Stubborn stains are unsightly and infuriating with their refusal to come off your otherwise beautiful garments. They can ruin an expensive outfit and force you to throw it away losing good money and the opportunity to look good. Children by their playful nature are predisposed to stains. You will need a bag of tricks to keep up with the different types of stains on kids’ cloths.
Crayons
Crayons are colored wax. To remove crayon stains try hardening the stain by pouring on cold water before scraping. You can then place a paper towel and press with a hot iron to melt away the wax. Heat until all of it is absorbed in the paper towel.
Markers
Rubbing alcohol works best for these stains. Place the stain face down on a paper towel. Rub from above with a sponge dipped in rubbing alcohol. If the sponge absorbs the stain, use another until the stain disappears.
Mud
Do not try to wipe off wet mud as this will only push it further into the fabric. Wait for the mud to dry and scrape off. Launder the garment as usual. If the muddy stain does not come off, use a stain remover.
Chocolate
This is a common stain from all those chocolate ice creams. Do not try laundering directly. Rub in a detergent or a prewash stain remover and then do the laundering. If it fails use bleaching.
Juice
First dilute the stain with some cool water. Soak the stain in a mixture of 1 quart of cool water, 1 tablespoon white vinegar and ½ tablespoon of washing detergent. If the stain remains use rubbing alcohol.
Ketchup
The stain can be rinsed off with cold water before sponging with white vinegar. A prewash stain remover will help get rid of the remaining stain.
Mustard
Dampen the stain and rub in a liquid laundry detergent. Wait for 5 minutes before rinsing. If the stain is still visible soak in hot water and laundry detergent before laundering with an enzyme detergent.
Grass
This is a common stain on the knees and backside of boys’ pants from playing in the grass. Get rid of these stains by rubbing in a prewash stain remover or a laundry detergent that has enzymes. Let the fabric soak for five minutes before laundering in hot water. If the fabric can be bleached do it if the stain is still visible.
Ensure that you read the fabric care label before attempting to remove stains.
This cleaning tips brought to you by Pacific Breeze Cleaning company.
