STAIN REMOVAL is a common problem in caring for clothing. The following stain procedures are for washable clothing. Always read and follow the care instructions. When possible, treat stains promptly.
Note: When applying any stain removal solution to your fabric it is best to attack the stain from the back of the fabric. In doing this the stain will not spread deeper into the material.
Use a dabbing motion rather than a rubbing one, working from the outside in.
For non-greasy stains, use cold water. Hot water sets the stain.
LIPSTICK
Use a combination solvent to remove grease. Using an eyedropper, flush with vinegar or mild bleach to remove the remains.
BLOOD
If the stain is fresh, soak in cold water for 30 minutes. Wash with warm water and a detergent. If stain remains, soak in an enzyme pre-soak and lukewarm water for 15 to 20 minutes or apply a few drops of hydrogen peroxide.
CHEWING GUM
Apply ice or cold water to harden residue. Scrape off with dull knife. Place stain area face down on an absorbent paper towel or cloth. Sponge with a pre-wash treatment. Rub with heavy-duty liquid detergent. Rinse with hot water. Repeat if needed. Launder.
DAIRY PRODUCTS
Fresh stains should be soaked and agitated in cold water before washing. If stain is dried, scrape or bush off any crusted matter. Soak for up to several hours in cold water with a detergent or an enzyme pre-soak. Launder in warm water. If stain remains, soak an additional 30 minutes and re-wash. If coloured stain remains, launder with bleach safe for the fabric.
COFFEE
Using an eyedropper, flush with vinegar to remove coffee colour. For sugar, flush with water. For milk, follow up with combination solvent.
FRUIT AND FRUIT JUICES
Launder with detergent in the hottest water safe for the fabric. Do not use soap (bar, flake, or detergents containing natural soap), this could make the stain permanent. Soak tough stains for 30 minutes in one quart of warm water and one teaspoon of enzyme pre-soak product. Removing old or set stains could require washing with bleach that is safe for the fabric. If not totally removed, the remaining sugar becomes caramelised and a brown stain will appear when the fabric is heated in the dryer or ironed.
GRASS STAINS
Soak in a solution of cool water and a laundry product containing enzymes for at least 30 minutes (several hours for aged stains). Do not use hot water as it will coagulate protein and make stain more difficult to remove. If stains remain, soak an additional 30 minutes, then re-wash. Follow product instructions. Some laundry detergents contain enzymes. After soaking, launder in warm water as usual.
MUD
Let mud stains dry. Brush to remove the soil. Soak in a solution of 1-quart warm water, 1 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar for 15 minutes. Rinse with water. Let stand for several minutes. If stain remains, sponge with rubbing alcohol, rinse with clear water, and launder. Also may soak stain for 30 minutes in an enzyme pre-soak. Add chlorine bleach to laundry if safe for fabric.
MUSTARD
Hot water and detergent can set mustard stains, so pre-treat before washing. Scrape off excess. Pre-treat with pre-wash products. Launder using bleach safe for
fabric.
TOMATO-BASED SAUCES
Soak in cool water with half teaspoon liquid hand dishwashing detergent and one tablespoon vinegar for 30 minutes. Rinse. If stain remains, pre-treat area with a pre-wash stain remover, liquid laundry detergent, or a paste of powdered detergent, and water. Wash in warm water. Air dry. If stain remains, soak in an enzyme product for at least an hour or over night. Some detergents contain enzymes. Launder in warm water.
Do not use hot water, hot air drying, or iron until the stain is gone. Heat will set it.
RED WINE
Use denatured alcohol, then with an eyedropper, flush with vinegar for remaining colour. For sturdy fabric, coat area with salt, hold over a bowl or the sink, and pour very hot water through the fabric from above.
