Stain Removal Tips from Duvall Main St. Laundry and Snohomish Ave. D Laundry

Stain Removal Tips from Duvall Main Street Laundry

General tips

Treat while fresh
Treat before washing or drying. Hot water or drying will typically set a stain
Try a spot treater like "Shout" or "Spray and Wash"
For heavily soiled items, wash in cold water, treat, and then rewash
Always check for color-fastness on an inconspicuous spot when applying treatments.

Type of Stain	Removal Tip
How do I remove blood stains?	For fresh stains... Soak in cold water Apply hydrogen peroxide (test a small patch of fabric first) Blot Do not use hot water, it will set the stain For set stains... Soak with cold water Apply lemon, salt, or meat tenderizer Rinse.. Treat with hydrogen peroxide.
How do I remove sweat or perspiration stains?	Try one or more of the following remedies Rinse in white vinegar (do not mix vinegar and bleach). Treat with ammonia (again, make sure not to mix with chlorine bleach).
How do I remove ring around the collar?	Try one or more of the following remedies Treat with shampoo, particular one for oily hair (ring around the collar is typically a mix of hair and body oils, not just sweat). Rub with white chalk (helps soak up oils). Treat with Goop, GoJo or other hand cleaner made for oily hands.
How do I remove juices and alcohol?	Fruit juice, soft drinks, and other beverages, including alcohol, will turn brown with age or heat, due to the sugers carmelizing. They must be treated immediately. Try one or more of the following remedies: Soak garment in cold water which has a few tablespoons of glycerine added. Glycerine is available from most drug stores. Rinse with a mixture of white vinegar and water. For red wine stains: Sprinkle with salt and immerse in cold water and rub out stain.
How do I remove grease?	Try one or more of the following remedies Sponge club soda onto the stain for double-knit fabrics. For suede, sponge grease out with club soda
How do I remove rust stains?	Try one or more of the following remedies Apply lemon juice and salt to the stain, and place in the sun. For whites, cover in cream of tartar and dipping in hot water. Apply commercial rust remover such as Barkeeper's Friend or Winks.
How do I remove tar?	Try the following: Rub spot with kerosene and launder as normal
How do I brighten dingy socks and underwear?	Try the following: Soak in boiling hot water with slices of lemon for an hour, then launder.
How do I remove chewing gum?	Try one of the following: Place the garment in a plastic bag and place in the freezer. Remove the garment after it has set for several hours. Scrape off the frozen gum with a dull knife, treat with stain remover, and launder. Loosen the gum by soaking the garment in white vinegar. Rub the area with egg whites.