Can You Use Folex On Clothes? (Explained)
If you’ve ever had a stubborn stain on your clothes that just wouldn’t budge, you might have heard of Folex. It’s a popular stain remover, and people swear by it.
But the big question is - can you actually use it on clothes?
The short answer is yes, you can!
But there are a few important things to know to make sure you’re using it safely and effectively.
In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about using Folex on clothes.
Can I Use Folex On Clothes?
Folex is a powerful cleaner that’s mostly used to remove stains from carpets, upholstery, and other fabrics. The good news is that you can use Folex on clothes too and it works great.
Folex can break down tough stains, like grease, wine, and ink in your clothes.
Plus, people love it because it’s non-toxic, odor-free, and generally safe for most fabrics.
But just because it’s great on carpets doesn’t automatically mean it’s great for all kinds of clothes. The fabric of your clothes, the type of stain, and the condition of the item all matter.
You’ll want to be a bit careful and make sure you follow the right steps.
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How To Use Folex On Clothes Safely
Folex can get rid of those stubborn stains on your clothes. However, there are some precautions to take to avoid damaging your favorite shirt, dress, or pair of pants.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use Folex the right way:
#1 Spot Test First
Before you go all in and use Folex on your clothes, it’s always a good idea to do a spot test.
This is a small, simple test that checks if the fabric reacts well to the cleaner.
Choose an inconspicuous area of your garment, like the inside hem or a hidden corner, and spray a little bit of Folex on it. Wait for a minute or so and check for any color changes or damage.
If the fabric looks fine, you’re good to go! If it reacts poorly—like if it fades or starts to discolor—then it’s better to skip using Folex altogether. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
#2 Apply A Small Amount
Once you’re sure the fabric can handle Folex, apply a small amount directly onto the stain. You don’t need to soak the whole area. A little goes a long way with Folex, so use just enough to cover the stain.
Applying a small amount gives the cleaner a chance to work its magic without soaking the fabric.
This is important because if you over-apply, it might take longer to remove the cleaner itself later, and you don’t want to leave any residue behind.
A few spritzes should be enough to cover the stain, and you can always add a bit more if needed.
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#3 Blot, Don’t Rub
This step is super important! Don’t get too aggressive with your cleaning.
Rubbing the fabric can make the stain worse, pushing it deeper into the fibers. Instead, take a clean cloth or paper towel and gently blot the stained area.
Blotting lifts the stain, while rubbing would spread it.
Be patient and gentle. Press down, let the cloth absorb the stain, then lift it up. Repeat as needed, using fresh parts of the cloth, until you see the stain fading away.
#4 Rinse If Needed
After you’ve blotted the stain, you might want to give the area a quick rinse with cold water.
This helps wash away any leftover Folex cleaner and any stubborn stain particles.
Don’t use hot water—it can sometimes set stains, especially on delicate fabrics. A gentle rinse under cool water should do the trick, helping to keep your fabric fresh and free of any cleaner residue.
If you’ve applied a lot of Folex, this step is especially important so your clothes aren’t left feeling sticky or stiff.
#5 Wash As Usual
Once you’ve treated the stain, it’s time for the final step: washing.
Pop the item into the washing machine (if it’s machine washable), and wash it like you normally would. Stick to the recommended water temperature on the care label, and use your usual detergent.
If the fabric’s hand wash only, just give it a gentle scrub with cool water.
After washing, take a look and see if the stain is gone.
If there’s still a little bit left, you can repeat the process before washing again. But most of the time, once it’s clean, it’s clean!
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When To Avoid Using Folex On Clothes
While Folex is pretty versatile, there are a few times when it’s best to steer clear of using it on your clothes. Certain fabrics and types of clothing require special care, and Folex might not be the best option for them.
Let’s go over a few situations when it’s better to use a different cleaner:
Delicate Fabrics
Folex is a powerful cleaner, but it’s not necessarily gentle on delicate fabrics.
If you’re dealing with something like silk, lace, or fine wool, it’s better to skip the Folex.
These fabrics are more sensitive and can be easily damaged by the cleaner.
Folex might leave a mark or discolor delicate textiles. In these cases, it’s best to use a specialized cleaner made for delicate fabrics or take the item to a professional dry cleaner.
Dry-Clean Only Items
For clothes that are labeled “dry-clean only,” you should avoid using Folex altogether.
Dry-clean only items are made from fabrics that require special handling, and Folex might not be safe for them. It’s always better to take these items to a dry cleaner who can properly treat the stain without risking any damage to the fabric.
Bright Or Dark Dyes
Another thing to keep in mind is the color of your clothes. Folex works best on light-colored fabrics, but it can sometimes cause fading or discoloration on dark or brightly colored fabrics.
If your shirt, pants, or jacket is a vibrant color or a deep shade, it’s a good idea to test it first, as mentioned earlier.
Even though Folex is generally color-safe, it’s always better to check first. If in doubt, use a cleaner specifically made for colored clothes.
Bottom Line
Folex is great for removing tough stains on clothes, but it’s not always the best choice for every fabric.
It’s important to test it first, apply it carefully, and follow up with proper washing. For most stains, though, Folex can be a real lifesaver, especially when it comes to removing things like grease, food stains, and even ink.
Just remember to use it on the right fabrics, and don’t forget to check for any adverse reactions before you dive in.
FAQs
Does Folex Work On Clothes?
Yes, Folex is effective at removing stains from clothes, including common spills like grease, food, or pet accidents.
Is Folex Safe On Clothes?
Folex is generally safe on most fabrics, but it’s a good idea to test it on a small, inconspicuous area of your clothing first to make sure it doesn't cause any damage or discoloration.