November 28, 2007

HOW TO HANDLE COMMON HOLIDAY STAINS  

Spills and stains often accompany holiday tinsel and merriment. These tips will help you successfully handle every drip and drizzle of the upcoming season.

• To remove candle wax from fabrics that can be laundered, use a dull knife to scrap off the excess; then put the stain between paper towels and press with a warm iron from the back of the fabric to transfer wax to the paper towels. Repeat this process, frequently changing paper towels, until they no longer absorb wax. Next, put the stain face down on clean towels and sponge with a pre-wash stain remover or commercial cleaner. Blot the treated area with paper towels and let it air dry before laundering. If stains remain, wash the fabric again using bleach on the care label directions.

The faster you treat a wax stain, the more likely you can completely remove it, because some waxes contain dyes that can permanently stain a fabric.

• You also can remove lipstick by carefully scraping the fabric stain with a dull knife or credit card to remove excess makeup. Then treat with a detergent or commercial dry-cleaning solvent. Wash according to fabric care instructions and let it air dry.
   
• Rinse wine stains in cold water to dilute them. Submerge the stain in liquid detergent for 30 minutes and then launder in the hottest water safe for the fabric and color. Air dry the fabric and repeat this process if necessary. You also can use this procedure to eliminate milk or other dairy products. Promptly treat for best results.
   
• To remove coffee, tea or carbonated beverages, promptly sponge or rinse the stain in cold water. Pre-treat the stain with liquid laundry detergent and wash with chlorine or color-safe bleach in the hottest water safe for the fabric.
   
• Dampen perspiration stains on clothing with warm water and rub the area with bar soap. Launder it using the type bleach and water temperature the care label states are safe for the fabric. If perspiration has changed the color of the fabric, apply ammonia to recent stains, or vinegar to old stains and then rinse. Launder in the hottest water temperature safe for the fabric. In some cases, perspiration may have damaged fibers and the stains cannot be removed.

Since it is easier to remove fresh stains than old ones, check your clothing and accessories when you return home from an event. Try to determine what the stain is. Read and follow the care label instructions being sure to use products formulated for stain removal. Always inspect items to be sure the stain is completely removed before ironing or putting them in a dryer because heat could permanently bake it in.

Remember to be patient, because it might take several attempts to completely remove a stain.

If you take clothing to the dry cleaner, point out the stain location and its source such as red wine if you know it.

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