The Three P’s of Stain Removal

Most stains can eventually be removed by following these procedures. However, some stains are stubborn and may only be lightened.

• Promptness – Treat stains as quickly as possible before laundering. Age and washing prior to retreating can set some stains.

• Patience – If the garment is worth saving, it’s worth extra effort and time to follow stain removal procedures.

• Persistence – Because some stains are difficult to remove, it may be necessary to repeat a procedure several times.

Getting Started - Successful Stain Removal

Safety First

• Any material which has been used with cleaning solvents – or is saturated with flammable liquids, solids, vegetable oil or animal fats – should not be placed in the washer or dryer until all traces of the stain and fumes have been removed. These highly flammable stains can cause fires when the residue coexists with heat generated in the laundering process.

• Do not mix or combine stain removal products, especially ammonia and chlorine bleach; noxious fumes may result.

• Read instructions on all stain removal products and keep them out of children’s reach.

Successful Stain Removal

The following procedures apply only to washable items, not items that are to be drycleaned.

• Some stains are not easily seen when the fabric is wet. Air dry items to be sure that the stain has been removed. Machine drying might set the stain permanently.

• Work on stains from the reverse side to prevent them from spreading.

Soaking

Soaking garments with either laundry detergent or a special presoak product (Biz, Clorox 2 or Snowy*) will aid stain removal. Soak protein stains (blood, grass or egg) in cold water. Soak oily stains in warm water. 30 minutes or less should be sufficient.

Pretreating

Use a liquid laundry detergent, a paste of granular detergent and water or a special pretreat product (Clorox Spray Out, Spray & Wash or Shout*). Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Bleach

1. Chlorine – Identify by the word “hypochlorite.” This type of bleach may be used on all fabrics except silk, wool, spandex, polyester, nylon, and noncolorfast fabrics. Follow manufacturer’s instructions.

2. Nonchlorine – Identify by the words “all-fabric.” This type of bleach may be used on all fabrics and colors. Follow the instructions on the label. To achieve maximum effectiveness, use regularly in warm or hot water with an extended soak or wash time.

Detergent

Granular detergents work best on mud and clay types of soil and are more effective in hard water. Liquids are good for cold water washing, pre-treating and removing greasy, oily stains. Some detergents contain enzymes or bleach to provide additional stain removal benefits (this will be indicated on the label).