SOME STAIN REMOVAL TIPS

 

  

Cooking Oil: Light stains can be pretreated with a spray stain remover, liquid laundry detergent, or a detergent booster. Place heavy stains face down on clean paper towels. Apply cleaning liquid to the back of stain. Replace towels frequently. Let air dry, rinse. Launder in hottest water safe for that fabric. Before drying, inspect, and repeat the treatment and washing if the stain remains.

Dye Stains: Dye stains can be very difficult to remove. Soak the garment in a diluted solution of an all-fabric bleach, but check the garment care label for color fastness first. If use of bleach is acceptable, soak, then rinse. If the stain remains and the garment is colorfast, soak the entire garment in a diluted solution of liquid chlorine bleach and water.

 

Caution: Chlorine bleach may change the color of the garment or cause irreversible damage. Therefore, it is important to check for color fastness before using. If the stain does not come out within 15 minutes of bleaching, it cannot be removed by bleaching, and any further exposure to bleach will weaken the fabric. To check for color fastness to liquid chlorine bleach, mix 1 tablespoon of bleach with 1/4 cup of water. Use an eyedropper to put a drop of this solution on a hidden seam or pocket edge inside the garment. Let it stand two minute, then blot dry. If there is no color change it is safe to use the product. Bleaches have directions for doing colorfastness tests. There are a number of dye removers, such as one from "Rit", which are available in drug and grocery stores. However, dye removers can take out fabric colors as well as the stain.

Gravy: Treat the stain with a pre-wash spray or pre-treat with a product containing enzymes. Launder. If stain remains, re-launder with bleach that is safe for the fabric.

Ink (solvent soluble): Ink stains can be difficult to impossible to remove. This stain is best removed by a professional dry/wet cleaner. However, if you must try it yourself, you generally need to act fast to have a chance. Sponge the area around the stain with alcohol before applying it directly on the stain. Next, place the stain face down on clean, white, paper towels. Apply alcohol to the back of the stain. Replace towels frequently. Continue until no further ink is removed. Then rinse thoroughly. Rub with heavy duty liquid detergent and launder in hottest water safe for fabric, with a strong bleach safe for fabrics. Instead of alcohol, you could try using dry cleaning solvent, such as Carbon, Energine, or Goddard's. (Be sure to read and follow the instructions on the product label. These products are toxic) Also, try a hidden inside seam first, to be sure the garment dye won't be removed. Some inks on white fabric may be removed with a dye stripper. You should be able to find this in areas where package dyes are sold. For stains on colored fabrics, check for dye stability in a hidden area before using.
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