Soap
Ironing material from which the soap has not been well rinsed may cause a stain much like iron rust. Washing with soap and water usually removes it. Be sure to rinse well. Bleaching in the sun afterwards is sometimes helpful.
Soot and Smoke
Absorbents with solvents.—First brush the stain; then sprinkle with an absorbent powder—French chalk, cornstarch, corn meal, or salt. Work the powder around until soiled and brush it off. Then if the material is washable, sponge or wash with soap and water. If water harms the cloth, first use an absorbent; then sponge the stain with one of the grease solvents—carbon tetrachloride, Stoddard solvent, or gasoline.
Another method is to make a paste by mixing an absorbent powder with carbon tetrachloride or other solvent, spread it on the stain, then brush it off when dry.
To remove the odor of smoke from a garment, have it dry-cleaned.
Sugar Sirups
If the material is washable, wash out sugar-sirup stains with soap and water. For more delicate materials, sponge with clean water.
Tar, Road Oil, Asphalt, Axle Grease, Pitch
Stains made by tarlike substances are hard to remove, especially from cotton material. First rub in petroleum jelly or lard to soften the stain, then sponge with one of the grease solvents—carbon tetrachloride, Stoddard solvent, gasoline, benzene—or dip the article in the liquid and rub lightly between the hands. Repeat the treatment until the stain is removed. If the material is washable, use warm soapy water after rubbing in the petroleum jelly or lard.