Denatured alcohol, glycerine, and laundering.—First sponge the stain well with a liquid made of equal parts of alcohol and water. (On acetate rayon and colored materials use 1 part alcohol and 2 parts water). Next work glycerine into the cloth to help loosen the stain, and continue using as long as any color bleeds from the stain. Then wash well in soapsuds, and rinse with water to which a few drops of ammonia water have been added.
Acetic acid.—If a stain remains after the above treatment, apply 10-percent acetic acid with a medicine dropper; then rinse well in water.
Bleaches.—If the above treatments do not completely remove the stain, use a bleach.
Javelle water.—For stains on uncolored linen, cotton, or rayon, 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 on silk or wool.
Sodium perborate.—Sponge with a sodium perborate solution (4 tablespoons of the perborate in a pint of lukewarm water) or dampen the stain with water and dust the powdered sodium perborate on it. Rinse thoroughly. Always test for the effect on the color of the cloth before using bleaches.
Sodium hydrosulfite.—This color remover is available at drug stores. It may be used safely on most white materials. Follow directions on the package.
Metallic Stains
The tarnish of copper, brass, tin, and other metals often stains textiles. To remove, apply vinegar, lemon juice, or a 10-percent solution of acetic acid. Rinse well as soon as the stain has dissolved. Do not use chlorine bleaches or sodium perborate to remove these stains.
Mercury or quicksilver removes lead or solder stains from rugs or clothing. First scrape off as much of the lead as possible with a dull knife. Then pour mercury on the stain and work with a stick until the mercury absorbs the stains.