How to Remove Stains from Jeans: Blood, Grease, Dirt & More

Odds are, your jeans will probably get stained at some point, but there’s no need to fear. There are plenty of simple DIY solutions that can remove even the toughest stains from your jeans. For this article, we interviewed laundry specialists Rani Gorgis, Kamel Almani, and Robert Shapiro to show you all the best ways to remove a stain from a pair of jeans, including blood stains, grease stains, wine stains, and more. Plus, learn how to wash and dry stained jeans.

How to Remove Stains from Jeans

Use a gentle detergent or vinegar to remove stains from jeans. Blot your chosen solution onto the stain with a clean cloth, sponge, or old toothbrush. When the stain starts to come up, rinse with cold water, and repeat as necessary until it’s completely gone. Wash the jeans in cold water and let them air dry.

Section 1 of 11:

Removing Blood Stains from Jeans

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1
Blot fresh blood stains with cold water. In most cases, a cup of plain cold water will be enough, though you can stir in a tsp (6 g) of salt for extra cleaning power.^{[1]
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Research source} Dip a clean washcloth into the water and gently blot the stain. If nothing happens, try alternating between blotting and wiping until the stain disappears. Blot the area dry with clean paper towels, then wash the jeans with cold water and a mild detergent.
- If the stain is very fresh, try using club soda instead of water.
- It may help to turn the jeans inside out and flush the stain from the back.
- Alternatively, dampen the stain with cold water, then sprinkle the salt onto the stain. Use an old toothbrush to scrub the salt into the fabric, then rinse the jeans with cold water and wash them as usual.
- If this doesn’t work, pour undiluted white vinegar on the spot, let it soak for 10 minutes, then blot the stain with paper towels. Wash your jeans on a cold setting with mild detergent and hang them to dry.
2
Soak set-in stains with water and ammonia. Mix a quart (0.9 L) of cold water and 2 tbsp (29 ml) of ammonia and pour it into a plastic tub or bucket. Soak the stained part of your jeans in the mixture anywhere from 30 minutes to overnight. Wring out and rinse the jeans, then wash them as you normally would.^{[2]
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- Do not use warm water, as it will set the stain further rather than removing it.
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3
Use lemon juice on white jeans. Soak the stained part of your jeans in cold water for a minute or so. Wring the jeans out, then place them in a plastic bag with 2 cups (473 ml) of lemon juice and half a cup (136.5 g) of table salt. Let them soak for about 10 minutes, then hang them outside to dry. Once they’re dry, put them in your regular laundry cycle.^{[3]
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- This method works well on old and set-in stains.
- Note that lemon juice can lighten your garment's color. It's best to use this method to clean light or white jeans.
4
Make a paste out of meat tenderizer. Due to its ability to break down proteins, meat tenderizer can be an effective blood stain remover. Use 1/4 tsp of the meat tenderizer, add a little cold water, and mix it into a paste. Work the past into the blood stain and let it set in for about 15 minutes. Then, rinse your jeans and wash them on cold.^{[4]
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- Find meat tenderizer online or at any convenience store.
Many hairsprays contain alcohol, which is often an effective stain remover.^{[5]
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Research source} Saturate the stained area of the jeans with the hair spray and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Then, use a damp rag to gently wipe the stain clean. When you’re done, wash the jeans with cold water.

Section 2 of 11:

