How to Remove Insect Stains from Fabric

Removing an insect stain from fabric is possible. The different methods below will help you effectively remove the insect stain from your fabric.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Washable Fabric: Fresh Insect Stain

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    Soak the fabric in a basin of cold water for about 30 minutes.
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    Rub the fabric against itself to loosen the insect stain.
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    Treat the affected area with an enzyme based cleaner.[1]
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    Wash the fabric as you normally would.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Washable Fabric: Dried or Old Insect Stain

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    Scrape off the excess crusted matter using a brush.
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    Mix 1/2 teaspoon liquid detergent with enzymes, 1 tablespoon ammonia and 1 quart cold water in a basin. Do not use warm water.[2]
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    Soak the fabric for at least 30 minutes. For older insect stains you have to soak it longer.
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    Wash the fabric as you normally would. If the stain is still visible, repeat the soaking process.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Non Washable Fabric: Fresh Insect Stain

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    Spray cold water on the stained area using a spray bottle.
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    Blot the area with a cloth.[3] Repeat the spraying and blotting process until the insect stain is gone.
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    Dry the area using a towel.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Non Washable Fabric: Dried or Old Insect Stain

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    Scrape off the excess dried matter using a brush.
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    Mix 1 tablespoon of liquid dish washing detergent with 2 cups of cold water in a large bowl to make a detergent solution.[4]
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    Dip the toothbrush in the solution and gently brush the stained area.
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    Blot the area with a clean, wet cloth to rinse the solution. Repeat the applying, brushing and rinsing process, if needed.
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    Use a cloth damped with cold water to rinse the remaining solution. Rinse thoroughly.
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    Dry the area with a cloth towel. If stain is still visible, use 3% hydrogen peroxide on the fabric with caution. Pretest on a hidden spot on the material.
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    Moisten the stained area with 3% hydrogen peroxide. Let it sit for about 5 minutes.
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    Blot the foamy substance with a clean dry cloth. Repeat the applying and blotting process until the insect stain is gone.
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    Use a cloth damped with cold water to rinse the remaining solution. Rinse thoroughly.
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    Use a dry towel to dry the area.
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    How do I remove yellow ladybug stains from cloth window shades?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Use some Dove soap and keep scrubbing it, making sure to also rub the cloth together. Afterwards, use some conditioner before scrubbing again. Scrub for about another two minutes, then use a damp cloth to wipe the soap marks.
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Warnings

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Things You'll Need

  • Enzyme base cleaner
  • Brush
  • Liquid detergent with enzymes
  • Ammonia
  • Basin
  • Spray bottle
  • Pieces of cloth
  • Cloth towel
  • Liquid dish washing detergent
  • Large bowl
  • 3% hydrogen peroxide

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References

  1. ↑ https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/1947-enzymes-in-washing-powders
  2. ↑ https://web.extension.illinois.edu/stain/staindetail.cfm?ID=11
  3. ↑ http://www.metrokids.com/MetroKids/January-2010/Cleaning-Magic-with-Common-Items/
  4. ↑ https://www.octaneseating.com/leather-stain-removal
  5. http://www.stain-guide.com/stains.html
  6. http://extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=MP663-7#protein
  7. http://www.housecleaningcentral.com/en/cleaning-tips/stain-removal/remove-blood-stain.html

About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 67,359 times.
58 votes - 65%
Co-authors: 4
Updated: September 17, 2019
Views: 67,359
Categories: Pet and Animal Stain Removal
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