How to Use Vanish

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: December 2, 2022 Tested

Vanish is a popular choice around the world for removing stains from fabrics and carpets. If your clothes or floors have tough stains and you are planning to use Vanish to clean them, you might wonder how to put the product to the test. No matter the kind of Vanish product or the stain you want to clean, you’ll soon have stain-free clothes or carpets.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Removing Recent Stains from Clothes and Sheets with Vanish

1
Fill a container with 30 grams (0.066 lb) of powder and 1 full cap of water. Put the powder in the container first, and then add the water. If you are using the cap to measure out the powder, 30 grams (0.066 lb) is around 1/3 of a cap.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Since you will be rubbing the solution on the fabric, rather than soaking, the size of the container doesn’t matter too much.
2
Mix the powder and water solution. Use a stirring stick or a spoon to thoroughly stir the water and powder together until no more powder is visible. The solution should be thin and translucent.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- If you see clumps of powder, break them apart before applying them to the fabric.
Advertisement
3
Spritz Vanish from 80 centimetres (31 in) above, for spray products. In addition to powder, there are spray bottle options you can use to remove stains. Simply spray enough of the solution to cover the stain onto the fabric from above.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Don’t spray so much solution on that it looks like there is standing water on the stain. Just use enough to cover it and get it damp.
4
Blot and then rub the solution onto the stain. Whether you spray on your Vanish or make a solution from powder, you will need to use a cloth or a sponge to gently blot the liquid from the fabric, and then gently massage the stain, pressing the solution in.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Don’t use a brush or scrub abrasively, as this can cause the stain to bleed further into the fabric.
5
Let the Vanish soak in for 5 minutes. Once you have applied the solution, let it sit for 5 minutes to soak in and loosen up the stain. Don’t let the Vanish soak for more than 5 minutes, as the high concentration could damage the fabric.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- If the high concentration concerns you because you are cleaning a delicate fabric, you can dilute the solution with water as it soaks by running water over the stain for 2 to 3 seconds.
6
Rinse off the fabric in a sink. To get rid of excess solution before washing the clothes or sheets, run water from a tap over the fabric for 5 to 10 seconds. You can use cold or warm water to do this, though you should always use cold water on fragile fabrics.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Wring the water out to remove the solution and dry the area.
7
Add powder or gel to the load of laundry along with the fabrics after cleaning the stain. After applying Vanish, you should machine wash the fabrics. If your washing machine has a compartment for powders, add the Vanish there, or simply pour it on the clothes if not. There are specialty in-wash gels you can use, or you can simply add a bit of the same powder you used to loosen the stain.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Wash whites on their own to prevent darkening and keep the clothes bright.
- Don’t forget to dry the clothes afterwards.
- Be sure to use cool water and low heat when doing the laundry.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Cleaning Heavy and Long-Term Stains in Clothes and Sheets

1
Fill a sink with 7 litres (1.8 US gal) of water and 30 grams (0.066 lb) of powder. Removing heavier stains or ones that have been in a fabric for weeks or months requires soaking to remove. You can create a soaking solution with Vanish powder and water. Simply fill the sink and add 1/3 of a cap of powder.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- You can also use a tub or plastic container if using a sink is inconvenient
2
Submerge your stained clothes or sheets in the solution. Add the stained fabrics to the solution and weigh them down if they float on top of the water. You need to place the fabrics in the solution completely so it can clean the whole garment.^{[9]
X
Research source}
3
Soak colors for 2 hours and whites for 2 to 4 hours. If you are soaking the fabric, there is no need to rub the solution in. You can just set a timer for an appropriate length of time and drain the sink when time is up.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- Colors need to be protected from fading by soaking for less time than whites.
- For delicate materials of any color, like silk, only use the soaking solution for 1 to 2 hours. Any more time could damage the material.
4
Wring the fabrics out. Once you’ve drained the sink, squeeze and twist the clothes or sheets over the drain. This will let the solution drain out and keep it from continuing to soak into the fabric. Since you will be washing them in a washing machine, there is no need to dry them.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- If you are cleaning a soft or delicate fabric, don’t twist the garment to wring it out. Simply squeeze different areas to help the water and Vanish drip out.
5
Add the clothes or sheets to a load of laundry. After soaking the fabrics, you will need to thoroughly wash them in a machine. You can wash them on their own or with a load of other items that need washing. Be sure to dry the load in a dryer.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- Use a setting and temperature that matches the delicacy of the items. Delicates need cool water and low heat.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using Vanish to Clean Your Carpet

1
Vacuum the carpet. In order to remove stains effectively, clean off any dirt and debris from the area where you plan to use Vanish. The best way to do this is to use a vacuum cleaner on the whole carpet, or just the stained area. You can use a vacuum even if the stain is still wet.^{[13]
X
Research source}
2
Spray or sprinkle Vanish onto the carpet. If you are using a foaming carpet spray, you should spray from 80 centimetres (31 in) above the stain. For powder cleaner, you simply need to shake the bag or can and distribute the powder evenly around the stain to form a light layer.^{[14]
X
Research source}
- Spray the downwards if you are using a spray can, or else it may get in your eyes.
3
Rub the stain with a soft brush, sponge, or towel. Once you have applied Vanish to the carpet, rub it in with a soft tool that will allow you to help break up the stain. Sponges and towels are good choices for foaming sprays, while a soft-bristle brush will help the powder break down the stain much better.^{[15]
X
Research source}
- Don’t rub the stain with a rough-bristle brush or scrub abrasively. If you do either of these, you could damage your carpet.
4
Let the Vanish soak into the carpet for between 20 minutes and 2 hours. Remove powder-form Vanish after 20 minutes of soaking, but you can leave foaming spray to clean the stain for 2 hours, or until the carpet is dry.^{[16]
X
Research source}
- If you have pets or small children, keep them out of the area while the Vanish is soaking so that they don’t step in it or try to consume it.
5
Vacuum up the Vanish. No matter whether you used powder or spray-on Vanish, run a vacuum cleaner over the area again to clean up after the stain remover. The stained area may be slightly damp if you used a spray, but there is no need to dry the area. Air drying is enough to get rid of the dampness.^{[17]
X
Research source}
6
Repeat the stain-removing process if the stain is still visible. If you can still see the stain after using Vanish, try repeating the process again. The rest of the stain should end up successfully removed on a second go-around.^{[18]
X
Research source}
- If the powder wasn’t enough, you may need to try the spray-on variety, or add a bit of water to the powder.