The Basics:
1. Treat the stain as soon as possible. The longer it remains, the harder it will be to remove.
2. Treat the stain before laundering.
3. Blot gently, and remember that hot water may set some stains (especially protein stains). Always start with cold water.
4. Test your stain removal procedure first on a small, hidden area of the garment.
5. Check to be sure stain is gone before putting garment in clothes dryer.
6.? Remember that some stains cannot be removed, but here are some proven methods to try. Good luck!
Blood:
Immediately soak in cold water. Rub detergent into stain. If stain persists, a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution may be used (test in inconspicuous part of garment first).
Candle Wax:
Rub with ice and scrape off excess wax. Place paper towels on either side of the wax and apply a warm iron, moving the towels around as the stain soaks into the towels. Then place stain face side down on clean paper towel and apply rubbing alcohol (if safe for the fabric). Allow to dry, then launder.
Cheese:
Rinse with cold water. Soak with an enzyme solution. If the stain persists, use stain remover such as Spray n?Wash, then launder.
Chewing Gum:
Rub with ice and scrape off excess. Place face down on paper towels and sponge with a stain remover and launder.
Chocolate:
Rinse with cold water. Rub detergent into stain and continue soaking in cold water. If necessary, follow up with a stain remover and wash with the hottest water the fabric can withstand.
Coffee or Tea:
Soak in cold water. Rub detergent into stain and rinse. If stain remains, use a pre-treat product and wash in hottest water the fabric can withstand.
Crayon:
Treat the same as candle wax. If stain persists, dry cleaning may be necessary. Crayon marks on walls may some times be removed with hairspray.
Egg:
If dried, scrape off excess. Soak in cold water. Rub detergent into damp stain and, if safe for fabric, wash in hot water and chlorine bleach.
Grass:
Place stain face down on paper towel and sponge with rubbing alcohol (if safe for fabric). Rinse. Apply stain remover and launder. If safe for fabric you may launder in hot water and chlorine bleach.
Grease:
Cover with talc or baby powder immediately and wait at least 30 minutes. Brush off the powder, apply a stain remover and launder with the hottest water the fabric can tolerate.
Ink:
Place clothing stain-side down on paper towel or absorbent cloth. Blot with rubbing alcohol. As stain transfers to the paper towel or absorbent cloth, move remaining stain to new, clean section. Rinse thoroughly. Next, you can try applying baking soda and water to the stain. Rinse thoroughly. Some ink is impossible to remove.
Lipstick:
Blot with a washcloth dampened with rubbing alcohol or with a baby wipe. Then launder.
Mildew:
Wash in chlorine bleach (if fabric can withstand) or soak in an all fabric bleach, then wash.
Milk:
Soak in cold water. Wash the garment in hot water and chlorine bleach (if safe for fabric). Apply a stain remover if stain persists. Launder again.
Mud:
Let dry. Scrape off excess. Soak in solution of one quart of warm water, half teaspoon liquid hand dishwashing detergent and one tablespoon vinegar for 15 minutes. Rinse. Wash in hot or warm water with enzyme product.
Mustard:
Rinse with cold water. Rub dampened stain with bar soap. Apply a stain remover. Wash in hot water and chlorine bleach (if safe for fabric).
Nail Polish:
If garment is not Acetate or Arnel, place stain face down on paper towel and blot with non-oily fingernail polish remover. Launder.
Perspiration:
Rub dampened stain with detergent. Wash in hot water and chlorine bleach (if safe for fabric). If the fabric is discolored, ammonia may restore color to fresh stains. Vinegar may restore color to old stains.
Rust:
Apply lemon juice or mild bleach solution (if fabric can handle). Launder as usual.
Urine:
Rinse with cold water. Soak with an enzyme soaking product. Wash in hot water and chlorine bleach (if safe for fabric). Ammonia may be used to help restore color loss.
Vomit:
Soak in solution of one quart warm water, half teaspoon of liquid hand dishwashing solution, and one tablespoon ammonia (if safe for fabric). After 15 minutes, use sponge to loosen stain. Blot with toweling. Wash in hot water (if safe for fabric) with an enzyme product.
Wine:
Treat immediately with a good sprinkling of salt. Then soak in cold water or club soda. Rub stain with detergent and let stand several minutes. Apply stain remover and launder.