Synthetic materials, such as nylon and vinyon, are not harmed by either acids or alkalies. Water does not weaken them, as it does the rayon. They take up very little moisture, and as a result, stains such as coffee, tea, and fruit juice, remain on the surface and wash off easily. You may use bleaches safely on nylon or vinyon. But vinyon, like acetate rayon, dissolves in acetone and chloroform, so test a sample of the material before using either of these to remove a stain. Press nylon with a warm (not hot) iron.
Other synthetic materials are made from peanut, corn, soybean, milk casein, and fish protein, but as yet they are not common and are not generally recognized. Treat them as you would silk and wool in removing stains.
Suit the Remover to the Stain
Find out what the stain is, if possible, before trying to remove it. The wrong treatment may set a stain so that it is impossible to take it out. Always test water or any chemical stain remover on a sample of the cloth or on a hidden part of the garment (seam or hem) to be sure it will not change the color. You may have to choose between the stain and a faded spot.
Water
If the stain is not greasy, first try to remove it with cold water. Hot water sets many stains and makes them harder to remove. Always test a sample of the cloth to see if water spots it. If not, place a pad of clean cloth underneath the stain, with the stain face down. To sponge, use a soft cloth, dampen it with cold water, and cover with a layer of dry cloth so that it is not too moist. Then sponge the stain with light, brushing motions, working from outside of stain to the center. Spread the moisture into the cloth around stain to keep a ring from forming.
The trick is to spread, or “feather out,” the liquid around the stain until there is no definite edge when the material dries. It may help to go over the spot with a cloth wet with alcohol mixed with 2 parts water. As alcohol changes some colors and dissolves acetate rayon, use it sparingly. Finally pat the spot with a dry cloth. Dry rapidly to prevent water rings.
Sponge a nongreasy stain with water. Work from the outside of the stain to the center. Spread moisture unevenly into the cloth around the stain.
