What kind of detergent should I use for mud stains?

You can use either laundry detergent or a mild dish soap to pre-treat the mud stain on your cocktail dress.

Can I put my dress in the dryer if the stain is still present?

No, you should not put your dress in the dryer if the stain is still present, as this could set the stain and make it impossible to remove.

WikiLaundry > Stains > Mud > Cocktail dress

How to Get Rid of Mud Stains on Your Cocktail Dress in 5 Easy Steps

Mud stains on your cocktail dress can ruin your special occasion. If muddy splashes have landed on your dress, you may think you have no choice but to throw away garment or take it to the dry cleaner. However, it is possible to clean the mud stains at home with just a few simple steps.

Updated 27 Jun 2023

By Matej Kramberger

Step 1: Pretreat the Stain

Start by pretreating the stain with a combination of laundry detergent or dish soap and white vinegar. Mix one tablespoon of each together and apply the solution directly to the stain. Massage lightly for a few minutes, then let liquid sit on the stain for 15 minutes.

Step 2: Rinse with Cold Water

Once the pretreatment solution has had enough time to soak into the fabric, rinse the area with cold water. Use your fingertips to massage the fabric gently as you are rinsing. The cold water helps to further loosen the mud and remove some of soap mixture.

Step 3: Launder the Dress

After rinsing dress, launder it as you normally would. Make sure to use the cold water setting on your washing machine so as not to set the stain. Then, add either 1/2 cup of white vinegar or 1/2 cup of baking soda to the wash cycle to help break down any remaining mud residue.

Step 4: Check the Stain

Once laundering cycle is complete, check the stained area to ensure that the mud stain has been removed. If the stain is still present, repeat steps 1-3 before proceeding.

Step 5: Air Dry or Machine Dry

If the stain is gone, allow the dress to air dry or place it in the dryer on a low heat setting. Be careful not to put the dress in the dryer if stain is still present, as this could set stain and make it impossible to remove.

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