One of the simplest methods is to place the stained part of the cloth over a bowl and continue pouring boiling water through until the stain disappears. If this be done soon after the article is stained, there will be no trouble in most cases.
Oxalic acid will remove fruit stains. As it is useful for many purposes, it is well to keep a bottle of it in some safe place. Put three ounces of the crystals in a bottle with half a pint of water. Mark the bottle plainly.
When stains are to be removed have a large pail of water and a bottle of household ammonia at hand. Wet the stained parts with the acid and then rub. When the stains have disappeared, put the article in the water. Wash thoroughly in several waters, and then wet the parts with the ammonia, that all trace of the acid may be removed. Finally, rinse again.
Coffee, Tea, and Wine Stains on Table Linen.
If treated at once such stains seldom give much trouble. Place the stained part over a large bowl and pour boiling water upon it until the stain disappears. If, however, the stains be of long standing, and have been washed with soap, it will be difficult to get rid of them. Javelle water (which can be made at home or bought of a druggist) will do it. Put about half a pint of Javelle water and a quart of clear water into an earthen bowl; let the stained article soak in this for several hours; then rinse thoroughly in three waters. It is only white goods that can be treated in this manner, as the Javelle water bleaches out the color. Another way to do is to put a little of the Javelle water in a saucer or small bowl, and soak the spot in this until it disappears. Rinse thoroughly.
When Cloths become Mildewed.
Put about a tablespoonful of chloride of lime in a wooden pail, or earthen bowl, and add four quarts of cold water. Stir until all the lime is dissolved, using a wooden spoon or paddle. Now put the mildewed article into the water and work it about, using the spoon or paddle. Let the article stay in the water until all the mildew has disappeared; then throw it into a tub of cold water. Wash well in this, and then rinse in a second tub of cold water; finally, wring out and dry. If the rinsing be thorough the fabric will be uninjured. It is only white goods that can be treated in this way, because chloride of lime removes colors as well as mildew.
The Best Way to remove Iron Rust.
Buy four ounces of muriatic acid at a druggist’s. It is useful for various purposes. Have it marked plainly. It should, moreover, be labelled as poisonous.
Fill a large bowl with boiling water. Have another bowl or pan full of hot water. A bottle of household ammonia also is necessary. Place the spotted part of the garment over the bowl of hot water. Wet a cork in the muriatic acid and touch the iron rust with it. Immediately the spot will turn a bright yellow. Dip at once in the hot water, and the stain will disappear. When all the spots have been removed, rinse the article thoroughly in several clear waters, then in ammonia water (a tablespoonful of household ammonia to a quart of water), and finally in clear water. The acid is very powerful, and will destroy the fabric if allowed to remain upon it. Ammonia neutralizes it. If the directions be followed carefully, the most delicate fabric can be successfully treated in this way.