tain removal is a necessary part of clothing care. Quick and cautious S removal keeps clothes in wearable condition longer and helps reduce clothing costs. This publication Quick ’n Easy gives questions to ask yourself before removing and explains how to re- move many stains from washable fabrics. Stain Removal What does the clothing care label say? Clothing manufacturers are required to attach a “permanent care label” to most Does fi ber content matter? runs too long. Steam pressing some- clothing to indicate the care recom- Yes. Fibers with different chemical compo- times removes heat-set wrinkles, but mended. Labels may be in the back of sition behave differently when stained and the melting temperature of the fi bers the neckline, waistline, or a back or side when treated with stain removal agents. is so close to the temperature needed seam. Check the care label to see if the Hang tags or other labels on clothing tell to iron out wrinkles that pressing fabric is washable or dry-cleanable. the fi ber content. Knowing this information must be done carefully to avoid melt- Some items helps you make better judgments about ing and creating holes. Heat shrinkage that are wash- stain removal procedures. Hang tags also may make the restored garment fi t

able cannot be may identify invisible durable press or soil differently. To prevent wrinkling in dry-cleaned. For release fi nishes that interfere with stain washable blends and permanent press example, some removal or make it easier. For example, oily clothes:

fl ocked fabrics or stains bond more fi rmly to durable press - avoid overloading the washer, as sequin trimmed fabrics than to untreated fabrics, making clothes should move freely; garments have adhesives that dissolve removal more diffi cult. Keep these points - set washer water temperature at in dry-cleaning fl uid. The care label also about fi ber content in mind when choosing warm, not hot, for the permanent may carry other warnings such as “Do stain removal procedures: press cycle; not use chlorine .” Be sure to fol- - dry clothing on the permanent press low these recommendations. ■ Acetate fabrics dissolve in fi ngernail setting; polish remover (acetone). Triacetate and - remove clothing from the dryer at the end of the cycle and do not over- What if the care label says modacrylic fabrics can be damaged by acetone or paint thinner. dry; and “dry-clean only”? - hang garments on hangers after The procedures described in this publica- ■ Acrylic, , olefi n, polyester, and drying, as temporary wrinkles usually tion do not apply to garments labeled “dry- blends of these synthetic fi bers make “relax” or fall out in a few hours. clean only.” Stains on most of these items tough, durable fabrics, but also attract cannot be removed successfully at home. oil stains. Remove oil stains promptly. If If a stained garment is labeled “dry- oil stains dry in the dryer or are ironed Table of Contents clean” or “professionally dry-clean,” into fabrics containing these fi bers or What does the clothing care label say? ...... 1 blot up the excess stain and take the fi nishes, removal is extremely diffi cult. What if the care label says “dry-clean only”? ..1 Does fi ber content matter? ...... 1 garment to the cleaners as soon as pos- If treated quickly, however, oil stains sible (within 24 to 48 hours). Can garment design affect stain removal? ...2 usually can be removed easily. Oil stains What are the most important points in appear as darkened spots or splotches stain removal? ...... 2 Tailored linens, silks, and wools often on most plain medium colors, such as What are the common stain removal must be dry-cleaned. Tell the cleaner the light blue or khaki permanent press chemicals? ...... 2 What supplies are needed for stain removal? .3 fi ber content of the clothing and the type shirts, and on bright colors, such as red Are stain removal chemicals safe? ...... 4 of stain, if you know. Suede, leather, and nylon athletic gear. fur require professional cleaning services Can similar stains be treated alike? ...... 4 What if you don’t know what the stain is? ..5 not offered by every dry-cleaner. ■ Synthetic fi ber fabrics are heat sensitive What is spot treatment or “sponging”? ...... 5 and deform, shrink, and melt at high What about more diffi cult stains? ...... 6 A label’s recommendation for dry-clean- temperatures. They can get more-or-less What about other remedies? ...... 7 Can staining problems be explained or ing usually is based on the fi ber content permanent wrinkles in the spin cycle of of the clothing, but may relate to other avoided? ...... 7 a set for a hot-water Stains in Alphabetical Order ...... 8 parts of the garment, such as interfacing, wash, or from an overcrowded dryer that

