How to Remove Unknown Food Stains
If you have a food stain and you don't know where it came from, it may be difficult to decide what stain removal method to use to remove it. It is important to ensure that you use only products and procedures recommended by the clothing manufacturer and that will not damage the particular fabric. Check the tag on the clothing to see what it is made from. Also read the recommended uses on the labels of stain removers and detergents. It is best to treat stains as soon as possible, and especially before they go through a wash cycle. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Rubbing alcohol
- Ammonia
- Cleaning solvent
- Pre-wash stain remover
- All-fabric bleach
Instructions
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1
Place a white cloth soaked with rubbing alcohol on top of the stain if the fabric is acrylic, cotton, polyester, nylon or linen. Place something heavy on top of the cloth to create a compress. After 5 minutes, remove the compress, and wipe the stain with a white cloth dampened with ammonia.
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2
Sponge the stain with a cleaning solvent (such as Afta or Ultra) if it is on carpeting, wool, rayon or silk.
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3
Rinse the stain in cold water. Let it soak for 30 minutes. Do not use hot water because hot water can set in certain kinds of food stains.
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4
Apply a pre-wash stain remover to the stain. Test the stain remover on a hidden area if you want to make sure that it won't damage or discolor the fabric.
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5
Rinse the stain in cold water a second time.
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6
Wash the article with all-fabric bleach in water that is as hot as possible as recommended for the type of fabric.
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Inspect the material after washing. If the stain is still evident, rinse and soak in cold water again. Sponge the stain with a cleaning solvent. Let it soak in for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse in cold water again.
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Allow the article to air dry, and make sure the stain is gone. Putting it in the dryer before completely treating the stain will cause the stain to set in.
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