket
• Ammonia

Instructions

1. Brush all dried dirt and clay from the surface of the garment so that only the stain remains. If the clay is still wet, be gentle so more clay is not ground into the fabric.

2. Turn the garment inside out and slide the towel in between the two layers of fabric. Pour a dime-sized amount of Murphy's Oil Soap onto the fabric and gently work it in. Leave the soap on the stain for about 20 minutes, then rinse it out with cold water.

3. Fill the bucket with water and add 1 cup of ammonia, stirring to combine. Put the soiled garment into the solution and swirl it around. Let the garment soak for about 30 minutes.

4. Rinse the garment thoroughly in cold water and launder as usual. Do not use laundry detergent that contains bleach. Mixing ammonia and bleach creates a toxic reaction that can be fatal.

Tips & Warnings

• If the garment is white cotton, use bleach instead of ammonia in the soak.

• Do not use products containing bleach on the garment or near the area where the garment is being treated.