Pm-858 Reviewed April 2009 ■ Cotton, linen, lyocell, rayon, ramie, and other cellulosic fi bers are weak- What are the most important points in stain removal? ened by repeated exposure to dilute ■ Take care of stains promptly. Fresh ■ Avoid excessive rubbing unless the fab- solutions of liquid chlorine bleach. stains are much easier to remove than ric is tough and durable. Rubbing can However, bleach can be used safely those more than 24 hours old. spread the stain and damage the fi ber, on cellulosic fi bers for occasional fi nish, or color of the fabric. However, stain removal. Undiluted bleach ■ Blot up any excess liquid with a clean gentle to vigorous rubbing and agita- weakens fabrics so that they tear or white cloth or paper towel. Remove tion under running water helps re- wear out more quickly. excess solids by gentle scraping or move dried food, protein, or oil stains chipping with a dull knife or metal from shirts or jean-weight fabrics made Cellulosic fi bers can be scorched spatula. With some solids, such as of cotton or cotton/polyester blends. when the or drying tem- heavy amounts of surface mud, re- perature is too high. Scorching or moval may be easier after the stain has ■ Do not iron or press stained fabrics yellowing occurs as the fi ber begins dried. Brush off the excess before the until the stain is completely removed. to burn. Scorching is not reversible, clothing is submerged for washing. Heat sets most stains. but if the fabric is thick enough and the damage is slight, the spot may be ■ Avoid rubbing the stained area with ■ Wash heavily stained items separately. “removed.” (See page 6.) a linty terry towel or a dark-colored Soil and stains can be redeposited on cleaner clothing during laundering if, ■ Olefi ns may be damaged by perchlo- cloth. You may complicate the problem. roethylene solvent, but are resistant a) too little detergent is used, b)water to trichloroethylene and fl uorocarbon ■ Never rub a fresh stain with bar . temperature is too low, c)washing time dry-cleaning solvents. Soap sets many stains. is too long, or d) the washer is loaded with too many clothes. Never wash family ■ clothes with pesticide-soiled clothes. ■ Silk, wool, and other hair fi bers, Check for stains before wash- such as camel or cashmere, are made ing. Many stains need pretreatment. ■ of protein and dissolve in fresh liquid Avoid using hot water on stains of chlorine bleach. Dilute solutions of ■ Inspect wet laundry before drying to unknown origin. Hot water can set liquid chlorine bleach cause perma- be sure a stain has been removed. If a protein stains like milk, egg, or blood. nent yellowing and stiffening of wool stain is still evident, do not dryer dry. ■ fi bers and cause weakening and color The heat of drying makes the stain Use the water temperature recom- loss in silk. more permanent. mended on stain removal products and detergents. Hot water should be between ■ 120 and 140°F, warm water between ■ Vinyl or natural rubber fabrics Before starting on the stain, test stain or fi lms are damaged by most oil removal agents on a seam or hidden area 85 and 105°F, and cold water between solvents. Oil solvents tend to remove of the garment to be sure they do not 65 and 75°F. Water below 60°F is too the plasticizer in vinyl fi lm fabrics, affect the color or fi nish of the fabric. cold for detergents to be helpful. stiffening them.

Can garment design What are the common stain removal chemicals? affect stain removal? Yes. Many garments are designed with Common name Chemical Name dark fabrics and white trim or white Alcohol (rubbing) isopropyl fabrics and bright colored trim, such Ammonia ammonium hydroxide Mr. Clean as red piping. When these fabrics are Color remover sodium hydrosulfi te Rit, Run Away washed, colors can “run.” A white shirt Commercial stain removers* isopropyl alcohol or Easy Wash, may become streaked with pink from its other unspecifi ed ingredients Tech, Whizz red trim. If this happens, try rewashing Dry-cleaning fl uid or perchloroethylene, Aerosol Shout, the garment with a heavy-duty detergent petroleum-based trichloroethylene Spray’n Wash, in hot or warm water, then air dry. If the pretreatment solvent petroleum distillates K2R Spot Lifter staining remains, repeat the process. It Lemon juice and salt citric acid and sodium chloride is not likely that the excess from the Nail polish remover acetone trim is permanently set in the new loca- Naphtha Naphtha Energine tion; it may easily wash away. Sometimes Rust removers** hydrofl uoric acid, oxalic acid RoVer, Whink, Yellow Out, Wow bleaching helps, but bleach may fade the Photo supply acid fi xer sodium thiosulfate other colors in the garment. If the bleed- Turpentine terpene ing continues in the second wash, the White vinegar acetic acid dye is probably a fugitive type that will *Limited testing on these products has shown them to be less effective than advertised. continue to bleed with each wash. **Do not use these products with chlorine or oxygen-type bleach.

