Fabric stains can ruin a cloth if no action is taken immediately.
You can now remove those stubborn stains with a few a few general rules used
for stain removal. It is important to always read and follow the general
care instructions and any warnings on the garment label and follow them
while removing a stain.
Stains from fruits and fruit juices
- Launder with detergent in hottest water safe for the fabric. Do
not use soap (bar, flake, or detergents containing natural soap),
since soap could make stain permanent or at least more difficult to
remove.
- Soak tough stains for 30 minutes in 1 quart of warm water and 1
teaspoon of enzyme presoak product.
- To remove old or set stains may require washing with bleach that
is safe for the fabric.
- If all the sugars are not removed a brown stain will appear when
the fabric is heated in the dryer or is ironed, as the sugar is
carmelized.
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Paint stains(water based)
It is important to note that it may not be possible to remove paint that
has dried.
- Act fast, and blot and never rub a stain. Rubbing forces the
stain deeper into the fabric.
- Soak in cold water.
- Saturate the area with an aerosol pretreatment laundry stain
remover. Wait a couple of minutes to allow it to penetrate. Rub with
a heavy duty liquid laundry detergent and then launder immediately
in hottest water safe for the fabric.
- If the color still remains, launder in chlorine bleach if it is
safe for the fabric or in oxygen bleach (Always read and follow the
care instructions on the garment label with respect to the use of
bleach, and check for color fastness. Bleach should not be used on
items containing spandex).
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Ink (permanent) stains
Inks are almost impossible to remove. Always read and follow the care
instructions and any warnings on the garment label. And, follow these
general
- To have any chance you need to treat immediately. The first step
is to force water through the stain before it dries to remove excess
ink. Allow to dry.
- Sponge the stain with dry cleaning solvent (read and follow the
directions carefully, it is toxic). Allow the fabric to dry. Rub a
liquid detergent into the stain. Rinse.
- Soak the stain in warm water to which 1 to 4 tablespoons of
household ammonia have been added.
- Rinse and repeat if stain is lessoning. Launder.
- Some inks on white fabric may be removed with a dye stripper.
Follow package insturctions. For stains on colored fabrics, check
for dye fastness in a hidden are before using. Also, be aware that
these products will affect all colors on the fabric.
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Perspiration stains
Perspiration, if allowed to stay in fabric, will eventually stain and
weaken the fabric. Aluminum chlorides in antiperspirants will also weaken
the fabric under the arms. Controlled use of antiperspirants and frequent
washings immediately after wear can minimize this type of damage. Wearing an
undershirt or perspiration pads, can also keep stains off your shirts or
blouses. Also, consider experimenting with different
anti-perspirants/deodorants.
These types of stains can be difficult to remove. And, the build-up of
aluminum chloride or zinc salts may be impossible to remove. Old stains are
more difficult to treat because they have been set, particularly from being
heated in the dryer. Always read and follow the care instructions and any
warnings on the garment label. And, follow these General Rules for stain
removal.
- Rub light stains with a liquid detergent and then launder.
- Pretreat heavy stains with a prewash stain remover. Allow to
stand 5 to 10 minutes.
- Launder using an all-fabric bleach.
- If fabric has discolored, you might try treating fresh stains
with ammonia and old stains with WHITE vinegar.
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Rust stain
Removing rust stains can be difficult. Rust stains cannot be removed in
normal laundering. Do not use chlorine bleach, chlorine bleach will make the
stains permanent. Always read and follow the care instructions and any
warnings on the garment label. You can follow these general tips for stain
removal.
- Small stains may be removed with a few drops of a commercial rust
remover, or by repeated applications of lemon juice and salt on the
stain. Do not let dry between applications.
- Rinse thoroughly and launder with a liquid laundry detergent and
oxygen bleach, following directions.
- If safe for fabric, boil in solution of 4 teaspoons of cream of
tartar per pint of water. Rinse thoroughly.
- Severe rust staining may be removed with a commercial rust
remover, such as RoVer or Whink. Follow package instructions. But
rust removers that contain hydrofluoric acid are extremely toxic,
can burn the skin, and will damage the porclain finish on appliances
and sinks.
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Oil stains
Butter, Cooking Oils/Fats, Margarine, Mayonnaise, Vegetable Oil - Always
read and follow the care instructions and any warnings on the garment label.
And, follow these General Rules for stain removal.
- Treat light stains with a pretreatment spray stain remover and
wait a couple minutes for it to penetrate. Rub with a heavy-duty
liquid laundry detergent. Launder
- If color stain remains, launder with chlorine bleach if safe for
the fabric, or use an all-fabric bleach. Always test for
colorfastness before using bleach.
- Place heavy stains face down on clean paper towels. Apply dry
cleaning fluid to the back of stain. Replace towels frequently.
(Carefully read and follow instructions on the product package.) Let
air dry; rinse. Launder in hottest water safe for the fabric.
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Coffee & Tea stains
Always read and follow the care instructions and any warnings on the
garment label. And, follow these General Rules for stain removal.
- Saturate the stain with a pretreatment stain remover.
- Rub the stain with a heavy-duty liquid detergent and launder in
hottest water safe for the fabric.
- Do not use soap (bar, flake, or detergents containing natural
soap), since soap could make stain permanent or at least more
difficult to remove.
- If stain remains launder with bleach safe for the fabric.
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Stain
Removal Tips
