How To Remove Cockroach Stains From Clothes?
Cockroaches leave droppings everywhere, including in your pantry, countertops, sinks, cabinets, appliances, and clothes.
Removing cockroach feces from appliances and other hard surfaces is fairly easy, but what about stains on your clothes?
To remove cockroach stains from clothes, lightly brush the area to remove any loose particles and then blot the fabric with colorfast stain remover. Let the product sit for a while, and then wash the item according to the instructions on the tag.
After you remove any loose feces, throw it in the garbage and take it out immediately, preferably in trash cans away from your home.
Roach droppings contain pheromones that signal other roaches that there’s food, water, or shelter nearby, so get that stuff as far away as possible.
How to Remove Stains From Washable Fabric
Removing stains from washable fabrics is easier as they’re usually machine-safe and durable.
The first step for cleaning washable fabric is lightly brushing the stained area. This helps to remove any loose feces and break up the stain.
When removing cockroach droppings by hand, always wear gloves and a mask to prevent touching or inhaling any allergens or harmful pathogens.
Next, apply stain remover and let it sit on the stain for at least 30 mins. Depending on the fabric and the severity of the staining, you may be able to let it sit for longer.
Always double-check the product label to confirm that it’s safe to use on the particular clothing item.
Lastly, wash your clothes according to the care instructions on the tag.
If there are a lot of stains on your clothing, you can pre-soak your clothes in laundry boosters like bleach, vinegar, or a bleach-free alternative (like Borax or OxyClean).
Always read the label to ensure you use the correct amounts and can use it on your clothing. Never use bleach on colored or delicate fabrics.
The soaking time will depend on which product you use. After you’ve soaked the clothing, wash it normally.
You can also spot clean the stains with these products before you toss the items in the washing machine.
How to Remove Stains From Carpets and Upholstery
For cockroaches, everything is a toilet, and they can discharge anywhere, even on your carpets and upholstery.
To clean carpet or upholstery, first remove any solids using a vacuum cleaner, a dustbuster, or manually with a brush, spoon, or spatula. Don’t rub the feces into the fabric as it can smear and make the problem worse.
(Remember to dispose of loose feces immediately so your house doesn’t turn into a roach motel.)
To remove any lingering stains, mix two teaspoons of dishwashing detergent into two cups of warm water.
Next, take a clean cloth, dip it into the soapy water, and, working slowly from the outside of the stain, blot it carefully.
Never rub a stain on carpet or upholstery, and always start from the outside to prevent the stain from spreading.
After working the solution into the stained area, blot the area with a clean, dry cloth to absorb excess water.
Repeat as necessary until the stain is gone.
After all the staining is removed, rinse the area by blotting it with clean water and another dry cloth to remove as much water as you can.
How to Remove Stains From Solid Surfaces
To remove roach stains from solid surfaces, remove any loose particles using a vacuum or another method.
After you’ve disposed of the droppings in a faraway place, spray the affected area with disinfectant. Let the product sit for 10 minutes or more.
Next, wipe the area clean with a damp cloth.
Depending on the cleaning product you’ve used, this should be enough to remove any stains; however, if they’re still there, you can scrub the area using a brush or a sponge.
You can also add an additional step and wipe down the area with soap and water to kill any remaining bacteria and leave your home smelling fresh and clean.
Conclusion
Removing cockroach stains from clothes is not difficult; it’s just time-consuming.
It’s mainly a three-step process:
- Remove loose particles using a brush (or your hand, if you’re brave and wearing protective gear)
- Use stain remover
- Wash your clothes as per the instructions on the tag.
Depending on the extent of the staining, you can also pre-soak your clothing in a laundry additive appropriate for the fabric.
After you’ve successfully removed cockroach stains from your clothes, the real work will begin – that is, dealing with the roaches that may be living in your home.