2 Even when diluted, repeated use weakens What supplies are needed for stain removal? cellulosic fi ber fabrics. Stain removal supplies are found in grocery, or local bans on phosphates have been discount, drug, general merchandise, and enacted for environmental reasons. In some Never pour full-strength liquid chlorine paint stores. Many commercially available locations, detergents containing phosphates bleach into a washload; it can fade colors stain removal products have proprietary may be available. and weaken fabrics. formulas that are protected by patent rights and not available to the public. Ingredients Companies may use the same brand name, When using a bleach treatment, a stain listed on the labels for safety purposes (e.g., ) for both non-phosphate and should come out within 15 minutes, as- can help you decide if the product will be phosphate-containing detergents. The label suming the bleach is fresh; if not, the stain useful for the stain removal task you have. usually explains the code that is imprinted will never be removed, and further bleach- There is no miracle product that removes on the box to indicate which type of prod- ing only weakens the fabric. all stains. uct it is. Sodium tri-polyphosphate also Liquid chlorine bleach has a limited shelf- ✖ may be found in some household cleaners, Absorbent materials life. Bleach more than six months old may With many stains, the fi rst step is mopping such as Spic ‘n Span. have no effect on stains and needs to be up the excess. Clean cloths and white paper replaced. Diluted fresh bleach whitens towels are useful for this and also necessary Powdered detergent : Amway, Arm & clothing in minutes. for spot treatment. White or neutral colored Hammer, Bold, Dash, Dreft, Fresh Start, Oxydol, Purex, Rinso, , Tide, Wisk, Woolite. sponges can be used. Be aware, however, Liquid detergent brands: All, Amway, Arm & To test a fabric’s colorfastness to liquid chlo- that some colored sponges or paper towels Hammer, Cheer, Dreft, Dynamo, Era, Purex rine bleach, mix one tablespoon of bleach are not colorfast and can bleed onto the Ultra, Surf, Tide, Wisk, Woolite. with 1/4 cup of water. Use an eyedropper fabric you are treating, creating a dye stain or cotton-tipped swab to put a drop of this that may be diffi cult to remove. ✖ Bleach solution on a hidden seam or pocket edge Bleach is available in liquid, gel, and pow- inside the garment. Let the garment stand ✖ Detergents dered forms. The gel formulation is new two minutes, then blot dry. If no color change Detergents help remove soils and stains. and offered as a stain removal aid. Labels occurs, it is safe to use the bleach on the Most detergents now are concentrated so caution against letting gels dry on fabrics garment. Powdered bleach packages explain that less is needed per washload than in the before laundering. directions for doing colorfastness tests. past. “Ultra” is a term used to describe very concentrated detergents. Package directions ■ Hydrogen peroxide is the mildest bleach. Liquid brands: Clorox, Hilex, Chateau. explain the amount needed, which may It also is used as a bleach for human Gel brands: Spray ’n Wash. be astonishingly small. Detergents may be hair. Brand names: Shoppers Value. fragrance-free or contain perfumes. Deter- ✖ Pretreatment products gents that contain bleach or ■ All-fabric bleach may be liquid or pow- Many products specifi cally designed for may not be as effective in stain removal der. It usually is advertised as safe for stain treatment before laundering now are and/or softening as regular detergent plus all fabrics and colors. All-fabric bleach available in stores. They come in sticks, the separate additives. works more slowly than liquid chlorine gels, squeeze bottles, pump sprays, or bleach and may contain sodium perbo- aerosol sprays. In general, these are conve- Heavy-duty liquid detergents dissolve easily rate or sodium percarbonate. Compa- nient and effective as advertised. Most are regardless of water temperature and are nies change the names, purposes, and detergent or based, rather than convenient for treating oil stains. Powdered formulation of products frequently, so solvent based. Aerosol sprays are solvent detergents may not dissolve if wash water is ® read labels carefully. For example Biz based and especially effective on old or set not warm enough. This can lead to pow- “all-fabric bleach” used to be an “enzyme oil stains. dery or dull deposits on dark clothing. presoak.” Aerosol sprays—petroleum-based solvent Most detergents contain enzymes to help Liquid brand names: Vivid, Clorox 2. brands: Clorox, Shout, Spray’n Wash. remove food stains: amylase for starch; pro- Powder brand names: Clorox 2, Biz. Gel brands: Shout, Spray ’n Wash, Wisk-Away. Pump-sprays—detergent-based brands: Clorox, tease for protein; and lipase for fats. Many Shout, Spray ’n Wash, Wisk-Away. ■ detergents also contain the cellulase en- Liquid chlorine bleach is a 5.25 percent Squeeze bottle brands: