• Once a stain has gone through the dryer, the chances of removal are generally greatly diminished.

• Chemicals are harmful. Use any solvents and cleaning fluids in well ventilated areas. They may be harmful to skin. Some may destroy natural fibers or collulosic fibers. Be sure to test on a seam allowance. Make sure they are well labeled and out of children's reach.

• Enzyme Presoaks are often referred to as "bleaches". Some are very harmful to natural fibers. Do not soak for long periods of time without testing. They must be completely dissolved or they will leave white spots on fabric.

To Facilitate Stain Removal:

1. Check the garment labels for fiber content and to determine if the garment is washable or dry cleanable.

2. Blot any excess substance causing the stain when it happens.

3. Promptness is very important. Aging, heat, and laundering before pretreatment can permanently set some stains.

4. If you have determined the article should be dry cleaned, be sure to inform the profession cleaner what the stain is. For example, grease stains sometimes have iron in them from the cooking utensil and may need extra treatment. Also see alcohol below.

5. Repeating the procedure or soaking overnight is often necessary. Soaking for long periods may cause possible dye shifting in silks and dark or bright colored garments.

6. When removing stains, use a weak solution of the chosen product first and test it. Rinse well, several times if necessary, to be assured all traces of the solution are removed.

7. Do not mix chemicals. Chlorine and ammonia will form toxic gases if mixed. Follow directions on labels of all commercial products. Have respect for chemicals.

8. It is best to work a stain out from the opposite side or underside. This means apply the stain remover from the underside as well.

9. Cold water as a stain remover will not set the stain. However, it might damage some fancy delicate fabrics.

10. Stain removal can be impossible on some stains, especially chemical stains that are caused by substances like furniture polish, bleaches, fertilizers, medications, comestics, dyes, etc. This is because many foods contain dyes or retain chemicals fro processing. Today's fabrics are more complex and many synthetic fabrics have chemical finishes.

11. Many stains are difficult to remove. Do not expect an instant miracle. Time can be your friend. Repeating the procedure may be necessary.

Common Holiday Stains:

Alcohol and Wine - These substances contain sugar and if not completely removed, can show up as a stain up to six months later when the sugar crystalizes. Sponge with cool water. Soak in enzyme presoak product or solution of 1 quart cool water, 1 tablespoon vinegar. If stain remains, sponge with rubbing alcohol or detergent. launder in hottest water safe for fabric. If the fabric is dry-cleanable, be sure to tell the professional dry cleaner the stain contains alcohol so the proper methods are used to prevent reoccurance later in the form of a red or brown stain.

Butter and Grease - Apply a prewash soil and stain remover or grease remover. Work a laundry detergent into the stain. For stubborn stains use liquid detergent, a laundry booster, or cleaning fluid and work out from the underside of the stain. Rinse and air dry. Do not use the dryer until all the stain is removed. Launder in hottest water safe for that fabric. Before drying, inspect, and repeat the treatment and washing if the stain persists.

Candle Wax and Crayons - Two problems exist, first the wax and second the dye. Remove surface wax with a dull knife. Place the stain between two pieces of blotting fabric, paper, or a brown paper bag. Press with a warm iron. Replace paper or bag frequently to absorb more wax and to prevent transferring the stain. If traces of color remain, wash again using chlorine bleach, if appropriate for fabric, or machine wash with soap (not detergent) and 1 cup baking soda in hottest water safe for fabric. You may also try dry-cleaning fluid and paper towels to blot the stain. Let dry, then launder. Do not put article in the dryer until all the stain is removed.

Chocolate - Rinse the fresh stain with cool water. Treat the stain with a prewash spray or pretreat with a product containing enzymes. Wait for at least 30 minutes. Wash as usual. Rinse with the hottest water safe for the fabric.

Coffee and Tea - Soak in cool water, work in 1 teaspoon liquid detergent and 1 tablespoon vinegar. If stain remains, soak in enzyme product for 30 minutes and relaunder. Launder with bleach that is safe for the fabric. Do not use soap (bar, flake, etc.), since soap could make stain permanent or difficult to remove. If coffee or tea contains cream, you may need to use cleaning fluid and launder with detergent after flushing and soaking in cool water.

Cranberries - Soak in cool water for 30 minutes or overnight. Work in detergent. Soak in enzyme product if safe for fabric. A second option is to force extremely hot water through the stain from arm's length above by putting the stain over a bowl in the sink and pouring water through it. Launder in hottest water safe for the fabric. To remove old stains may require washing with bleach that is safe for the fabric.

Eggs and Eggnog - Rinse the fresh stain in cold water. Apply an enzyme paste or oxygen bleach and soak for 30 minutes in warm water. Launder in warm water . Use only enzyme presoak paste or detergent for eggs. Option 2: soak for 15 minutes in warm water and liquid hand dishwashing detergent and 1 tablespoon ammonia. Do not use hot water, it can set protein. Rinse after some careful agitation.

Gravy - This presents two problems, the grease and the protein from blood. Saturate area with pretreatment laundry stain remover product containing enzymes. Wait for a minute and launder. If stain remains, use an aerosol pretreatment product or cleaning fluid. Wash with detergent in the hottest water safe for fabric.

Hot Chocolate - Rinse with cool water. Treat the stain with a prewash spray or pretreat with a product containing enzymes (aerosol types work better on greasy stains). For stubborn stains, rub with a heavy-duty liquid detergent. Launder as usual.

Milk and Cream - Fresh stains should be soaked in lukewarm water before washing. If the stain is dried or old, scrape off excess material. Soak in mixture of lukewarm water, 1/2 teaspoon liquid hand dishwashing detergent, and 1 tablespoon ammonia. Launder in warm (not hot) water. Hot water can permanently set protein. If stain remains soak with enzyme product and wait 30 minutes and rewash.

Pine Resin and Sap - Treat the stain with cleaning solvent or aerosol pretreatment stain remover. Air dry and launder using detergent. If stains remain, repeat the process or take to a reputable dry cleaner.

Turkey Fat and Juices - Rinse fresh stains in cool water. Saturate area with aerosol pretreatment laundry stain remover. Wait for a minute and launder with detergent. If stain remains, use a cleaning fluid. Wash in the hottest water safe for fabric.

Lessie Tompkins is Program Coordinator for the CTAs. Contact Lessie 253-798-3255 for more information.

Contact us: 253-798-7180| Accessibility | Copyright | Policies
Address: 3049 South 36th, Suite 300 Tacoma, WA 98409 | Driving Directions

Cooperating agencies: Washington State University, U.S Department of Agriculture, and Pierce County. Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office.