,stain ,removal ,,from ,,fabrics4 home methods ,,farmers' ,,bulletin ,,no4 #adgd ,u4,s4 ,,department ,,of ,,agriculture ,to ,remove ,stains ,successfully ,,treat ,,the ,,stain while it is fresh4 ,,know ,,your ,,cloth--,what is it made of8 ,does it wash well8 ,,work ,,carefully but quickly4 ,,try ,,simple ,,methods ,,first4 ,for a nongreasy stain1 sponge with cold water4 ,for a greasy stain1 try carbon tetrachloride4 ,,avoid ,,hot ,,water on an unknown stain4 ,hot water sets many stains4 ,,test ,,for ,,color ,,change on a sample of the cloth before using any stain remover4 ,,use ,,removers ,,sparingly4 ,many brief applications are better than one long one4 ,,use ,,light1 ,,brushing ,,motions--never rub a remover into the stain4 ,,neutralize acids with alkalies2 alkalies with acids4 ,,rinse ,,well--never let a chemical dry on the cloth4 ,,spread a liquid remover unevenly into the cloth around the stain4 ,,dry ,,rapidly to help prevent rings4 ,washington1 ,d4 ,c4 ,revised ,september #aidb ,slightly revised ,april #aiea ,,stain ,,removal ,,from ,,fabrics ,,home ,,methods by ,,margaret ,s4 ,,furry1 ,assistant ,textile ,chemist ,off with stains6 ,keep clothes and home fabrics spotlessly clean4 ,it is smart and thrifty to take best care of your clothing and household fabrics so they will look well and last as long as possible4 ,many stained and spotted articles are needlessly thrown away each year4 ,many others are needlessly ruined by unsuccessful attempts to remove stains4 ,it is possible to remove practically any stain at home by following a few simple rules4 ,to take proper care of your fabrics1 you will find it worthwhile to learn enough of the 8know-how0 skill so that you can do a good job4 ,one of the most important rules is to remove the stain promptly4 ,stains that become old usually require a remover so strong that it sometimes injures the cloth4 ,another important rule is to select a remover that will not harm the cloth4 ,if you can find out what caused the stain1 this also will guide you in choosing the remover best suited for the job4 ,work carefully1 patiently1 quickly4 ,often the way in which cleaning is done is as important as the kind of cleaning materials used1 in getting good final results4 ,the following pages not only tell how to remove many kinds of stains but describe as well the general principles of stain removal4 ,steps to ,success in ,stain ,removal ,treat ,stains ,promptly ,first rule for success in removing a stain is to start while it is fresh1 even before it dries if possible4 ,hot soapsuds or the heat of an iron sets some stains too1 so that it takes strong treatment to loosen them4 ,the professional cleaner always 8spots-out0 stains before he gives a garment a general cleaning or pressing4 ,suit the ,remover to the ,cloth ,before starting to treat a stain1 be sure you know what the cloth is made of--whether cotton1 wool1 silk1 rayon1 or a mixture4 ,a stain remover successful on one kind of cloth may ruin another4 ,naturally1 you want the method that will do the least possible damage to the cloth4 ,cotton and linen ,strong acid removers destroy cotton and linen cloth2 even mild acids1 such as lemon juice and vinegar1 may injure cotton and linen if allowed to remain too long on the cloth4 ,if you use a mild acid to remove a stain1 apply a weak alkali such as ammonia water or washing or baking soda immediately to stop the action of the acid4 ,wash the material in water after the treatment4 7,see p4 #aj47 ,strong alkalies harm these materials also1 but weak alkalies are safe to use if you rinse the article well in water afterwards4 ,all bleaches will rot cotton and linen if allowed to remain on the stain for more than a minute or two and will remove the color1 too4 ,sodium perborate and hydrogen peroxide are the safest bleaches to use4 ,wool and silk ,strong acids and alkalies destroy wool or silk materials4 ,mild acids1 except nitric1 which weakens the material and turns it yellow1 are safe to use4 ,even mild alkalies such as weak solutions of ammonia water1 borax1 or washing soda1 must be used with care on wool4 ,bleaches that contain chlorine1 such as ordinary bleaching powder1 also destroy wool and silk4 ,sodium perborate is a good bleach to use1 particularly on wool4 ,use lukewarm water--hot water turns both wool and silk yellow1 shrinks wool1 and injures the finish of