Stain Removal from Fabrics: Home Methods

by Margaret Smith Furry

Cold water and glycerine.—Sponge the stain with water or with a mixture of equal parts alcohol and water. Then pour glycerine on the stain and rub between the hands. Let stand for a half hour and rinse with water.

Acetic acid.—If the above treatment does not remove the stain, apply a 10-percent solution of acetic acid with a medicine dropper and let stand a few seconds. Rinse and repeat if necessary. Stop the action of the acid with baking soda or ammonia (see above) and spread the garment in the sun.

Bleaches.—The last traces of stains on white materials can sometimes be removed by bleaching. Use one of the following:

Hydrogen peroxide or sodium perborate.—Sponge lightly with hydrogen peroxide or with a mixture of 1 level teaspoon sodium perborate to 1 pint hydrogen peroxide. If this does not remove stain, cover dampened spot with powdered sodium perborate and let stand an hour. Rinse in water.

Javelle water.—For stains on uncolored cotton or linen material, dip in Javelle water for 1 minute (no longer), remove the chlorine from the cloth with a sodium thiosulfate solution, rinse well in water. (See [p. 6] for more detailed instructions.) Do not use Javelle water to remove stains from colored materials or from silk or wool.

Alkalies

Remove alkali spots at once; they may destroy not only the color but the material as well. First sponge or rinse the spot thoroughly with cold water. This generally is sufficient for mild alkalies such as washing soda and weak ammonia water. But to be on the safe side and to help restore color, apply an acid—this stops the action of the alkali. Then rinse or sponge the spot thoroughly with water. Use any of the following mild acids:

Lemon juice.—Squeeze the juice on the stain, and allow it to remain until the juice loses its bright yellow color. Sponge or rinse well with water.

Vinegar.—Sponge with vinegar; then rinse in cold water.

Acetic acid.—Apply a few drops of a 10-percent solution of acetic acid with a medicine dropper or a glass rod and remove the excess by rinsing or sponging with water.