The following are explanations of the technical terms which are used throughout
this guide. The best way to remove stains is to be prepared. A stain removal kit
should include the following items.
- Clean white cotton cloths
- Disposable diapers for absorbing flushed cleaning solutions
- White blotting paper
- A spoon, blunt knife, or spatula for scraping
- A spray bottle with trigger or eyedropper
- A small brush
- Several colorfast weight
-
ALCOHOL-use isopropyl alcohol in a 70% solution or denatured alcohol (90%) which
has no added color or fragrances
-
DISHWASHING DETERGENT-use a white dishwashing detergent unless a specific brand
is recommended
-
NAIL POLISH REMOVER-use an acetone based with no added fragrance or color added
- AMMONIA-plain household ammonia with no added fragrance or color
The following explanation of terms will help you remove most stains!
WET SPOTTER: mix one part of glycerine, one part white dishwashing liquid, and eight
parts of water. Store in a plastic squeeze bottle and shake well before using. Glycerine
can be found in your local grocery, pharmacy or hardware store.
DRY SPOTTER: combine one part coconut oil and 8 parts liquid dry cleaning solvent.
Store in a tightly capped container to prevent evaporation. Coconut oil might be
very difficult to find, if so, mineral oil can be substituted.
DRY CLEANING SOLVENT perchloroethylene, trichloroethylene, trichlorethane are three
of the most common and effective ingredients in dry cleaning solvents. Most solvents
are nonflammable, but their fumes are toxic and should not be inhaled. These chemicals
will probably be very difficult to obtain, substitute products found on the market
such as Goof Off, Goo Gone. Perky etc can be used..
FLUSHING When flushig a stain, you need to control the flow of water carefully so
that you don't spread the stain or get the fabric wetter than you need to. An eyedropper
or spray bottle with trigger adjusted to fine stream lets you control the amount
of liquid flushed through the fabric. Place an absorbent pad under the spot. Then
slowly apply liquid to the stain. Work slowly so that you don't flood the pad with
more liquid than it can absorb. Replace the absorbent pad frequently to prevent
the deposited staining material from restaining the fabric.
TAMPING The best way to get some stains out of tightly woven fabrics is to tamp
them with a soft bristled brush (like a toothbrush). Place the stained article on
a hard surface, not a pad, and lightly rap the stain with the tips of the bristles.
Us this technique only when it is recommended in our Stain-removal guide because
tamping will harm most fabrics.
SCRAPING scrape away solid staining material with a dull knife, spoon, or spatula
before you apply stain removers. Don't press too hard; move the edge of your scraping
tool back and forth across the stain in short strokes.
BLOTTING using an absorbent pad and working from the outer edge of the stain toward
the center of the stain, firmly press against the stain, using a rocking motion.
Change the pad frequently as it picks up the stain. Do not rub!
ABSORBENTS absorbents 'soak up" grease stains. We consider cornmeal the best absorbent
for light colors, and fuller's earth the best for dark colors. Spread the absorbent
on the stained area and allow to work. As the grease is soaked up, the absorbent
will become cakey or gummy. It should be then shaken or brushed off. You should
repeat the process until the stain has been removed. This may take as long as 8
hours
AMYL ACETATE Chemically pure amyl acetate, or banana oil, is available in drug stores;
it's safe for use on fibers that could be damaged by acetone, but it should ot be
allowed to come in contact with plastics or furniture finishes. CAUTION Amyl Acetate
is poisonous and flammable. Avoid contact with skin.
|
