Getting kids' clay out of clothes is easier than you think! Follow these steps for effective stain removal:
1. Act Fast!
The sooner you address the clay stain, the better your chances of complete removal.
2. Scrape Away Excess Clay
Use a dull knife, spoon, or even your fingernail to gently scrape off as much dried clay as possible. Avoid rubbing, which can spread the stain.
3. Chill the Stain
Place ice cubes on the remaining clay stain for a few minutes. This will harden the clay, making it easier to remove.
4. Try Rubbing Alcohol
Saturate a cotton ball or clean cloth with rubbing alcohol and gently blot the stained area. Don't rub! Blot repeatedly, allowing the alcohol to lift the stain.
5. Dish Soap Treatment
If the stain persists after using rubbing alcohol, try applying a small amount of liquid dish soap directly to the stain. Gently rub the soap into the fabric, then rinse with cool water.
6. Laundry Time
After pre-treating the stain, launder the garment as usual. Check the care label for specific washing instructions. For tougher stains, consider using a heavy-duty laundry bar soap like Fels-Naptha, especially effective on light-colored clothing.
Different Types of Clay:
The above method is effective for most types of clay, including modeling clay and even some types of dirt and mud. For extremely stubborn stains, particularly those from red clay, you may need to repeat the process or try a different stain remover.
