CLOTHING CARE

Keeping clothing “neat and comely” can be a constant challenge. Just remember to read the care label on each article of clothing and keep whites, darks, and colors separated when you wash.

Try to keep away from purchasing “dry-clean only” items as this increases the price of the clothing article every time you clean it.

GENERAL METHODS OF STAIN REMOVAL

Always remember to treat stains as soon as they happen. If a stained article of clothing slips
past your notice, the heat of the dryer may set the stain permanently. Try these economical
methods of stain removal before you go out and buy the more expensive cleaners.


STAIN....... METHOD OF REMOVAL

BLOOD: Treat spot with hydrogen peroxide. After foaming has stopped soak in cold water for 30 minutes. Wring out garment and apply laundry detergent to spot and rub in. Launder as usual. Warning- when removing blood from colored fabrics, make sure it is colorfast by applying peroxide to an area that cannot be seen. If the peroxide doesn't bleach out the color then it is safe to use on blood stain.

CATSUP/TOMATO: Soak in cold water and treat spot with Dawn dish soap. Wash.
SAUCE

CHOCOLATE: Wash stain in warm, sudsy water with a few drops of ammonia rubbed in. Rinse.

CRAYON: Loosen stain with small amount of shortening. Apply detergent on stain, working until outline of stain is removed. Launder as usual.

GRASS: Rub detergent or Enzyme detergent into stain. Wash with bleach safe for fabric.

GREASE, OIL : Treat spot with paint thinner. Rub detergent into spot and wash.

GUM: Harden gum with an ice-cube. Scrape off as much as possible with a dull knife. Dab a few drops of Orange essential oil on residue spot until remaining gum is loosened and blot with paper towel. Wash as usual.

INK : Spray spot with hairspray or alcohol. Blot with paper towel until ink is gone. Launder as usual.

MILDEW: Pretreat stain with hydrogen peroxide. Rinse and then wash with bleach safe for fabric.

MUD: Allow to dry. Brush off dirt. Pretreat with liquid laundry detergent and wash as usual.

NAIL POLISH: Do not use nail polish remover! Treat spot with a solution of equal parts of alcohol and ammonia. Scrub and wash as usual.

PAINT: Work quickly before paint is dry. Most paints today are acrylic and water based, so quickly scrub spot with soap and water. If paint is still there, scrub spot with paint thinner, pre-soak with laundry detergent and wash.

RUST: Apply lemon juice and salt and place in the sun. Keep area wet with lemon juice until rust stain disappears. Launder.

YELLOWING: (For white fabrics only)
1/4 cup dishwasher detergent
½ cup bleach
1/4 cup soda
Dissolve and agitate in hot water. Add whites and soak for 1-8 hours. Drain and wash as usual. *This method is great for getting formula stains out of baby tee shirts and for getting the pink out of whites that accidentally got a red sock in them!