How do I remove mayonnaise stains from business attire?

Remove as much of the stain as possible using a cloth napkin or paper towel. Then pre-treat with a mild detergent, followed by color-safe bleach if needed. Perform a spot test before using the bleach, and finish off with a thorough rinse with cold water.

What should I do if regular laundry detergent isn’t enough?

If regular laundry detergent isn’t enough, consider using color-safe bleach. Be sure to perform a spot test before you use it, and stick to the instructions on the bottle.

WikiLaundry > Stains > Mayonnaise > Business attire

Get Mayonnaise Out Of Business Attire In No Time!

Lunchtime spills on business attire can be incredibly stressful. Whether it's a glob of mayonnaise on the front of your shirt, or a greasy hand print on the shoulder, you'll want to act fast in order to restore your clothing and keep looking professional. Luckily, there are a few steps you can take to make quick work of these lunch mishaps.

Updated 30 Jun 2023

By Blaž Stančič

Step 1: Remove as Much of Stain as Possible

Using a cloth napkin or paper towel, try to absorb as much of the mayonnaise as you can. If there is a lot of mayonnaise residue on the fabric, you may need to use two paper towels, alternating between wet and dry ones. Make sure you don't rub the stain, as this could cause it to spread or become absorbed deeper into the fibers.

Step 2: Pre-Treat the Stain Before Washing

Using a mild detergent, mix up a solution of warm water and liquid laundry soap. Dip a clean sponge into sudsy mixture and apply it lightly to the stain. Let the pre-treatment sit for a few minutes before washing your clothes as normal.

Step 3: Consider Color-Safe Bleach

If regular laundry detergent doesn't seem to be doing trick, you may want to use a color-safe bleach. Look for one that's specifically designed for removing organic stains like mayonnaise. Make sure to follow the instructions on bottle, as the amount of bleach you use could depend on the type of fabric you're dealing with.

Step 4: Perform a Spot Test

Before using any kind of bleach, make sure to perform a spot test. This simply means testing out your chosen cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area to make sure it won't discolor, damage or otherwise affect the fabric. For instance, if you're working with a nylon shirt, you might want to just test it on the inside of the collar or sleeve.

Step 5: Cleaning Up Afterwards

Once you're satisfied with the results of your stain removal attempts, make sure to give the garment a thorough rinse with cold water. This will help remove both the stain as well as any remaining cleaning agents. Once the fabric is properly rinsed, hang it up somewhere to dry and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing your business attire looks fresh and spotless!

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