Ditch the Stains: A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean Gravy Stains from Cotton Oxford
Gravy stains are one of the most difficult types of stains to remove from cotton oxford. If not treated correctly, these stubborn stains can easily ruin a favourite piece of clothing. But with some careful steps and a bit of patience, you’ll be able to successfully remove the stain.
Updated 29 Jun 2023
By Noemi Denker
What You'll Need
- Cold Water
- Dish Detergent
- Vinegar
- Oxygen-Based Laundry Booster
- Cloth Towel
Steps to Remove the Stain
- Rinse the stain with cold water right away. Do not attempt to scrub the area or use warm water as this may cause the stain to spread and set in.
- Mix a dishwashing detergent and cold water together in a small bowl. Soak a cloth towel in the solution and blot the stained area with it. Let the detergent mixture sit for 10 minutes before rinsing it out.
- Mix ¼ cup of vinegar with a cup of cold water and soak cloth towel in the solution. Blot the stained area with it and let it sit for 15 minutes. Rinse the area with cold water.
- Once the area is thoroughly rinsed, mix 1 tablespoon of an oxygen-based laundry booster with a cup of cold water. Soak a cloth towel in solution and blot the area with it. Let solution sit for 30 minutes before rinsing it out.
- Run the fabric through a washing machine cycle using cold water and a mild detergent. Hang the fabric to dry after the cycle is complete.
Tips for Prevention
- Always preemptively treat stains as soon as possible. Do not wait until stain has dried before treating it.
- Have an emergency cleaning kit handy which includes a special stain removing detergent and cloth towels.
- Read care labels on cotton oxford garments to ensure that you are following the correct instructions for cleaning.