How do you remove carbon stains?

To get carbon stains out, use a chemical like Zout, Shout, or Spray N Wash to soak the stains, and work the chemical in with a soft brush. Let the fabric sit for at least 15 minutes before putting it into a washing machine.

1. Pretreat the carbon stains

   Use a spray treatment designed to attack stains before attempting to wash the fabric. Brush the chemical into the fabric gently with a soft brush, working the bristles against the stain. Put the garment aside for 15 to 30 minutes to let the chemical work on the stain.

2. Run the fabric through a wash cycle

   Put the affected fabric through a cycle in the washing machine, using cold water with all cycles. Check the garment at the end of the cycle, and hang it to dry if the stain is gone.

3. Treat with oxygen-based bleach if necessary

   Use an oxygen-based bleach product like Clorox 2 or OxiClean in a solution with cool water to treat the stains. Use the ratio from the product instructions, and submerge the entire garment in the solution, leaving it to soak for a minimum of eight hours. Look at the stain, and repeat the process several times until the stain is gone. Put the garment into the washing machine for a normal cycle after the stain comes out.