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Spots and Stains
There are few things in life that are more irritating than getting ready for that special date only to find your clean and neatly ironed shirt stained. What is worse is when despite repeated washes the stain won’t go. But worry no more for help is at hand now. Follow a few basic rules for stain removal and you will find it easier to get rid of them. Firstly whenever you are handling a fresh stain remember that the faster you deal with it the easier it will be to get rid of. Secondly identifying what has stained the cloth is essential to its treatment. Carrying a pre-laundry stain stick in your purse or keeping it at your work place is a good idea. Once you have washed away any food or other residue from the cloth apply the formula and follow the instructions as given on the product. A stain stick that can be applied up to a week before laundering is a good investment. Before attempting to remove a stain look at the fabric care instruction that the clothes carry. If it says dry clean only then either send it out to the cleaners or use a spot remover that is also meant to be used on such fabrics.
Before you put your dirty laundry into the washing machine, check for stains. Use a pre laundry stain removal formula that contains natural solvents and emulsifiers to break down stains in all types of water and temperatures. A stain removal spray is a convenient option too. Also while selecting a stain remover look for one that works on all types of synthetic and natural colorfast fabrics. For stains on rugs and upholstery use a spot remover that is formulated for dry cleanable fabrics. Always use a biodegradable and phosphate free detergent for your laundry that clears up the toughest dirt and stains and whitens your whites and brightens colors. From lipstick to shoe polish, an all purpose spot and stain cleaner is useful for cleaning all types of stains.
Keep a stain removal chart in your laundry room that guides you through the cleaning of some of the most common stains. These would include the following:
· Blood stains should be immediately washed off with cold water, and then a liquid laundry detergent applied and allowed to soak in cold water. Never use warm or hot water on blood stains as this will set the stain. Use a stain removal spray and follow as per the instructions. Never put a stained garment into the dryer as it will set the stain permanently.
· Treat grass stains with your pre-laundry stain removal liquid or spray, and let it set for a minimum of six hours and then wash the garment as usual. After it is washed check to ensure that the stain has vanished, if not then repeat the process.
· For grease stains use warm or hot water which helps break it up. Apply a stain remover and allow to set for a while and then wash with a strong phosphate free detergent.
· Coffee and tea stains respond well to pre-laundry stain removers that should be applied for the time indicated in the instructions and then washed well. As always check to see that the stain is gone before putting the fabric in the dryer.
· Tomato stains are a little difficult to remove; for a while the fabric should be soaked in club soda, that counteracts the acid from the sauce, and then rinsed well. Then apply a stain removal spray or liquid and wash in warm water. If the stain persists, repeat process.
· A red wine stain should be washed immediately even if it means using the liquid soap from the wash room. Then treat with club soda, wash and apply the stain remover. Wash and repeat process if required till the stain is taken care of.
· For burn or scorch marks loosen the carbon particles with a brush and then wash with a detergent and color safe bleach.
· Deodorant stains on the underarms of shirts can be avoided by allowing the deodorant to dry before drying. If you have such a stain first apply a stain remover or liquid detergent on the effected area and allow to set for fifteen odd minutes then wash in hot water. If the stain remains try sponging on white vinegar and leave on for thirty minutes, then wash with hot water.
· For a soiled shirt collar use a bit of hair shampoo to clean it and then launder. (Shampoo is made to dissolve body oils.)
For stains that are created while washing, i.e. when clothes get stained from one that is giving out color, first of all don’t let the clothes dry wash them again with a good detergent and a color-safe bleach. If they are still stained try using a color remover. To prevent bleeding in the first place dissolve add salt to cold water and wash the garment in it.
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