Removing Grease Stains from Jeans

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1
Blot fresh stains with a dry paper towel. When a stain is fresh, your first instinct may be to wipe it with water, but this will only set the stain further as oil repels water. Instead, try to soak up excess oil with a dry paper towel. If the stain is big or deep-set or the paper towel doesn’t fully absorb the stain, try one of the steps below to remove it completely.^{[6]
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- Gorgis says, “Butter and/or oil stains both leave a greasy texture on clothing. One should first use a dry paper towel to wipe away as much of the stains as possible. You can use mild dish soap and warm water to wash the stain in the sink and then place the item in the washer with warm water and regular laundry detergent.”
2
Scrub fresh stains with baking soda and dish detergent. Sprinkle some baking soda onto the stained jeans, then scrub the denim with a toothbrush. The stain should begin to fade. If it’s being stubborn, pour a drop or two of mild dish detergent onto it and continue scrubbing with the toothbrush or a clean cloth. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then wash the jeans on a normal cycle.^{[7]
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- If you don’t have baking soda, dish detergent alone is often enough to remove grease and oil stains. Dab a drop or two onto the stain, add a bit of water, then wipe the stain with a clean cloth until it’s gone.
- For heavy oil stains, Gorgis recommends letting baking soda “sit for half an hour.”
3
Clean old or new stains with baby powder or talc. Powders efficiently absorb oil and can get rid of most oil-based stains. Simply saturate the stain with baby powder or talc and let it sit for as long as possible—up to an entire day. Then, lightly brush the powder off with a dry paper towel or toothbrush and launder your jeans in the hottest temperature possible.^{[8]
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- Check your garment care instructions to determine the hottest setting allowed.
4
Soak up grease with artificial sweeteners. Believe it or not, artificial sweeteners, like Splenda or Sweet’N Low, can often soak up oil and grease due to their high absorbency and abrasive texture. Sprinkle the sweetener on the stain and let it sit for several minutes. Then, brush off the remaining powder and dab a bit of dish soap onto the stain. Gently rub it in, then rinse the jeans with warm water and launder them as you normally would.^{[9]
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- Artificial sweeteners are particularly good when you're out and about. They may be able to remove most of the stain until you get home and can access dish soap or another cleaning method.
5
Remove old, set-in stains with white vinegar. Pour a small amount of undiluted white vinegar on a paper towel. Blot—don’t rub—the stain to pull it up, preferably right before washing the jeans. Then, simply wash the jeans as you normally would.^{[10]
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- According to Gorgis, another option is to “use a mixture of warm water and vinegar and spray it directly on the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes and then drop the item in the wash with warm water and regular laundry detergent.”
- Gorgis adds, “You can also add vinegar in the wash cycle to ensure that the stain is completely removed and that you do not have to repeat the wash cycle. Dry the jeans on a low heat dryer cycle.”

Section 3 of 11:

Removing Makeup Stains from Jeans

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1
Brush the stain off without water. Most makeup, like lipstick or mascara, is oil-based, which means water will help set the stain and make it harder to remove. Instead of trying to wash the makeup off, try to brush non-liquid makeup off before it seeps into the fabric. A hairdryer works well for powder-based makeup. Be careful, however, as you don’t want to grind the stain deeper into your jeans.^{[11]
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- Unless the makeup is powder, this likely won’t be enough to remove the stain completely. Continue to the steps below to finish lifting it.
2
Use shaving cream on foundation stains. Apply a squirt or two of white foam shaving cream directly on the stain and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Then, blot up as much as possible with a clean cloth and rinse the area with cold water. Wash your jeans as you normally would.^{[12]
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- Alternatively, cover the foundation stain with cornstarch to absorb the oil. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes, then rinse it with cold water and scrub it with a bit of natural dish soap. Rinse again, then toss the jeans in the wash on a cold setting. Allow them to air-dry.
If you know your foundation is water-based, pour a bit of mild laundry detergent directly on the stain as soon as possible. Then, dampen the stained area with lukewarm water and rub the fabric together or use a hard-bristle brush to scrub the detergent in. Then, let your jeans soak in lukewarm water for 30-45 minutes before washing them as you normally would. Allow them to air-dry.^{[13]
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Hairspray can be quite effective at removing lipstick spills and smudges. Saturate the stained part of your jeans with hairspray for about 15 minutes, then blot it with a damp rag or cloth until the stain is gone. Then, launder as usual.^{[14]
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Make a mixture of warm water and a little dish detergent in a cup. Dip a sponge into the mixture, then gently blot the stain until the jeans are clean. Rinse them with cold water, then wash them as you normally would.^{[15]
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Some nail polishes may permanently stain fabric, but if you act quickly, you may be able to save your jeans. Turn your jeans inside out and place a thick layer of cotton towels between them and your work surface. Soak a cotton ball in nail polish remover and saturate the back of the stain. Replace the cotton ball as needed if it becomes stained as the nail polish lifts from the denim. Repeat until the stain disappears, then rinse the area with cold water and wash the jeans as usual.^{[16]
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Section 4 of 11:

