Heat is your first weapon. If your garment can handle it, toss it in the washing machine on the hottest water setting allowed by the care tag. Hot water melts the softener’s waxy base, sending it down the drain in shame.
Add a heavy-duty liquid detergent—something with enzymes, like Tide or Persil. Skip the powder; it can get gummy. Run a full cycle, and don’t add any extra softener, you maniac.
Check the stains before drying. If you see them still lurking, repeat the hot wash. Never, ever put them in the dryer until they’re clean—heat from the dryer will bake that softener into the fibers forever. It’s like a burnt casserole you can’t scrape off.