Clorox Stain Out, Shout, zyme that is designed to remove the fuzzy solution of sodium hypochlorite. It must Spray ’n Wash. surface fi bers and pills (fuzz balls) from the be diluted with water for safe use on Stain stick brands: Spray ’n Wash, Wisk-Away. surface of cellulosic fi ber and fabric blends. fabrics, but it is a much more powerful Detergent companies claim this removal sanitizer and whitener for bleach-safe ✖ Odor-reducing agents of lint-forming fi ber ends helps restore the fabrics. Never use full-strength bleach Managing odor is diffi cult. Many air surface color of the fabric. (without dilution) on fabric. Without fresheners are on the market for use in dilution, liquid chlorine bleach can dis- homes and offi ces. When airing alone is not Most detergent labels today indicate that enough, activated charcoal, calcium car- the products contain very few or no phos- Do not use bleach on silk, wool, span- bonate, or soda may reduce odors. These phates. Although phosphates in detergents dex, polyurethane foam, or rubber, or on chemicals may be helpful in treating carpets can boost cleaning power, regional and/ garments with rubber or spandex elastic. for pet urine and reducing skunk odor. 3 Can similar stains be treated alike? Are stain removal Yes. Different sources classify stains in different ways. The stain classifi cation system chemicals safe? described on these two pages puts stains in groups that require similar treatment and are Yes. Stain removal products have easiest to remove. Those requiring a combination of treatments are listed last. See pages 6 been tested and labeled for safe and 7 for stains needing special treatment. consumer use. However, they can ✖ Protein stains be dangerous if improperly used Soak in cold water; rub fabric against itself under running water to dislodge stain. Launder or stored. Some are fl ammable; in warm water with heavy-duty laundering detergent. others are toxic. Here are some Baby food Feces Pudding rules to keep in mind regarding Baby formula Gelatin Urine their use: Blood Ice cream Vomit Cheese sauce Milk White glue or Cream Mucous school paste ■ Store stain removal materials Egg Mud out of the reach of children. ■ Do not store stain removal sup- Fresh protein stains can be removed by soaking and agitating or rub- bing the stain in cold water before washing. These stains contain other ingredients besides plies with food products. protein, but protein needs treatment fi rst. If hot water is used fi rst, it cooks the protein, ■ Store cleaning and stain removal causing coagulation between the fi bers in the yarns of the fabric, making the stains more chemicals in their original con- diffi cult to remove. tainers so label directions are If protein stains are dried or old, scrape or brush off crusted matter (if any), then soak in available in case of an accident. cold water using a liquid detergent. After treating the stain, launder in warm (not hot) ■ Read all label directions and water with detergent, rinse, and inspect. If stain remains, soak an additional half-hour, then rewash. Bleach may be necessary if the stain was colored, such as with baby food beets, warnings. strawberry gelatin, or ice cream. ■ Use stain removal products ac- cording to label recommenda- ✖ Oil-based stains tions. Pretreat. Wash using heavy-duty detergent with hot water. ■ Avoid getting the chemicals on Automotive oil Cooking fats and oils Hand lotion your skin. Bacon fat Diesel fuel* Lard ■ Use dry-cleaning solvents and Butter/margarine Face cream Mayonnaise Car door grease Gasoline* Salad dressing other chemicals in a well-ven- Collar/cuff greasy rings Hair oil tilated room. Toxic fumes can cause illness. Stain-removal pretreatment products help remove oil stains. Stain sticks are convenient for ■ Do not use solvents near an collar soil. Solvent-based stain removal agents are especially effective for stains that are more than two days old or that have been set by dryer heat. If stain removal pretreatment prod- open fl ame or electrical outlet. ucts are unavailable, apply heavy-duty liquid detergent, or powdered detergent mixed with ■ Seal containers so fumes cannot water to make a runny paste, to the stain. Work the detergent into the stain. escape. After pretreatment, wash the garment in hot water (if safe for the fabric) using the recom- ■ Never mix stain removal mended amount of detergent for a regular laundry load. Rinse and inspect before drying. products together (bleach and Repeat this treatment if removal is incomplete. ammonia together form toxic *Caution: Diesel fuel and/or gasoline stains make clothing more fl ammable than normal. fumes). Most clothing is very fl ammable; when soaked with these fuels, it is even more dangerous if exposed to a fl ame or ignition source. Use detergent-based stain removers, not solvent-based ones. Air clothing thoroughly; do not place a garment in a dryer if you can still smell fuel.

✖ Tannin stains Do not use natural soap. Wash in hot water with detergent.

