How to Presoak Laundry

Presoak laundry to remove tough stains.

Laundry can present continual challenges as you strive to fight stains and keep your clothing clean. When stubborn stains occur, treat the stains promptly for the best stain-fighting success. Often, stain treatment involves a presoak process where you presoak laundry in products designed to remove stains with special strength. With diligent effort, your presoaking process should loosen the stains and help the laundry detergent in the wash cycle remove any soil that remains.

Things You'll Need

• Dishwashing pan (optional)
• Liquid laundry detergent
• Color-safe bleach powder

Instructions

1. Measure 2 tbsp. of liquid laundry detergent into the dishwashing pan or into the bottom of the washing machine. Add 1/2-cup of color-safe bleach powder to the pan or the washing machine.

2. Mix the two ingredients well and add enough water to cover the items you will be presoaking. Use the warmest water appropriate for the items you are presoaking. Mix the water with the detergents well.

3. Add the items to the presoaking solution and push them beneath the surface of the water.

4. Soak the items for up to two hours and then remove them from the solution. Wring out the items and place them into the washing machine if you presoaked them in the dishwashing pan. If you presoaked the items in the washing machine, drain the washing machine completely.

Tips & Warnings

• Wash the items in a regular wash cycle in the warmest water safe for the items. Add laundry detergent and start the cycle.

• Look closely at the items when you remove them from the washing machine. If stains persist, repeat the presoaking process--do not place stained items into the dryer or you risk setting the stains permanently.

References

• Seventh Generation: Laundry Pre-soak
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Summertime Stains: A Tough Problem