How to Get Rid of Fabric Stains
Odor EliminatorThe opposite is equally true in that you can make everything dirty without making anything clean. Scientific and philosophical ruminations aside, the two basic ways of removing fabric stains, or rather, of moving certain molecules from one resting place to another resting place, are bleaching and dissolving the stain.
The common spots and fabric stains below need not become insurmountable blots. Follow these simple tips to get rid of them completely and permanently.
General Fabric Stain Removal Tips
* Soap and water will get fabric stains out. Most fabric manufacturers recommend using a mixture of soap and water and then spreading lightly (not pouring) it over the affected area. Scrub thoroughly and then dab dry with an absorbent towel. Make sure you dry it as thoroughly as possible.
* Steam cleaning will remove fabric stains. If soap and water don't work, try renting a powerful steam cleaner with a hand-held attachment. Whatever you do, don't use harsh chemicals and make sure you do your best to dry the area you've cleaned. An absorbent powder like baking soda probably wouldn't hurt.
* Dry cleaning; reserve it only as a last resort, but it's a very viable choice for fabric stain removal.
* Keep a special spot and stain remover kit handy. The kit should contain a clean white terry cloth, a white absorbent cloth to see if the stain is coming out, dish washing detergent, disinfectant solution, household ammonia, white vinegar, dry cleaning fluid, bleach, odor eliminator, CLR, hydrogen peroxide, non-oily nail polish remover, acetone, a mop, sponges and a bucket.
You also need a spotting brush, putty knife and a scraper. You will be able to find other products that can make your job easier and work better the more you start removing spots and stains on a regular basis. You will get to use this stain removing kit on specific stains in the next column.
Specific Fabric Stain Removal Tips
* Alcohol stains need to be blotted. After blotting, use a sponge and water on the spot. Next, apply a sponge with vinegar, blot the stain again, and rinse the area thoroughly. You might need to use bleach and hydrogen peroxide if nothing else works.
* Scrape a bloodstain all you can at first. The next step is to blot it with cool water. If there is still a residual stain, blot it with ammonia and rinse well. Use hydrogen peroxide if nothing else works.
* Candle wax can be scraped off with a scraper. Then apply a clean cloth over the spot and take a warm iron to melt and absorb the wax into the cloth. Use dry cleaning fluid to pick up the remaining residue.
* Chocolate stains needs to be scraped first as well, and sponged with dry cleaning fluid. Sponge the spot with detergent solution, blot, and rinse. Use a correct bleach solution or hydrogen peroxide if nothing else takes it out. Blot coffee with detergent solution and then rinse the area. Blot it with vinegar, rinse carefully, and air dry.
* To remove ink stains, sponge them with detergent solution and then rinse thoroughly. If the stain remains, saturate it with cheap hair spray and blot the area. Or try alcohol, acetone, or non-oily nail polish remover and bleach that are safe for fabric, in that order.
* Dry brush mildew on the surface as best you can. Sponge it cautiously with disinfectant solution and blot. Sponge it next with ammonia and rinse. Attack the stain with chlorine bleach if it is safe for fabric; if not, use hydrogen peroxide.
* Mustard and ketchup stains should be scraped and blotted to remove as much as you can. Sponge these stains with detergent solution, then with vinegar or bleach, and rinse.
Remember, if bleaching is going to make the stain disappear, it is going to bring that about within fifteen minutes. Do not bleach a garment for longer than that, for it will make the fabric weak. Color removers are also available, but they tend to remove some of the color from the fabric itself as well.
Want to know more? You can read more tips on How to get rid of Fabric Stains, plus information to get rid of practically anything else that ails you - from bad breath to telemarketers to cellulite - at http://www.howtogetridofstuff.com