Is your household experiencing an unprecedented number of spills and stains? Does it seem like your laundry machines are on 24-hour duty? We hear this a lot and we also get lots of calls from people wondering just how the heck to get grease stains, tomato sauce stains, and lot of other unwelcome materials out of their clothing and household items.
We have a few expert tips we’ve been repeating a lot lately, and they include:
Start with the care label…hopefully, you didn’t cut it out! This may be an irritating little bit inside the collar or seam of an item, but it is actually packed with helpful information on fiber content and recommended care. Two of the most important little nuggets are the water temperature recommended for the fabric, and whether it is "dry-clean only" item.
If a label says dry clean only, and there’s ANY kind of stain – DON’T PANIC. Just blot off the excess stain and bring it in or give us a call for free home delivery. Tell us what the stain is, but don’t do anything.
Washable fabric should be treated immediately to stop a stain from setting. Use the method explained on the label.
Blot the stain with water and a sponge or rage(Typically cold or lukewarm water is best, NEVER hot as it sets stains). Avoid rubbing and grinding the stain into the fibers. Blotting is the only way to draw whatever has been spilled out of the fabric.
Choose a product that matches the nature of the stain – enzyme cleansers work best for protein stains, like egg yolks, chocolate, or blood. White vinegar is also a good stain remover for protein stains. Coffee or tea respond well to a prewash stain remover, liquid laundry soak, or a paste of water and detergent. The same goes for makeup spills, grass stains, juices, and some sauces.
For a comprehensive list of steps for specific stains, i.e. lipstick, nail polish, paint, and so on, visit the Better Homes and Gardens article about stain removal.
If you are unsure, feel free to give us a call for advice. We have a few good tricks of our own, and if it is a garment or household item that you do not want to jeopardize, you can call us for a free pickup. We do home deliveries on Tuesdays and Fridays and are happy to help you eliminate the most stubborn stains while leaving your items in tip-top condition!
