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Why is the stain still there after using Stain Remover?Updated 11 hours ago

TL;DR: Some stains need a second go. Reapply Stain Remover, leave it 5 to 10 minutes, agitate gently with a soft brush, then wash again. Keep the garment out of the dryer and away from a hot iron until the mark has gone, because heat can set a stain permanently.

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Why might a stain need a second go?

Stain Remover works through enzymes, and enzymes need time and moisture to lift a mark. If the stain was old, had already dried, or had been through a dryer before treatment, one application may not have reached all the way through. Ground-in grass, makeup, and sauce or dairy spills often want a second round.

✓ Why some stains take more than one go

Stain Remover works through enzymes, and enzymes need time and moisture to lift a mark. If the stain was old, had already dried, or had been through a dryer before treatment, one application may not have reached all the way through.

Ground-in grass, makeup, and sauce or dairy spills often want a second round. A second treatment usually finishes the job.

Old or dried marks Second round Same 5 to 10 minutes

How do I treat it again?

Spray the stained area again with Stain Remover, leave it 5 to 10 minutes, agitate gently with a soft brush or cloth, then rewash following the garment care label on a full rinse cycle. Keep the garment out of the dryer and away from a hot iron until the mark has gone. Heat can set a stain permanently.

✓ Treat it again in four steps

1

Spray the stained area with Stain Remover from a Foaming Spray Bottle.

2

Leave it 5 to 10 minutes.

3

Agitate gently with a soft brush or cloth.

4

Rewash following the garment care label, on a full rinse cycle.

✓ Tips for better results

Treat stains as soon as you can, because fresh marks lift faster than set-in ones. Use only what you need. If the fabric is unfamiliar, spot-test on a hidden area first.

Treat fast Spot-test first Repeat if needed

⚠ Keep heat away until it has gone

Keep the garment out of the dryer and away from a hot iron until the mark has completely gone, because heat can set a stain permanently.

Avoid Stain Remover on wool and other protein fibres such as silk. See the fabric compatibility article for what to use instead.

No dryer until gone No hot iron Not for protein fibres

✓ Still there after a second round?

✓ Give it one more spray, wait and wash cycle. Fresh product on a softened mark does more than a longer soak does.

✓ A stain that has been through a dryer or a hot iron may be heat-set and may not come out. Take valuable or sentimental items to a professional cleaner, and let our team know if you would like a hand.


Koh Stain Remover Starter Kit

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Stain Remover Starter Kit pairs Stain Remover with the Foaming Spray Bottle for targeted application.

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See the laundry dosing guide

Last reviewed: September 2026 · Koh Australia

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