Alcoholic beverages Cologne Tea Beer Felt-tip water color Tomato juice Berries (cranberries, pen or washable ink raspberries, Fruit juice (apple, grape, strawberries) orange) Coffee Soft drinks

4 Fresh tannin stains usually can be removed by laundering the fabric using detergent (not What if you don’t know soap) in hot water (if safe for the fabric), without any special treatment. Natural soap (bar soap, soap fl akes, or detergents containing natural soap) makes tannin stains more diffi cult what the stain is? to remove. Old tannin stains may need bleach treatment. The stain’s odor, location, and color may give you clues. Old oil stains may smell rancid, but appear dry. Food stains are ✖ Dye stains often on the front of garments; perspiration Wash in hot water with heavy-duty detergent and bleach (if safe for the fabric). stains around collars and underarms; black grease is often on pants or skirts at car door Cherry, blueberry Grass Tempera paint latch levels. Color bleeding in wash India ink (dye transfer) Kool-Aid Stain color may be misleading. Rust-colored Felt-tip pen (permanent ink Mercurochrome stains may be tea, coffee, lemonade (caramel- may not come out) Mustard ized sugar), cosmetics containing benzoyl peroxide (which can bleach many colors to look rusty), felt marker, or many other Dye stains are diffi cult to remove. First, pretreat the stain with a things. If a heavy waxy or gummy residue heavy-duty liquid detergent, then rinse thoroughly. Soak the stained garment in a dilute is present, the stain may respond best to solution of all-fabric powdered bleach. A few highlighter (marker) stains may be removed or spot treatment with a dry-cleaning fl uid. lightened by rubbing immediately with isopropyl alcohol and fl ushing with hot water. Use the least destructive removal method fi rst. If the whole garment can be sub- If the stain persists, and the garment is white or colorfast, soak in a dilute solution of liquid merged, soak it in cold water (as for chlorine bleach and water. Be sure your bleach is fresh. Bleaching damage to colored gar- protein stains). If it cannot be submerged, ments is irreversible. To decide if a fabric can be bleached safely, use the test described on try a spot treatment technique. Next, use page 3. If the stain is not removed in 15 minutes, it cannot be removed with bleach; further liquid detergent and lukewarm or hot bleaching will only weaken the fabric. water, rinse, and air dry (as for oil stains). Caution: Since can alter the color of a fabric as well as the stain, bleach the whole If you suspect the stain is iron rust, treat garment; do not try to bleach just the stain. with rust remover before bleaching. If the stain persists, use a pretreatment spray or solvent (as for combination stains) and an ✖ Combination stains all-fabric bleach. Finally, if all-fabric bleach Use a two step treatment: (1) Remove the oily/waxy portion of the stain, then (2) remove doesn’t remove the stain and the garment the dye portion using bleach (if safe for the fabric). Combination stains contain a variety of is colorfast or white, try a dilute solution of liquid chlorine bleach. ingredients, but all usually have an oily/waxy component and a dye/pigment component. Use the procedures recommended for removing oil stains fi rst. What is spot treatment Step 1 procedure depends on whether the stain is in Group A or B, as follows. or “sponging”? Spot treatment, sometimes called “spong- ing,” confi nes the stain to a small area Group A. Spray or liner, shadow) sponge with a dry- and keeps it from spreading. You need Group B. Rub heavy- absorbent material, such as clean rags or cleaning solvent duty liquid detergent white paper towels, and a dry-cleaning (perchloroethylene, into stain before solvent, spot remover, or aerosol pretreat- trichloroethylene) or washing. ment spray. treat with a stain stick. Then rub with heavy-duty liquid detergent Follow these steps: and scrub in hot water. 1. Pad the working surface with clean rags or paper towels that can absorb stains. Ballpoint ink Floor wax Barbecue sauce 2. Place the stained area or spot on the gar- Candle wax Furniture polish Calamine lotion ment face-down over the padded surface. Carbon paper Lipstick Catsup or tomato sauce 3. Dampen a small white cloth with solvent. Carbon typewriter Livestock marker Cocoa or chocolate 4. Use the dampened cloth to pat the stain from the wrong side. Feather the edges ribbon Pine resin Face makeup (powder, rouge, foundation) of the stain working from the outside Crayon Printer ink Gravy toward the center to keep the stained Eye makeup Shoe polish Hair spray area from getting larger. (mascara, pencil, Tar 5. As the stain transfers to the absorbent material beneath the fabric, move the stain to a clean place on the absorbent When Step 1 procedures are complete, follow Step 2 to remove the dye stains using bleach. material so the stain has a clean place Try an all-fabric bleach which is less damaging to colors and fabrics. Use liquid chlorine on which to transfer. bleaches for tough dye stains on fabrics that are colorfast to bleach. 6. Repeat this procedure until all traces of stain are gone. Launder to remove any ring that might be left by the solvent. 