Removing Kool-Aid Stains From Clothing: Easy & Effective Ways

For more than 80 years, homemakers have been dealing with the problem of removing Kool-Aid stains from clothing. Set-in stains are hard to remove, and this is especially true of stains made from red Kool-Aid. However, several different cleaning methods and techniques are generally successful in eliminating stubborn Kool-Aid stains.

Options for Removing Kool-Aid Stains

There are several different methods to remove Kool-Aid stains from clothing. Check out a few of the most effective Kool-Aid stain removal methods. Just remember, always test the cleaning method on a small hidden area of the item being cleaned. By doing this, you make sure the cleaning technique does not damage the material or the item's color.

Ice Water and Borax

The Borax method works best on fresh Kool-Aid stains, which are lifted out of the fabric.

1. Blot the excess liquid from the garment using a clean white cloth, starting at the outer edge of the stain and moving inward. Be careful not to rub the stain further into the fabric.
2. Spray the stained area with ice water and then cover it with borax.
3. Gently rub the borax into the stain using a toothbrush.
4. Using a clean cloth, blot the stained area.
5. Repeat the process until the stain is removed.
6. Launder the item in cold water and detergent.
7. Allow the garment to air dry.

Boiling Water Method

The boiling water method works on fresh Kool-Aid stains.

1. Center the stained area of the item over a large bowl.
2. Pour boiling water over the stain, being very careful not to splash the water onto yourself.
3. Repeat the process until the stain is removed.
4. Launder the item in cold water and detergent.
5. Allow the garment to air dry.
6. Repeat if any stain remains.

Laundry Detergent and Baking Soda Method

When it comes to fresh Kool-Aid stains, you can also try the laundry detergent method.

1. Blot up as much of the stain as possible.
2. Add heavy-duty laundry detergent directly to the stain.
3. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes.
4. Rinse with cold water.
5. If the stain is still there, create a paste of baking soda and water.
6. Apply it liberally to the stain.
7. Allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes.
8. Rinse the paste off.
9. Launder the fabric in cold water and air dry.
10. Repeat if any Kool-Aid stain remains.

OxiClean Soak

If the stain persists after the above methods, try an OxiClean soak.

1. Fill a tub or sink with cold water.
2. Add a 1/4 cup of OxiClean to the water.
3. Allow it to dissolve completely.
4. Add the garment and allow it to soak for at least a few hours or overnight.
5. Wash as normal.

Additional Cleaning Tips

Since Kool-Aid stains can be difficult to remove, it's helpful to follow a few tips for cleaning them.

• Don't over crowd the load with other clothes. This will allow the laundry soap to circulate better and you won't wind up needing to remove detergent stains as well.
• Always make sure to air dry the garment after removing the Kool-Aid stain. Placing the clothing in a drier will set in any stain that has not been completely removed.
• On some garments, a light stain may not be noticed until the item has completely dried. If there is any remaining stain, repeat the cleaning process.
• Never try to remove a Kool-Aid stain from an item that is dry clean only. Bring the stained garment to a dry cleaner as soon as possible.
• When it comes to stains that might dye your clothing, like Kool-Aid, you want to try to treat the stain as soon as possible. The quicker you can start treating, the better your chances it will disappear completely.

A Word of Caution

Whichever method you choose for removing Kool-Aid stains from clothing, always be certain to make a test application of the technique on a small hidden area to make sure the process will not do further damage to the area.