Tips to fight against stains: Lipstick, coffee...
Stains occur on thousands of clothes in thousands of homes every day. And, because these stains can really contribute to making you have a very bad day, Mademoiselle Grenade offers you today some tips to fight against this scourge and overcome the most stubborn stains.
Lipstick ? Blood ? Grass ? No matter where the stain comes from, here's how to remove it before it sets in for good.
General rules for removing a stain:
1- The longer the stain persists, the more difficult it will be to remove it.
2- Always treat a stain before washing your garment
3- sponge gently and never, unless otherwise advised, with hot water.
|
STAIN |
WHEN TO TREAT |
MACHINE WASHABLE CLOTHING |
NON-MACHINE WASHABLE CLOTHING |
|
CHOCOLATE |
As quickly as possible. |
Pre-treat with lukewarm water and a product containing enzymes. Otherwise, treat with a pre-wash stain remover. Wash. If the stain persists, wash again with a bleach recommended for the fabric. |
Using a dropper, apply diluted white vinegar to the stain then rinse it with cool water. |
|
INK |
As quickly as possible. |
Pre-treat the stain with a stain remover and wash your garment. If the stain persists, apply paper towels soaked in alcohol. Rinse properly then wash your garment. |
Apply a solution containing 1 part glycerin, 1 part dishwashing liquid, 8 parts water and a few drops of white vinegar. Leave for around thirty minutes, taking care to add a little solution from time to time to keep the fabric moist. Rinse. |
|
GRASS |
As quickly as possible. |
Pre-treat with a liquid laundry detergent or stain remover. Wash at the hottest temperature possible that your garment can tolerate. |
Using a dropper, apply diluted white vinegar to the stain then rinse it with cool water. |
|
PAINT |
Water-based paint: Rinse immediately with hot water. Oil painting: As quickly as possible. |
Water-based paint: Rinse with lukewarm water while the stain is still wet. Wash. Oil-based paint: If the paint label recommends thinner, use a solvent to remove the stain. Or try with turpentine. Rinse and wash. |
Water-based paint: Rinse the stain with warm water and blot with a diluted dishwashing liquid solution. Rinse. Oil paint: Gently remove excess paint and take your garment to the dry cleaner. |
|
LIPSTICK |
As soon as you are able to apply special treatment. |
Do not use water. Rub the stain with mineral oil for 15 minutes. blot the excess then using a clean sponge soak the stain with a solution containing 1 part ammonia to 2 parts water. Rinse thoroughly. |
Proceed in the same way as for machine washable clothing, except for wool and silk which cannot be treated with ammonia and must be dry cleaned. |
|
BLOOD |
Blot immediately with cold water, if possible. |
For fresh stains: Soak in cold water (hot water can set stains) then wash your garment. For dry stains: Soak your garment in lukewarm water with a product containing enzymes (read the label) and wash it. |
Rinse the stain with cold water. Apply diluted white vinegar to the stain with a dropper, then rinse with lukewarm water. |
|
SAUCES |
Blot immediately with cold water, if possible. |
Using a dropper, apply diluted white vinegar to the stain. Rinse the stain thoroughly with cold water. Pre-treat the stain with stain remover and machine wash. |
Using a dropper, apply diluted white vinegar to the stain then rinse it with cool water. |
|
TEA OR COFFEE |
Blot immediately with cold water, if possible. |
Soak the stain in cool water. Pre-treat the stain with a pre-wash stain remover. If your fabric supports it, wash with bleach. |
Using a dropper, apply diluted white vinegar to the stain then rinse it with cool water. |
|
SWEAT |
As quickly as possible. | Apply ammonia to fresh stains or white vinegar to older stains. Rinse. Wash at the hottest temperature possible that your garment can tolerate, or with an enzyme-based product or with a non-bleaching bleach. |
Using a dropper, apply diluted white vinegar to the stain then rinse it with cool water. |
|
RED WINE |
Blot immediately with a clean, dry cloth | Cover the stain with salt and spread the stained fabric over a bowl. Pour boiling water over the stain. If it persists, apply diluted white vinegar with a dropper and rinse with cold water. Wash your garment. |
Using a dropper, apply diluted white vinegar to the stain then rinse it with cool water. |
However, be careful when following the instructions specified on the labels...