silk4 ,rayon and synthetics ,here are a few safety rules to follow in removing stains from rayon material4 ,never use strong acids or alkalies2 they injure the material4 ,mild acids or alkalies usually do not harm it if properly rinsed4 ,water weakens rayon2 do not pull or twist it when it is wet4 ,sodium perborate and hydrogen peroxide are the safest bleaches to use1 but mild chlorine ones can be used with success4 ,three kinds of rayon are made in this country--viscose1 cuprammonium1 and acetate4 ,in removing stains from viscose and cuprammonium rayon1 treat the material like cotton or linen4 ,but acetate rayon is different4 ,it dissolves in acetone1 alcohol1 or chloroform1 so test a sample of any rayon material before using these liquids to remove a stain4 ,mixtures of alcohol and ether1 or alcohol and benzene also are unsafe to use on acetate rayon or on colored material4 ,always mix alcohol with #b or #c parts of water before using it4 ,pressing with a hot iron may melt acetate rayon4 ,synthetic materials1 such as nylon and vinyon1 are not harmed by either acids or alkalies4 ,water does not weaken them1 as it does the rayon4 ,they take up very little moisture1 and as a result1 stains such as coffee1 tea1 and fruit juice1 remain on the surface and wash off easily4 ,you may use bleaches safely on nylon or vinyon4 ,but vinyon1 like acetate rayon1 dissolves in acetone and chloroform1 so test a sample of the material before using either of these to remove a stain4 ,press nylon with a warm 7not hot7 iron4 ,other synthetic materials are made from peanut1 corn1 soybean1 milk casein1 and fish protein1 but as yet they are not common and are not generally recognized4 ,treat them as you would silk and wool in removing stains4 ,suit the ,remover to the ,stain ,find out what the stain is1 if possible1 before trying to remove it4 ,the wrong treatment may set a stain so that it is impossible to take it out4 ,always test water or any chemical stain remover on a sample of the cloth or on a hidden part of the garment 7seam or hem7 to be sure it will not change the color4 ,you may have to choose between the stain and a faded spot4 ,water ,if the stain is not greasy1 first try to remove it with cold water4 ,hot water sets many stains and makes them harder to remove4 ,always test a sample of the cloth to see if water spots it4 ,if not1 place a pad of clean cloth underneath the stain1 with the stain face down4 ,to sponge1 use a soft cloth1 dampen it with cold water1 and cover with a layer of dry cloth so that it is not too moist4 ,then sponge the stain with light1 brushing motions1 working from outside of stain to the center4 ,spread the moisture into the cloth around stain to keep a ring from forming4 ,the trick is to spread1 or 8feather out10 the liquid around the stain until there is no definite edge when the material dries4 ,it may help to go over the spot with a cloth wet with alcohol mixed with #b parts water4 ,as alcohol changes some colors and dissolves acetate rayon1 use it sparingly4 ,finally pat the spot with a dry cloth4 ,dry rapidly to prevent water rings4 ,illustration3 ,sponge a nongreasy stain with water4 ,work from the outside of the stain to the center4 ,spread moisture unevenly into the cloth around the stain4 ,illustration3 ,to remove a water ring1 rub the cloth between the hands2 then scratch with the fingernail4 ,if a ring has formed1 remove it either by sponging the material with clean water or by shaking it in the steam from a briskly boiling teakettle4 ,scratching with the fingernail or a stiff brush or rubbing the cloth between the hands will sometimes remove a ring4 ,other solvents ,if a stain seems to be greasy1 try a grease solvent1 such as carbon tetrachloride1 ,stoddard solvent1 gasoline1 benzene1 turpentine1 ether1 acetone1 or alcohol4 ,most of these do not change the color of fabrics1 but ether1 acetone1 and alcohol are apt to4 ,so use them carefully on colored materials2 always mix alcohol with #b parts water4 ,either sponge the stain with the solvent or dip into a bowl of the liquid4 ,to sponge a grease spot1 lay the stained material1 wrong side up1 on a pad of soft cloth4 ,apply the remover to the back of the cloth1 so that the stain is washed from the material without having to pass through it4 ,sponge with a clean1 soft1 lintless cloth4 ,dip the cloth in the liquid and wring out