Removing Sweat Stains & Yellowing from Jeans

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Mix 2 parts white vinegar with 1 part water. Pour the mixture directly onto the stain and let it soak overnight. Then, wash your jeans as you normally would. Let them air-dry unless you’re 100% certain the stain is gone, as the heat from the dryer will set it in further.^{[17]
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Mix just enough baking soda and water (or vinegar) together to form a paste-like texture. Grab an old, clean toothbrush and firmly apply the paste to the stained area. Gently brush the mixture into the stain in a circular motion until the stain comes out. Let it sit for a few hours, then rinse with cold water and wash as you normally would.^{[18]
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Crush 3 aspirin pills and put them in a cup. Add about 2 tbsp (29.5 ml) of water until the mixture forms a paste. Apply it directly to the stain and let it sit for an hour. Then, rinse the stained part of the jeans.^{[19]
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Try salt and lemon juice. Lightly sprinkle some table salt onto the stain, then squeeze some lemon juice onto the affected area until it’s saturated. Rub the stain until it’s gone, then launder your jeans as you normally would. Keep in mind that lemon juice might lighten the denim’s color.^{[20]
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- This is a great preventative measure, as well. Use the mixture on shirts you know you'll sweat in (like gym shirts).

Section 5 of 11:

Removing Wine & Food Stains from Jeans

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It might seem counter-intuitive, but white wine actually works great on red wine spots. Simply pour white wine over the red wine spot right before doing laundry. Then, toss your jeans in and wash them normally.^{[21]
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Use table salt on wine stains. Pour a little bit of salt onto the stain and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Rub the stain with a cloth to brush away the salt and rinse with cold water. Lay the stain face down on some paper towels and press down gently to transfer any remaining wine stain, then rinse again. Repeat as needed until the stain vanishes, then wash your jeans in cold water.^{[22]
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- If this doesn’t work for fresh wine stains, liberally apply baking soda to the spot and let it stand for 1-2 minutes. Boil some water in a kettle, stretch the fabric over a large bowl, and carefully pour the water through the stain. Then, rinse with cool water and wash with cold.
- Alternatively, saturate the stain with undiluted white vinegar, let it sit for 5 minutes, then rinse with cool water. Repeat as needed until the stain lifts, then wash the jeans immediately.
3
Try egg yolks on coffee stains. Mix one egg yolk with a couple of drops of rubbing alcohol and warm water. Take a sponge and apply the mixture to the coffee spot. Let it sit for a couple of minutes, then rinse. Wash your jeans as usual.^{[23]
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- Alternatively, dab the coffee stain with full-strength detergent, wash the jeans in hot water, and hang them to dry.
Use the edge of a spoon or dull knife to scrape off as much excess tomato as possible, then saturate the stain with undiluted white vinegar. Let it soak for about 5 minutes, then wash the jeans in cold water and allow them to air-dry.^{[24]
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Soak milk stains in cold water. Fill a bucket or sink with cold water and soak the stained area for about 10 minutes. Then, wring the jeans out and launder as usual. If the stain is set-in, apply a mild liquid laundry or dish detergent and rub it in with your fingers before soaking the milk stain in cold water. In this case, soak for 30 minutes rather than 10.^{[25]
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- If there are any crusty bits, scrape them off with a spoon or dull knife.
Most salad dressing stains can be removed with any stain-removing method. Blot the excess dressing up with a soft cloth, then apply a small amount of dish soap, vinegar and water, or baking soda and water to the stain. Rub the fabric together to work in the stain remover, then rinse with cold water. Wash the jeans in cold water and allow them to air-dry.^{[26]
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Try club soda on non-greasy food stains. The carbonation in club soda often makes it more effective at lifting stains than plain water. Mix 1 cup (236.5 mL) of club soda with 1 teaspoon (6 g) of salt and apply it directly to the food stain. Let it soak overnight for the best results, then wash your jeans as you normally would.^{[27]
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- Club soda is still a type of water, so avoid using it on greasy stains, or you’ll just set them further.
- Club soda and salt work especially well on coffee stains.

