Removing Stains from ClothingHouse Cleaning Tips

Messes happen and our clothes can sometimes take the brunt of the spill, causing stains you might think you won’t be able to get out.

But with a little effort, all may not be lost, your washable clothes can come clean and many of the stain removers - you probably have them somewhere in the house already.

Blotting and Scooping Up Spills

Before using any stain removal method, we need to get up the excess spill – if that is the type of stain you’re dealing with.

If the stain is a liquid stain, blot up as much as you can with some absorbent material. Do not rub the area as this will cause the stain to spread and we don’t want that. Place something under the area to avoid it spreading to a clean area of fabric.

If the spill is a blob of jelly, ketchup, etc. then scoop up as much as you can first before using a stain remover.

Dawn Dishsoap to the Rescue

If you have a greasy stain, oily stain or lipstick stain, reach for Dawn dishwashing liquid. It’s an excellent stain remover. Just put a dab on the stain and rub it between your fingers, let sit 5 minutes or so and rinse in cool water. Repeat if necessary, wash as usual and don’t put the garment in the dryer until you are positive the stain is gone.

Using Rubbing Alcohol for Grass Stains

I love working in my backyard and grass stains happen. If you or the kids come in with a grass stain, try using rubbing alcohol, it can work wonders to remove the green pigment grass leaves behind.

Apply rubbing alcohol to the grass stain and use your fingernail or an old toothbrush to work it in and pull out the stain. Put something behind the stain so it doesn’t transfer to another area of the garment. After a few minutes, rinse with cool water.

There may be some of the grass stain left so repeat the process again. You can also try using a liquid dish detergent.

Removing a Jelly Stain

What kid hasn’t gotten a jelly stain on themselves or the tablecloth? Heck, I still slop when eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

First, if necessary, scoop up any excess jelly then flush the stain with cool water. In a squeeze bottle (I buy 16-ounce squeeze bottles just for uses like this) combine two cups water, two teaspoons white vinegar, and a half teaspoon oxygenated laundry detergent and give just a little shake to mix ingredients.

Put something like a dish towel under the stain and soak the stained area with the mixture, let the solution sit on the stain for at least 15 – 20 minutes. Repeat if necessary then wash in cold water.

Soaking Stained Clothing

Sometimes a good soaking is all that is necessary to remove certain stains. For some stains, it may not remove 100 percent of the stain but soaking is a good place to start prior to using a stain removal treatment. Always use cold or cool water. Hot water can further set the stain in.

This method can work on blood stains, coffee or tea stains, can help with a wine stain, mustard, etc. Thoroughly rinse the stain then soak the stain in a cold-water bath for at least 30 minutes. If the item is heavily soiled try soaking for 60 minutes.

It may also help by adding a product such as 20 Mule Team Borax or OxiClean. Read the instructions for use.

These are just some of the ways you can remove stains from clothing, so before you think the impossible and toss the clothes out, think again and give a stain removal treatment a try.

from Mrs. Clean's House Cleaning Tips http://ift.tt/2gtBE3T Removing Stains from ClothingHouse Cleaning Tips