most of the moisture4 ,sponge with light1 brushing motions1 working from the outside of the spot to the center4 ,work rapidly and use the solvent sparingly4 ,it is better to apply the solvent several times quickly than to apply it once and leave it on for a long time4 ,illustration3 ,sponge a greasy stain with carbon tetrachloride1 gasoline1 or benzene4 ,lay the stain face down on a pad of cloth4 ,illustration3 ,use light brushing motions1 working from the outside of spot to the center4 ,change the pad as it becomes soiled4 ,illustration3 ,sprinkle talcum1 cornstarch1 or chalk on a fresh grease or oil stain4 ,rub it in well1 and let stand until it absorbs the grease2 then brush off4 ,avoid rings by spreading the cleaning fluid into the area around the stain and at the same time blowing lightly on the spot to dry it quickly4 ,do not rub--rubbing may cause light and worn-looking spots that are as bad as the stain4 ,change the pad as it becomes soiled4 ,finally pat the material with a dry cloth4 ,always use these solvents out of doors or in a well-ventilated room1 as it is harmful to breathe the vapors4 ,gasoline1 naphtha1 and ether catch fire easily and often explode1 so never use them near a fire4 ,sometimes just rubbing a garment that is soaked with gasoline will cause it to burst into flames4 ,benzene1 turpentine1 alcohol1 and acetone also are inflammable4 ,for this reason1 cleaning with large amounts of these fluids at home is not recommended4 ,grease-spot removers made entirely or in large part of carbon tetrachloride will not catch on fire4 ,absorbent powders ,absorbent powders--chalk1 talcum1 corn meal1 cornstarch--work well on light1 freshly made stains such as grease spots or splatters of salad oil4 ,also such powders brush off readily and are safe to use on all materials4 ,this method is not always successful1 however1 if the stain is very large or has become set or dry4 ,to remove a stain with an absorbent powder1 lay the stained article on a table and sprinkle a layer of the powder over the stain4 ,spread the powder around1 and when it becomes gummy1 shake or brush it off4 ,repeat this several times or until the stain disappears4 ,if after several treatments the stain still shows1 place the stain between clean blotting papers and apply a warm 7not hot7 iron for several minutes4 ,stains made by solid fats1 such as butter1 must be melted before the blotters can absorb them4 ,illustration3 ,use ,javelle water to bleach stains from uncolored cotton or linen4 ,apply with a medicine dropper2 rinse quickly in water4 ,apply a few drops of 8hypo10 vinegar1 or oxalic acid to stop the action of the chlorine4 ,illustration3 uncaptioned ,bleaches ,use bleaching chemicals carefully because most bleaches remove the color as well as the stain1 besides weakening the cloth4 ,colored material in particular must be treated rapidly and rinsed well in water afterwards4 ,javelle water and other chlorine bleaches 7sodium hypochlorite solutions7 remove certain stains from uncolored cotton1 linen1 or rayon cloth4 ,do not use them on colored materials or on silk or wool4 ,to prepare ,javelle water3 ,mix pound washing soda in #a quart of cold water4 ,add pound of bleaching powder 7commonly called chloride of lime74 ,strain this liquid through a piece of muslin and store in a bottle with a tight cork or stopper ready for use4 ,to remove a stain with ,javelle water1 stretch the stained part of the cloth over a bowl filled with cold water and drop the ,javelle water on the stain with a medicine dropper4 7,if the stain is large1 dip the entire garment in the ,javelle water74 ,never let the ,javelle water remain on the stain for more than #a minute2 it rots even linen and cotton materials if allowed to remain on them longer4 ,rinse quickly by dipping in the water4 ,next apply a few drops of a solution made up of teaspoon of sodium thiosulfate and #a to #b teaspoons of vinegar in #a pint of water4 ,this stops the action of the chlorine remaining in the cloth after the treatment with ,javelle water4 ,then rinse the cloth well in clean water4 ,you may use vinegar alone or oxalic acid solution 7#a teaspoon oxalic acid to #a pint water7 instead of the thiosulfate solution1 but they are not so satisfactory4 ,to remove the stain completely you may have to repeat the ,javelle water-thiosulfate treatment several times4 ,sodium