5 Many rust-colored stains are not rust from What about more diffi cult stains? iron oxide; rust removers will not help these Stains that do not respond to the methods described on pages 4 and 5 may need special treat- stains. For example, caramelized sugar and ment. Here are some tips for diffi cult stains. benzoyl peroxide stains may be rust colored, store with clothes. Or sprinkle baking soda but are not really rust. Chewing gum: Apply ice to harden gum. directly on fabric and let stand; then shake or Crack or scrape off excess. Treat with gel, vacuum and launder. Scorch: Excess heat on cellulosic (cotton, stain stick, or aerosol pretreatment spray. linen, lyocell, ramie, rayon), wool, or synthet- Rub with heavy-duty liquid detergent. Rinse Paint—latex: Treat while wet. Soak in cold ic fi bers can damage garments permanently. with hot water. Repeat if necessary. Launder. water; wash in cool water with heavy-duty If fabric is thick and fuzzy, brush to remove detergent. After paint has dried for 6 to charring. Rub liquid detergent into scorched Deodorant: Apply liquid detergent; wash in 8 hours, removal is very diffi cult. Treat as area. Launder. If stain remains, bleach using warm water. Aluminum or zinc salt buildup combination stain. Wash in hot water. Rinse. an all-fabric bleach. Fabric will be weakened from deodorants may be impossible to remove. Repeat if necessary. permanently in the scorched area. Melted or Fingernail polish: Do not use nail polish glazed synthetic blends cannot be restored Paint—oil based: Treat while wet. Use thinner fully. remover (or acetone) on acetate, triac- recommended for paint. Use spot treatment etate, or modacrylic fabrics; nail polish technique and thinner on spots until paint is Skunk: In time, skunk odor dissipates with remover will dissolve these fabrics. Take softened and can be fl ushed away in a heavy- these fabrics to professional dry-cleaners outdoor airing. Soak in washing soda solu- duty detergent wash. Usually turpentine, tion or detergent and warm water, if clothing and identify the stain. For other fabrics, use paint thinner, or alcohol work as solvents. nail polish remover, acetone, and the spot is washable. Wash clothing in a heavy duty treatment method. Perspiration: Apply liquid detergent or soak detergent with all-fabric bleach (if colored in warm water with presoak for 15 to 30 min- fabric) or with liquid chlorine bleach (if Hog confi nement odor: Wash clothes with utes. Launder in hot water if safe for fabric. white). Or else soak clothes in a dilute solu- heavy-duty detergent and add 1/4 to 1/2 tion of ammonia. (Never mix bleach and cup household ammonia to each load. Do Pesticides: If full-strength liquid concentrate ammonia together. Toxic fumes form.) Air not mix ammonia and bleach in same wash- spills on clothes, handle only with rubber dry-cleanable clothing thoroughly, then take load; together they produce toxic fumes. Am- gloves. Discard clothing immediately. to the dry-cleaner. Dry-cleaning chemicals monia can be used on colored fabrics, but it Laundering does not remove concentrate to a should reduce odor. Commercial carpet and occasionally alters a garment’s color. safe level for reuse of clothing, even for reuse upholstery cleaning companies can treat your as rags. Launder other pesticide-contaminated home with ozone treatments that mask odor. Iodine: Iodine is removed quickly with clothing separately. If visible staining from For small spaces, activated charcoal, room sodium thiosulfate, which is sold in photo diluted spray of pesticide residues remains deodorizers, or commercial odor-masking supply stores as “acid fi xer.” If the photo after laundering, rewash using hot water, fragrances may help. supply fi xer solution contains chemicals heavy-duty detergent, and a full water level. other than sodium thiosulfate, do not use Then line dry. Read ISU Extension publica- Smoke, soot: Shake off excess soot out- it. Iodine also may be removed with some tion Family Pesticide Safety: What to Do When doors. Launder in washing machine using commercial stain removers. Clothes Are Soiled With Pesticide, Pm-1663b, heavy-duty liquid or powdered detergent as recom-mended by the manufacturer, one cup Lead pencil: Use an art gum eraser to lift for more detailed laundering instructions. of water conditioner, and 1/2 cup of all-fabric off excess, but avoid rubbing the fabric. For Rust: Commercial rust removers found in bleach. Use water temperature appropriate delicate fabrics, use spot treatment methods. grocery stores are effective and safe for most for the fabric. Air dry. Inspect for smoke odor. For most durable, washable fabrics, use a fabrics; however, rust removers that contain Repeat as necessary. Three or four washes pretreatment aerosol product, stain stick, or hydrofl uoric acid are extremely toxic and can may be needed for cottons and cotton blends. stain removal gel. Then rub in heavy-duty burn the skin and damage appliance fi nishes. If garments are excessively sooty, small pin- liquid detergent. Rinse in warm water and A solution of oxalic acid crystals in water also holes where the fabric was burned may show launder. removes rust stains, but the crystals are often after washing. Mildew: Mildew is a growing organism that diffi cult to fi nd. Urine: Rinse in cold water and launder. For must have warmth, nutrients, and moisture Lemon juice and salt are readily available and stains on mattresses, (1) sponge with cloth to survive. Mildew eats cellulosic fi bers, sometimes remove rust. Sprinkle salt on the using detergent solution, (2) rinse with cloth damaging and weakening fi bers and fabrics. stain, squeeze lemon juice on it, and spread To remove mildew, fi rst shake or brush the garment in the sun to dry. A word of using vinegar solution, (3) let air dry, and item outdoors. Pretreat darkest stains with caution: Lemon juice can bleach some colors, (4) if odor remains, sprinkle with washing heavy-duty liquid detergent. Launder in hot and many washable garments are not colorfast soda or calcium carbonate; wait one day, then water with a heavy-duty detergent. Bleach as to sunlight. vacuum. safe for fabric. Mildew attacks and destroys fi bers, so bleaching may not restore fi bers to Rust stains cannot be removed in normal Water spots: Launder. Dry-cleaning may not white. laundering. Chlorine bleach makes them per- provide the desired results on tailored rayon manent. However, you can treat an entire load suits that are water spotted. For dry-cleanable Odor: Most odors are removed by launder- of iron-stained clothing using commercial draperies, consult a professional cleaner. ing. For persistent odor problems, place cal- rust removal products. Be sure to follow label Water marks on drapes are water soluble and cium carbonate crystals, activated charcoal, directions carefully. or baking soda in an open container and cannot be removed with dry-cleaning solvents. 