Section 6 of 11:

Removing Dirt and Mud Stains from Jeans

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1
Scrape off dry dirt and mud. Do not try to remove mud stains while they’re wet, as you’ll only create a bigger mess. Instead, let it dry completely, then shake off as many large clumps as possible. Use a dull knife, spoon, or toothbrush to gently scrape off as much dirt as you can from the surface, being careful not to grind it deeper into the fabric.^{[28]
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- Almani recommends that you dry the mud “with a hair dryer then remove the chips and bits. Use a fabric safe oil stain remover (or send it to a professional dry cleaner), then wash normally with a washing machine.”
2
Flush the stain with water. Turn your jeans inside out and rinse them with cool water, using a clean cloth to work the stain until it disappears. In some cases, this will be enough to remove the stain completely. Then, simply wash your jeans in the washing machine as you normally would.^{[29]
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- If this step wasn't enough to make your stain disappear, try one or more of the following steps below.
3
Soak the stain in liquid laundry detergent. Rub liquid laundry detergent directly into the stain and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. Rub the detergent onto the stain every 3 minutes or so, then wet a toothbrush and scrub the detergent deeper into the fabric from both the inside and the outside in a circular motion. Rinse the area, apply a stain remover, then wash the jeans on a normal cycle.^{[30]
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- Remember to wash mud-stained jeans by themselves and allow them to air-dry.
- In most cases, dirt and mud stains will come out in the wash, especially if you treat the stain with detergent and a stain remover beforehand.
- If the dirt stain is old and really set in, repeat this process and apply a color-safe bleach directly to the stain or flush it with rubbing alcohol. Then, machine wash again.
For old and deep-set stains, put your jeans in a plastic tub filled with warm water. Pour a bit of shampoo on a sponge and vigorously scrub the stain while it’s soaking in water. Repeat until the spot is gone.^{[31]
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Remove old stains with vinegar and baking soda. Pour undiluted white vinegar directly onto the stain, then sprinkle a bit of baking soda on top. Rub the mixture into the stain with an old toothbrush and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then, rinse it off and repeat as needed until the stain is completely gone.^{[32]
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- Alternatively, pour a cup of white vinegar into your laundry cycle and wash the jeans as you normally would. Adding white vinegar to your laundry acts similarly to bleach but is less aggressive. This method, however, is only meant for white jeans, as dark denim could be discolored.

Section 7 of 11:

Removing Grass Stains from Jeans

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Soak a sponge in undiluted white vinegar and dab it directly on the stain. Press the stain with a dry paper towel to see if it’s coming up, and repeat the treatment as needed. When you’re done, wash the jeans in the washing machine on a cold setting, then hang them to dry.^{[33]
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Soak larger stains in a vinegar solution. If the fresh stain is particularly large, prepare a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 2 parts cold water in a bowl, sink, or basin large enough to hold the jeans. Use enough of the vinegar solution to completely cover the jeans and allow them to soak overnight. In the morning, wring them out, then throw them in the wash on a cold setting. Allow them to air-dry.^{[34]
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If the grass stains are old and set-in, mix 3 parts baking soda and 2 parts white vinegar to create a paste.^{[35]
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Section 8 of 11:

Removing Ink Stains from Jeans

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1
Remove ink stains with rubbing alcohol. Soak a clean, white washcloth in rubbing alcohol, then lightly dab it on the stained area. Blot repeatedly until the stain lifts, then mix a small amount of mild liquid laundry detergent with a bit of water and dab it on the stain. Rinse with cool water, then wash the jeans as you normally would. Let them air-dry unless you’re 100% certain the stain is completely gone, as the heat from the dryer would set it further.^{[36]
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- If you’ve already washed and dried your jeans, Gorgis says, “I usually try rubbing alcohol or a mix of baking soda with hot water in a circular motion with my fingers or a small bristle brush. If that does not work I will use bleach with a mix of hot water.”
- Almani recommends this method for removing dry erase marker: “Treat the stain with alcohol-based liquids [like] rubbing alcohol and dab [it] with an absorbent towel. Then wash separately as [you usually would] in the washing machine.”
It may sound odd, but milk can sometimes remove ink stains due to its acidity, enzymes, and fat content. Wet a clean sponge or cloth with milk and gently wipe the ink stain. Repeat until the stain lifts, then wash your jeans as you normally would and allow them to air-dry. Alternatively, mix 2 parts milk with 1 part vinegar and soak the stain.^{[37]
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Section 9 of 11:

Removing Hair Dye Stains from Jeans

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Pour vinegar on the jeans within 24 hours. Hair dye can permanently stain fabric, but sometimes, it’s possible to remove it if you act within 24 hours. Pour undiluted white vinegar directly onto the stain. Let it sit for a minute—and no longer—then wash the jeans in the washing machine on a cold setting. For extra cleaning power, add 1 or 2 cups of vinegar to the wash cycle. Then, let the jeans air-dry.^{[38]
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- To remove general dye bleed stains from jeans and other clothes, Almani says, “Fill a bucket with warm to hot water and mix a cup of detergent containing a full cup of oxygen bleach. Unlike chlorine bleach, using oxygen bleach will not damage colors or fabric. Let [the fabric] soak for at least 45 minutes. Wash separately with laundry detergent as usual.”

