How do I get gravy stains out of my cocktail dress?

Blot the stain immediately, pre-treat with laundry detergent, wash in cold water, repeat if necessary, and launder as usual.

WikiLaundry > Stains > Gravy > Cocktail dress

How to Get Gravy Stains Out of Your Favorite Cocktail Dress

No one wants to deal with a gravy stain on their favorite cocktail dress, but it can happen. Don't panic – here are some simple steps to help you get that stain out quickly and easily.

Updated 29 Jun 2023

By Peter Blackwood

Step 1: Blot the Stain Immediately

When you first notice the gravy stain, the first thing you should do is to start blotting with a paper towel or absorbent cloth. Don't rub the stain, as this can cause it to spread and become more difficult to remove. Blot the stain until you have absorbed as much of the gravy as you can.

Step 2: Pre-treat with Laundry Detergent

Next, apply a pre-treatment laundry detergent directly onto the stained area and let it sit for 10 minutes. The best detergents to use are those specifically designed for stain removal, such as OxiClean, Zout, or other enzyme-containing products. These products work best when used directly on the stain, so don’t add them to your washing machine.

Step 3: Wash in Cold Water

Once the pre-treatment has had time to work its magic, you can wash your cocktail dress in cold water. Always check the care label before washing to make sure that your garment is machine-washable. To be extra cautious, you can also hand-wash the dress if it's not machine-washable.

Step 4: Repeat If Necessary

After washing the dress, check to see if the stain has disappeared. If not, repeat the process of pre-treating and washing until the stain is completely gone.

Step 5: Launder as Usual

Once the stain is gone, launder the dress as your usually would, following the care instructions on the garment. Hang it up to air-dry, and you are all set!

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