By Staff
Here are some stain removal tips for washable fabrics to help you get off to a stain-free year. Remember, removal methods may vary depending on the fiber content of the fabric and the type of stain. Be sure to clip and save this chart for later use.
Alcohol Beverages – Caution: Treat immediately, as alcohol may remove fabric dye. Sponge stain promptly with cool water to dilute stain. Soak up to 30 minutes in detergent, weighted with a towel to keep submerged. Launder in hottest water safe for fabric and color. Air-dry and repeat if necessary.
Candle wax -Scrape off excess wax with a dull side of a table knife. Place stain between paper towels. Press with warm iron from back of fabric. Then, place stain face down on clean paper towels and sponge with a dry-cleaning solvent. Rotate towels as it picks up stain. Sponge back of stained area with a non-flammable dry-cleaning solvent. Let dry. If stain remains, soak in an enzyme pre-soak product or oxygen. Launder as usual.
Chocolate candy – Pre-treat with a liquid laundry detergent containing enzymes. Difficult stains may require using bleach safe for the garment.
Coffee, tea or soda pop- To remove coffee, tea or soda pop, sponge or rinse stain promptly in cold water. Pre-treat with liquid laundry detergent, launder using bleach (chlorine or color-safe) and hottest water safe for fabric
Fruit – Rinse in cold water to dilute stain. Soak up to 30 Minutes in detergent, weighted with a towel to keep submerged. Launder in warm water. Air-dry and repeat if necessary
Grease – To remove grease or cooking oil, use a dry-cleaning solvent or pre-treat with a laundry product by rubbing into stain until saturated. Wash in warm to hot water. Air-dry and repeat if necessary.
Lipstick – To remove lipstick, scrape fabric stain with a dull knife. Pre-treat with a dish detergent or stain removal treatment, (ex. Shout) or use a dry-cleaning solvent. Wash in warm water. Air dry.