How to Naturally Remove Stains from washable Fabrics

Here are some tips for removing stains from washable fabrics by using items you probably already have in your home.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ammonia
• Baby Powder
• Chalk
• Dish Soap
• Hair spray
• Ice Cubes
• White Vinegar
• Water

1. If you have a non oil based stain mix equal parts of ammonia dish soap and water in a squeeze bottle. Apply the mix to stained area, rubbing the fabric together. Let it sit for a little while and then rinse.

2. A grease based stain can be removed with a little baby powder. Apply the baby powder to a make-up powder puff if you have one. Rub into the stained area and brush off the excess powder when the stain disappears. Then wash as usual.

3. For other stains such as from a beverage, fruit, or grass mix equal parts of vinegar, dish soap and water in a squeeze bottle. Apply to stained area and work in. Let it sit for a few minutes and then rinse.

4. If a fragile item gets a stain on it don't fret, simple get out a bottle of ammonia. Hold the stained area over the mouth of the opened bottle for a few minutes. The fumes alone will break up the stain. If the stain area is larger that the mouth of bottle do a small section and then move fabric over. Be sure to wipe of the mouth of the bottle before doing this, to make sure there is not any of the liquid around it.

5. If you have a wool or silk garment that is looking a little yellowish it can be cleaned with white vinegar and water. Add one tablespoon of vinegar to a pint of water and then sponge the mixture onto the garment. Next rinse the item and wash it according to the label.

6. Shirts sometimes get collar stains from a persons' excess neck oil. A simple way to remove the stain is to rub it with a stick of white chalk before you throw it into the wash. The chalk will absorb the oil and the stain is gone.

7. If you get an ink stain on a shirt or other garment go to the bathroom and grab the hair spray. Apply it to the stained area then blot until the ink spot is gone. Next throw it in the laundry to be washed.

8. My last tip is for gum removal. You are bound to sit in it sometime. Before you throw the garment out try applying an ice cube to the gum. Rub it over the gummed up area then scrap it off with a spoon.

Tips & Warnings

• These are some methods I have used to remove stains from different fabrics. I do not guarantee they will work for every stain and fabric.
• Whenever trying any new, experimental methods of stain removal test a very small area first. If possible test a hidden area such as the bottom of a shirt.

[billips]

on 9/9/2009 Very useful article - I like to do things the natural way if possible - 5* - B.