6 What about other remedies? Many sources of stain removal information Can staining problems be explained or avoided? exist. Some are more reliable than others. Yes. With some stains, the only success- by adding detergent to the wash water Some methods require unnecessary risk, and ful remedy is prevention. This section before clothes. Using a higher wash water some make stains worse. For example: describes some common consumer temperature may prevent this problem complaints about staining and its Dishwasher detergent: These are intended by dissolving detergent more completely. causes. for use in closed dishwashers with very hot Usually a repeat rinse and water. They are highly alkaline and can irri- spin cycle with water removes tate your skin if used for stain removal. They Greasy-looking fabric softener these streaks. also may fade colors or damage wool, silk, or splotches: Excessive use of fabric nylon fi bers. softener sheets in the dryer can deposit White streaks on blue jeans: White softener unevenly, causing greasy-look- streaks on blue jeans are probably not Hair spray on ballpoint ink: Hair spray ing, splotchy stains on silk-like poly- caused by undissolved detergent. Blue may alter color in some fabrics or leave a ester and blends of cotton/polyester jeans are often dyed with indigo dye, gummy residue and perfume, which must broadcloth. This problem is especially which is a fugitive dye that bleeds in a be removed. The alcohol in hair spray helps noticeable on medium-colored fabrics water solution. As the washer spins, the remove the oily part of the ballpoint stain. such as khaki and medium blue. Avoid edges where the fabric is folded receive this problem and control static by using more abrasion and rougher treatment, Ironing candle wax: Ironing candle wax a fabric softener that is added to the between blotting paper drives the stain deeper causing the fi bers to wear off and color fi nal rinse. Fabric softeners are highly into the fabric. This process is widely used, to escape. Turning jeans wrong side out concentrated. Dilute according to the but not recommended. It more permanently before laundering reduces white streaks sets the dye from the candle and makes it dif- label. If using fabric softener sheets, add and fades garments more evenly. To avoid fi cult for the detergent or solvent to reach the them to a cold dryer. the natural fading that accompanies use wax portion of the stain. of indigo, look for polyester/cotton jeans Odd colored or rusty looking stains that are labeled colorfast. They retain Milk on washable ink: Milk does not remove on collars, sheets and pillow cases, their dark blue color. ink and leaves an additional protein stain. bedspreads, towels, or washcloths: These stains often are caused by the Yellowing, graying, or general discolor- Salt to make colorfast: Soaking clothes benzoyl peroxide used in cosmetic ation: This condition occurs when insuf- in salt water does not improve colorfastness. products (including acne medicine). fi cient detergent is used for proper clean- If a salt water soak decreases bleeding in cot- This chemical acts as a bleach and ing, when wash water temperature is too ton, rayon, or ramie fabric, the effect will not is insoluble and hard to rinse off the be permanent and the dye will bleed again low (especially for oil stains), when too body. It can change colors of some dyes when wet unless there is salt in the solution. much detergent is used and insuffi ciently permanently. The colorfastness of synthetic fi ber fabrics or rinsed out, when synthetics are washed their blends is unaffected by salt due to the with a light-duty detergent in cold water, chemical composition of their dyes. Stiff, coarse textures and/or dull or when color is transferred from other colors in freshly laundered fabrics: non-colorfast items in the wash. Shampoo: Clear, gel-like shampoos are Nonphosphate granular detergents sometimes suggested for stain removal. They combined with hard water can leave a To refurbish discolored clothing, wash in usually do not harm fabrics and may remove residue that stiffens fabrics and makes a permanent press cycle with hot water light oil stains, but laundry detergents are less them feel harsh. Avoid the problem by and a cool-down rinse, adding a cup of expensive. Colored opaque or milky-looking using a heavy-duty liquid detergent. water conditioner instead of detergent. shampoos may stain fabrics or foam so much Stiffened clothing may be softened par- If discoloration persists, repeat this pro- that they are diffi cult to rinse out. Stain re- tially using a solution of white vinegar cedure or wash again using the correct moval gels are currently available. and water (1 cup vinegar per gallon of amount of detergent, an all-fabric bleach, water). First test clothing for colorfast- or a diluted liquid chlorine bleach if safe Stain wipes: Individual towelettes for travel- ness to vinegar on a hidden seam allow- for the fabric. ers claim to be effective on many stains and ance. This clothing also can be restored are convenient to pack. They may spread and/ by treating as for yellowing, graying, or or drive the stain deeper. Prompt followup As a last resort, treat white items with general discoloration. treatment is important. a commercial color remover (sodium hydrosulfi te). This reducing bleach must White vinegar: Vinegar (acetic acid) may White powdery streaks on dark be used carefully, as it easily fades colors weaken cotton, rayon, acetate, triacetate, clothes: Powdery streaks on dark in all fabrics. or silk fi bers and may alter color. If white clothes probably are caused by undis- vinegar is used to remove stains, test it fi rst solved detergent and/or lint. Some non- If the yellow color is on silk, wool, on a hidden seam allowance for colorfast- phosphate detergents deposit mineral or spandex, it may be caused by fi ber ness. Vinegar will not remove or set creases in residue that shows as streaks. Avoid alteration from improper use of chlorine today’s synthetic or permanent press fabrics, this problem by changing detergents or bleach; this discoloration is not removable. as is commonly believed.