Section 10 of 11:

Removing Paint Stains from Jeans

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1
Remove wet acrylic paint with dish soap. Scrape off as much excess paint as possible with a dull knife, then flush the area with water. Mix 1 part dish soap and 1 part warm water and dab it onto the stain with a sponge. Repeat this process until the stain is gone, then launder your jeans as you normally would.^{[39]
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- The methods that work for acrylic paint should also work for any other water-based paints, like latex paint.
2
Use rubbing alcohol on dried acrylic paint. Use a dull knife, a spoon, or a scrub brush to scrape off excess paint. Then, apply an alcohol-based cleaner like rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover to the stain using a clean, dry cloth. Repeat as needed until the stain disappears.^{[40]
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- If this doesn’t work, you’ll likely need to consult a dry-cleaning professional.
- Shapiro explains how dry cleaners remove paint stains: “We have a product that's an oil based stain remover called pog. It's for paint, oil, and grease. We typically just apply that [to the stain] and follow it up with some steam. Then we would just pat the paint that's coming loose with a white towel and that would absorb it and prevent it from spreading to the rest of the garment.”
3
Use an oil solvent or paint thinner on oil-based paints. Oil paints require specific chemicals to be lifted. Paint thinners typically work best, but they aren’t always safe for clothes, so an oil solvent may be your best bet. Dab the solvent onto the stain using a clean, dry cloth and rub it in circular motions until the stain comes up.^{[41]
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- Be sure to test the paint thinner or solvent in an inconspicuous spot to make sure it won’t damage your jeans.
- Paint thinner has strong fumes, so work in a well-ventilated area and wear a mask.
- Because oil paints are so hard to remove, it may be better to take your jeans to a dry cleaner to see if they can help.

Section 11 of 11:

How to Wash & Dry Stained Jeans

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This is a common mistake that should be avoided, especially if the stain might be oil-based. Oil repels water, so pouring water on the stain could permanently set it, making it almost impossible to remove.^{[42]
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2
Treat the stain on your jeans sooner rather than later. The longer a stain is left untreated, the tougher it'll be to get rid of it. While you might not be able to take your jeans off in the middle of dinner, treating it as soon as you get home is a good way to go.^{[43]
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- When you do treat the stain, make sure to lay your jeans on a surface you don’t mind staining. Sometimes the garment’s color can fade through and get onto whatever is beneath. The bathtub might be a place to consider.
The gentle or delicate cycle is typically milder than other washing machine settings. This helps protect denim and other fabrics from wear and tear. Remember to use a cold setting to prevent stains from setting in, as well.^{[44]
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Air-dry jeans whenever possible. The heat from a dryer will not only set stains further, but it can affect the elasticity of your jeans’ fibers, as well. Hang your jeans on a clothesline or hanger away from direct sunlight or turn them inside out and lay them flat to dry.^{[45]
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- Direct sunlight can cause the color to fade.

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How do I remove dye marker from jeans?

Community Answer

Try De-Solv-it. It's citrus based and is safe for both you and your clothes. Nail polish remover may work, but it also may remove the color of the jeans (much like bleach would).

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How do I get bleach stain from jeans?

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A little lemon juice and hydrogen peroxide should do it. Try vinegar if that doesn't work.

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How do I remove grass stains from white denim?

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Use a solution made of one part white vinegar to two parts water. Use a toothbrush (or a rag or nailbrush) to work liquid into the area.

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Tips

To get toothpaste stains out of jeans, dampen the stain and rub a little laundry detergent into the stain with a toothbrush.

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Old socks, T-shirts, and/or kitchen rags will do just fine for blotting as long as they're clean and preferably of light color. There's always a chance that the rag's color could seep onto your stained jeans, which would defeat the purpose.

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Warnings

Avoid using hydrogen peroxide on denim, as this may bleach and damage the fabric. Similarly, avoid using bleach whenever possible.

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Always test any kind of cleaners or stain removers in an inconspicuous area to make sure they won’t damage or discolor your jeans.

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