How to Remove Stains From Cotton Lycra

Cotton Lycra is a type of soft and lightweight material made from a blend of cotton and Lycra and is most commonly used in swimsuits, costumes, t-shirts, leggings and lingerie. Lycra is a man-made elastic fiber made by Invista that is similar to Spandex. Like any type of clothing, garments made of cotton Lycra material can fall victim to accidental dirt, oil, liquid and food stains. Use common household items to remove stains from cotton Lycra.

Things You'll Need

• Liquid detergent
• Color-safe bleach
• Clean cloth

Instructions

1. Place a clean cloth on a hard, flat surface.

2. Turn the cotton Lycra item inside-out and place it on the clean cloth.

3. Add a three to five drops of liquid detergent to the stain. Allow the detergent to penetrate the stain for three to five minutes.

4. Rub the stain using a dampened cloth. Rub in a circular motion pushing the stain out of the cotton Lycra and onto the clean cloth under the garment.

5. Add a three to five drops of color-safe bleach to more stubborn stains. Allow the bleach to penetrate the stain for three to five minutes.

6. Repeat the steps until the stain is completely removed.

Tips & Warnings

• Test a small area of the cotton Lycra material with the liquid detergent and color-safe bleach to ensure no damage is done to the fabric.

References

• Institute of Fabric Science: Stain Solver