Get Out That Stubborn Stain
By Sharon Stajda
Chances are you know about following the how to clean instructions on labels that are sewn into your cloths? But what if you spill wine, or find that you have a nasty rust stain on your new blouse or shirt?
The first thought that may enter your mind, can I or can’t I use bleach safely? Labels at best tell you weather its safe to wash or dry clean only. Sometimes a label will mention if it's safe to use bleach or not. But much of the time there is no mention of bleach, or weather it can be used when laundering? Many of today newer fabrics, including colored fabrics, need bleach as well as detergent to help keep them clean, and free of stains.
A good tip to follow: When to use bleach? When the label doesn’t mention bleaching or says bleach when needed, you can safely use chlorine or non-chlorine bleach on the article of clothing, as a rule.
Now, what about stains that bleach just won’t get out or the fabric won’t tolerate bleach? I have listed some stain removal tips on common substances that as a rule are very hard to get out. Please keep in mind all of these stain removal tips work better if the garment is tended to quickly, without the stain having time to set, and dry. Depending how bad the stain is will determine the number of times the stain treatment may have to be repeated.
1. Wine:
Treat stain promptly. Apply a mixture of laundry detergent and glycerin, sponge in, leave in for a few minutes; sponge the stain with cool water. If persists repeat.
2. Grass or foliage:
Sponge the stain with rubbing alcohol. Then rub laundry detergent into stain, rinse with cool water. Repeat until stain is gone. Then launder article.
3. Ink:
Apply lukewarm water and glycerin to the stain. Blot with paper towel. Repeat until stain is gone.
4. Paint:
Treat stain immediately. Wash garment immediately in warm water and detergent. If stain does not come out sponge stain with turpentine, then soak garment over night in hot water.
5. Perspiration:
Sponge the garment with ammonia. Wash in warm water. If stain is old, sponge with white vinegar, let sit 10 minutes launder in warm water.
6. Rust:
Moisten stain with water. Sprinkle stain with salt. Drip on fresh lemon juice. Dry in the sun. Then wash in warm water, and detergent.
7. Urine:
Sponge the stain with white vinegar. Wash in cold water and detergent.
8. Blood:
Soak article in cold water. For old blood stains sponge stain with ammonia, then wash with cold water and detergent.
9. Coffee and Tea:
Immediately wet stain with hot water, work in laundry detergent into stain. Wash in hot water.
10. Axle grease or oil:
Scrape as much of the oil off as you can, wet with hot water, rub in detergent. Wash in warm water.
11. Chewing gum:
Rub stain with an ice cube .Scrape gum off with dull kitchen knife. Wash in detergent.
12. Cosmetics and crayon:
Apply liquid soap and rub into stain. Rinse thoroughly. For last trace of stain sponge stain with a mixture of liquid soap and ammonia, then wash in warm water.
For more information on stain removal, please visit Stain Removal Recipes and Taking Care Of Your Clothes.
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