How to Remove Mystery Stains From Khaki Clothes

Prevent khaki from having permanent marks with these tips

By
Mary Marlowe Leverette
Mary Marlowe Leverette 2018
Mary Marlowe Leverette

Mary Marlowe Leverette is one of the industry's most highly-regarded housekeeping and fabric care experts, sharing her knowledge on efficient housekeeping, laundry, and textile conservation. She is also a Master Gardener with over 40+ years of experience and 20+ years of writing experience. Mary is also a member of The Spruce Gardening and Plant Care Review Board.

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Updated on 10/03/23
How to Remove Stains From Khaki

The Spruce / Joules Garcia

In This Article
Project Overview
  • Working Time: 5 - 15 mins
  • Total Time: 15 - 30 mins
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $10

Even though khaki refers to a color, it is commonly considered a type of heavy cotton fabric ranging from beige to olive. Tan pants are also referred to as khakis. The dyes used to create khaki fabric and its signature shades of brown and green can be unstable. So, treating stains on khaki can sometimes leave spots or discoloration.

When trying to remove a stain from your home with a removal product, never do it without testing it on an inconspicuous spot first. Some laundry products can cause color loss or changes that cannot be reversed. Read stain remover product labels, mainly if they contain a warning that they should never be used on khaki-colored clothing.

Most cotton khaki garments are machine washable for easy care, but some may contain synthetic fibers, such as polyester or nylon, that require special care. Here are the steps to safely removing mysterious stains from khaki clothing.

Warning

Be mindful when using any laundry detergent with brighteners; they can discolor khaki fabrics. Sweat oxidizes the dyes of some khaki materials, leaving mysterious stains. Once this type of discoloration occurs, nothing can be done to reverse the damage.

Stain type  Varies 
Detergent type  Heavy-duty
Water temperature  Warm 
Cycle type  Normal
The 8 Best Stain Removers for Clothes of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Basin of water or washing machine
  • Dryer

Materials

  • Commercial stain remover
  • Detergent (without brightener)

Instructions

Materials needed to remove stains from khaki clothing

The Spruce / Ana Cadena

How to Remove Stains From Khaki Clothing

  1. Test the Fabric With Stain Remover

    • If you're trying a commercial stain remover, read the product label carefully before beginning.
    • Test the remover on an inside seam or hem before spraying it directly on the stain to ensure it doesn't leave a different stain or discoloration behind.
    Testing the fabric with stain remover

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

  2. Soak the Entire Garment

    If you have khaki items that are heavily stained and feel that you must clean them right away without testing, it is best to soak the entire garment in the cleaning solution of choice. If discoloration happens, it will be evenly distributed over the fabric.

    Soaking the khaki pants before laundering

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

  3. Launder as Usual

    Launder your garment on delicate in its usual wash cycle.

    Laundering the khakis as stated on the care label

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

  4. Check If the Stain Removed

    • Washing the garment should remove the stain.
    • If not, repeat the wash or bring it to the dry cleaner.
    Checking to see if the stain has been removed from the khaki pants

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

Additional Tips for Handing Stains on Khaki Clothes

General rules for removing stains apply—remove the stain as soon as possible by blotting it up or scraping it away, try removing it with cold water from the reverse side of the fabric, and never dry the garment until the stain is completely gone. If the stain does not disappear immediately, soak it again and repeat the steps.

Most commercial stain removers are alkaline, can strip color, and cause color loss or changes that cannot be reversed. Heed a product warning if it says they should never be used on khaki-colored clothing.

Several culprits for blotch-causing stains on khaki clothes include medications that have benzoyl peroxide, tooth-whitening toothpaste, chlorine from the pool, or acidic foods like citrus juices. Staining from these products can also transfer through contact with other fabrics in the dirty clothes hamper. Since khaki is created by combining red and green dyes (green is made by mixing blue and yellow pigments), the product affects the blue dye and leaves orange stains on khaki.

FAQ
  • Are there any special laundering instructions for khaki pants?

    To extend the life of khaki pants or khaki clothing, turn the clothing item inside out and wash it in cold water.

  • Can you use bleach on khaki clothing?

    Never use bleach on khaki clothes. It can cause permanent discoloration on the clothing.

  • Can you use vinegar on khaki clothing?

    Vinegar is safe on khaki clothes but needs to be diluted with water. Do not pour pure vinegar on an article of clothing.

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