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How to Get Salt Stains Out of Clothes

Kimberly Johnson

A common solution to the dangerous ice and snow brought on by winter is to apply rock salt to the ground to prevent slipping. Although salt applied to icy ground conditions can keep pedestrians from slipping, it can unfortunately wreak havoc on clothing.

There is really no way to prevent salt stains from occurring on clothing, so the best solution is to remove the stains as soon as possible to prevent permanent damage to the fabric.

Tip

Avoid wearing rayon, silk or wool pants when you know you will be around salt because it is more difficult to remove salt stains from these fabrics.

  1. As soon as possible, place the clothing in a tub or basin of warm water, and gently rub the stained areas to remove the excess salt.

  2. Drain the basin, refill with fresh water and allow the clothes to soak for up to an hour. This will help remove some of the excess salt and prevent the salt from bleaching the fabric until it is laundered.

  3. Place the garment in a washing machine, and add laundry detergent and cool or cold water. Use the amount of detergent indicated on the detergent bottle for the amount of clothing you are washing.

  4. For stubborn salt stains, apply a mixture of one part vinegar to three parts water over the affected area. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes, but do not allow it to dry. Wash the clothing in a washing machine using laundry detergent and cool water.

The Drip Cap

  • A common solution to the dangerous ice and snow brought on by winter is to apply rock salt to the ground to prevent slipping.
  • There is really no way to prevent salt stains from occurring on clothing, so the best solution is to remove the stains as soon as possible to prevent permanent damage to the fabric.
  • Place the garment in a washing machine, and add laundry detergent and cool or cold water.