
21
A guide to stain removal
Treat stains as soon as possible. The longer they are left the harder they
are to remove. The following information may assist you in stain removal.
Note: Some chemicals referred to are only available from chemists.
White cotton and Linens Washable Coloured Fabrics
BALL POINT PEN INK Sponge with methylated spirit. Same as for whites but omit bleach.
Bleach if necessary.
BLOOD, MEAT JUICE, EGG Cover area with meat tenderiser Same as for whites but select water
(dry stain) (MSG). Apply warm water to make temperature suitable to fabric.
a paste. Wait 15–30 minutes. Sponge Use oxygen bleach.
with cool water or with diluted bleach.
BLOOD, MEAT JUICE, EGG Rinse in cold water. If stain remains Same as for whites but select water
(fresh stain) sprinkle with meat tenderiser (MSG). temperature suitable to fabric.
Let stand 15 to 20 minutes. If stain Use oxygen bleach.
still remains, then sponge with
diluted bleach. Launder in hot water.
CANDLE WAX Scrape off excess, place stain between Same as for whites — use oxygen
clean white blotter or several layers type bleach.
of facial tissue. Sponge with dry
cleaning fluid. If spot remains, bleach.
CHEWING GUM Rub with ice to harden. Scrape off Same as for whites.
excess with dull knife. Sponge
with dry cleaning fluid.
CHOCOLATE Soak in warm water with pre-soak Soak in warm water with pre-soak
product, and wash in lukewarm or detergent solution. Bleach remaining
water. Use solvent to remove any stain.
grease spots.
COFFEE / TEA Rinse or soak in cold water. Work Same method — use oxygen type bleach.
(milk or cream) detergent into stain. Thoroughly
rinse and dry. If a stain remains,
sponge with dry cleaning fluid. If
stain remains, bleach.
COFFEE / TEA (black) Pour boiling water through stain. Soak or rinse in cold water or sponge
FRUIT JUICE, WINE Bleach if necessary. with warm water and detergent. Use
oxygen type bleach.
FAT, GREASE, OIL Sponge with safe home dry Same as for whites.
cleaning fluid (White Spirits).
FRUIT Sponge with warm water and wash. Pour boiling water through stain. Bleach
Bleach remaining stain with oxygen remaining stain.
bleach.
GRASS, GREEN Sponge with methylated spirit. Same as for Whites. Check colourfastness
VEGETABLES Wash in warm suds. before applying methylated spirit. For
acetate, sponge with dry cleaning fluid.
ICE CREAM, CREAM MILK Rinse or soak in cold water and Same as for whites.
launder. If ice cream contains fruit
or chocolate treat stains as such.
IODINE Wash in hot suds Wash in warm suds.
IRON RUST Apply oxalic acid and place in sun. Apply lemon juice and place in sun.
LIPSTICK Rub with lard and wash in hot suds. Rub with lard and wash in warm suds.
Bleach if necessary.
MILDEW Wash in hot suds. Moisten with lemon Same as for whites but select water
juice and let dry in sun. If stain persists, temperature suitable to fabric.
bleach. Old stains are hard to remove.
MUSTARD Wash in hot suds and bleach. Same as for whites but use water
temperature to suit fabric.
NAIL POLISH Sponge with acetone, dry cleaning fluid Sponge with dry cleaning remover.
or nail polish remover.
Bleach to remove dye.
PAINT Scrape off fresh paint. Soften dry paint Same as for whites.
(oil based) with lard or oil, then sponge with
turpentine (turps).
RED WINE Rub salt into the stain. Pour boiling Same as for whites.
water through stain. Bleach if necessary.
SCORCH Moisten and place in sunlight. Usually a permanent stain. Brush wools
Bleach if necessary. lightly with sandpaper.