Stain Removal from Fabrics: Home Methods

home methods
FARMERS’ BULLETIN NO. 1474 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
TREAT THE STAIN while it is fresh. KNOW YOUR CLOTH —What is it made of? Does it wash well? WORK CAREFULLY but quickly. TRY SIMPLE METHODS FIRST . For a nongreasy stain, sponge with cold water. For a greasy stain, try carbon tetrachloride. AVOID HOT WATER on an unknown stain. Hot water sets many stains. TEST FOR COLOR CHANGE on a sample of the cloth before using any stain remover. USE REMOVERS SPARINGLY. Many brief applications are better than one long one. USE LIGHT, BRUSHING MOTIONS —never rub a remover into the stain. NEUTRALIZE acids with alkalies; alkalies with acids. RINSE WELL —never let a chemical dry on the cloth. SPREAD a liquid remover unevenly into the cloth around the stain. DRY RAPIDLY to help prevent rings.
Washington, D. C.
Revised September 1942
Slightly revised April 1951
by MARGARET S. FURRY, Assistant Textile Chemist
Off with stains! Keep clothes and home fabrics spotlessly clean. It is smart and thrifty to take best care of your clothing and household fabrics so they will look well and last as long as possible.
Many stained and spotted articles are needlessly thrown away each year. Many others are needlessly ruined by unsuccessful attempts to remove stains. It is possible to remove practically any stain at home by following a few simple rules. To take proper care of your fabrics, you will find it worthwhile to learn enough of the “know-how” skill so that you can do a good job.
One of the most important rules is to remove the stain promptly. Stains that become old usually require a remover so strong that it sometimes injures the cloth.
Another important rule is to select a remover that will not harm the cloth. If you can find out what caused the stain, this also will guide you in choosing the remover best suited for the job.
Work carefully, patiently, quickly. Often the way in which cleaning is done is as important as the kind of cleaning materials used, in getting good final results.