7 Stains in Alphabetical Order eye makeup ...... 5 mercurochrome ...... 5 alcoholic beverages ...... 4 face cream ...... 4 mildew ...... 6 automotive oil ...... 4 face makeup ...... 5 milk ...... 4 baby food ...... 4 feces ...... 4 mucous ...... 4 baby formula ...... 4 felt-tip permanent marker ...... 5 mud ...... 4 bacon fat ...... 4 felt-tip water color marker ...... 4 mustard ...... 5 ballpoint ink ...... 5 fi ngernail polish ...... 6 odor ...... 6 barbecue sauce ...... 5 fl oor wax ...... 5 paint, latex ...... 6 beer ...... 4 foundation (makeup) ...... 5 paint, oil ...... 6 berries ...... 4 fruit juice (apple, grape, orange) ...... 4 perspiration ...... 6 blood ...... 4 furniture polish ...... 5 pesticide ...... 6 blueberry ...... 5 gasoline ...... 4 pine resin ...... 5 butter ...... 4 gelatin ...... 4 powder (makeup) ...... 5 calamine lotion ...... 5 grass ...... 5 printer ink ...... 5 candle wax ...... 5 gravy ...... 5 pudding ...... 4 car door grease ...... 4 hair oil...... 4 rouge ...... 5 carbon paper ...... 5 hair spray ...... 5 rust...... 6 carbon typewriter ribbon ...... 5 hand lotion ...... 4 salad dressing ...... 4 catsup...... 5 hog confi nement odor ...... 6 school paste ...... 4 cheese sauce ...... 4 ice cream ...... 4 scorch...... 6 cherry ...... 5 India ink ...... 5 shoe polish ...... 5 chewing gum ...... 6 ink, permanent ...... 5 skunk ...... 6 chocolate ...... 5 ink, washable ...... 4 smoke, soot ...... 6 cocoa ...... 5 iodine ...... 6 soft drinks ...... 4 coffee ...... 4 Kool-aid ...... 5 tar ...... 5 collar/cuff greasy rings ...... 4 lard...... 4 tea ...... 4 cologne...... 4 lead pencil ...... 6 tempera paint ...... 5 color bleeding in wash...... 5 lipstick ...... 5 tomato juice ...... 4 cooking fats and oils ...... 4 livestock marker (paintstick) ...... 5 tomato sauce ...... 4 crayon ...... 5 lotion ...... 5 urine ...... 4, 6 cream ...... 4 makeup ...... 5 vomit ...... 4 deodorant ...... 6 margarine ...... 4 water spots ...... 6 diesel fuel ...... 4 mascara ...... 5 white glue ...... 4 dye transfer ...... 5 mayonnaise ...... 4 egg ...... 4

No endorsement of companies or their products mentioned is intended, nor is criticism implied of . . . and justice for all The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits similar companies or their products not mentioned. discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital Reviewed in 2009 by Evelyn Beavers. Prepared by Janis Stone, former textiles and clothing exten- or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Many materials can be made available in sion specialist, Iowa State University. Reviewed by Sara Kadolph, associate professor of textiles alternative formats for ADA clients. To fi le a complaint and clothing. Special acknowledgement to Brecca Farr, textiles and clothing graduate assistant, for of discrimination, write USDA, Offi ce of Civil Rights, laboratory testing. Editing and layout by Lily Auliff, former extension communication graduate Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call 202- assistant, and Carol Ouverson, extension communication specialist. 720-5964.

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, File: Textiles and Clothing 1 Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Jack M. Payne, director, Cooperative Extension Service, Iowa State University of Science and Technology, Ames, Iowa.

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