When you work in the restaurant industry, whether it’s in the kitchen or in the front of the house, stains are part of the job. However, you always want to project a professional image and keep your Las Vegas restaurant uniforms looking like new. The good news is that many stains can be easily removed with products you have at hand.
Common Stains
Red Wine
Soak the item in warm, not hot water. After 20 minutes, rub salt on the stain to loosen it from the fabric fibers. Then rinse the salt away and wash with liquid laundry detergent.
Grease
Grease stains can be surprisingly stubborn and difficult to get rid of, but don’t despair. The kitchen holds the best weapon in your arsenal: liquid dish soap. Rub it thoroughly around and into the stain with light to medium pressure. Heavy pressure will just push the stain deeper within the fibers. Let sit for 10 minutes and wash as usual.
Blood
If someone nicked themselves in the kitchen, act quickly. It can stain fast. The best thing to do is to rinse immediately in cold water, then soak for 20 minutes in lukewarm water with a splash of detergent. Avoid hot water; it can cause the stain to set. Launder per tag instructions.
Sweat
Sweat stains build over time and discolor the fabric. However, bleach shouldn’t be your first stop. It’s effective, but very harsh and can reduce the life of the fabric. First, try this color-safe recipe. Combine 1/2 cup plain white vinegar, 1/4 cup baking soda, 1/2 tbsp salt, and 1/2 tbsp hydrogen peroxide. Soak your uniform in lukewarm water and rub the stain lifting mixture into the affected areas.
Mustard and Ketchup
Condiments like these are a regular hazard for waitstaff at family friendly restaurants. Yellow mustard contains turmeric, which has been used since ancient times as a fabric dye. Meanwhile, the acids in ketchup help the red stain sink deep. So what do you do? Mix 3 parts liquid dish soap and 1 part rubbing alcohol. Apply it to and around the stain and soak for at least 10 minutes. Repeat if necessary, rinsing with hot water in between.
Odors
Odors are a kind of invisible stain that may linger despite laundering. If you struggle with these, try sprinkling the dry garment with activated charcoal or baking soda. Let it sit for at least an hour, although overnight is better. Shake the garment and vacuum the residue away. Finally, try a misting of products like Febreze.
An Ace Up Your Sleeve
If all else fails, take your Las Vegas restaurant uniforms to the dry cleaners. Some tough stains or delicate fabrics require the professional touch.