perborate is one of the safest bleaches for all types of materials4 ,the treatment must be rapid and the sodium perborate well rinsed from the material1 however1 or it will take out the color4 ,it will not remove some ink stains1 iron rust1 dyes and running color1 or metal stains4 ,for small1 fresh stains1 sponge with a liquid made up of #d tablespoons sodium perborate to #a pint lukewarm water4 ,or stretch the stained cloth over a bowl of hot water1 dampen the stain with water1 and dust the powdered sodium perborate on it4 ,let stand a minute or two2 then sponge or rinse well with water4 ,for a large stain1 soak the entire garment for a half hour or longer in sodium perborate and soapsuds 7#d tablespoons perborate to a pint of soapy water74 ,to remove grass1 beverage1 mud1 scorch1 and some perfume stains1 mix #a level teaspoon sodium perborate with #a pint hydrogen peroxide4 ,but use this mixture immediately1 as it soon loses its strength4 ,rinse in water4 ,sodium perborate is particularly good to use on white woolens2 it leaves them soft and fluffy4 ,hydrogen peroxide1 obtained at drug stores1 is a good bleach for light scorch stains4 ,the action of hydrogen peroxide is quicker if a few drops of ammonia water are added just before use4 ,or you can add #a level teaspoon of either borax or sodium perborate to #a pint of peroxide4 ,apply it to the stain with a medicine dropper1 a glass rod1 or sponge the stain with it4 ,follow by careful sponging or rinsing with water4 ,oxalic acid is poisonous and should be handled carefully4 ,label it 8,poison0 and keep it out of the reach of children4 ,prepare a solution as follows3 ,dissolve about #c tablespoons of the crystals of the acid in a pint of lukewarm water4 ,put in a bottle1 stopper tightly1 and use as needed4 ,stretch the stained cloth over a bowl of clean water and apply the oxalic acid to the stain with a medicine dropper or glass rod4 ,allow it to remain for a few minutes2 then rinse quickly by dipping in the water4 ,apply a weak solution of ammonia water1 borax1 or sodium perborate to neutralize the action of the acid and rinse again4 ,never use oxalic acid on weighted silk4 ,hydrosulfites are very useful to remove dye stains1 iron rust1 ink1 mildew1 grass1 and fruit stains4 ,sodium hydrosulfite1 the one most often used1 may be bought at drug stores under many trade names as a dye or color remover for preparing cloth for redyeing4 ,it should be stored in a tightly closed can so it will not become damp4 ,to use1 dissolve #b teaspoons of the sodium hydrosulfite in #a pint of warm water and either sponge or dip the stained article in it4 ,or sponge the stain with water first1 sprinkle the powder on the stain1 and work it in well with the fingers4 ,rinse quickly4 ,if used on colored material1 hydrosulfites are apt to remove the color2 so apply the treatment quickly and rinse well in water afterwards4 ,do not use on weighted silks4 ,pepsin and other enzymes ,enzymes will remove certain stains from all kinds of materials4 ,you can buy pepsin1 the best known of the enzymes1 at the drug store4 ,it softens stains containing albumin 7found in blood1 gelatin1 glues1 certain medicines1 eggs1 milk1 and ice cream71 so that they wash out in water easily4 ,pepsin will soften these stains1 even after they have been set by heat or alcohol4 ,first be sure there is no soap or other alkali on the stain1 or the enzyme will not react4 ,then dampen the stain with lukewarm water and sprinkle with pepsin powder4 ,let it stand for half an hour1 keeping the spot damp4 ,or mix the pepsin with water 7#b teaspoons to #a pint lukewarm water7 and sponge the stain with it4 ,sponge or rinse well with water4 ,soaps and synthetic detergents ,soaps and synthetic detergents 7nonsoap cleaners7 are helpful in removing grease and food spots1 blood1 and many other stains4 ,for washing silks and woolens1 select a mild soap4 ,one with added alkaline salts may cause the colors to run and the cloth to become stiff and harsh4 ,also use a mild soap on all other delicate materials and on cotton1 especially on those that are not guaranteed colorfast4 ,if you are washing in hard water1 add a water softener such as one of the special phosphates--sodium hexametaphosphate or tetrasodium pyrophosphate 7sold under brand names7--which prevent the formation of hard-water scum4 ,this scum is caused by the reaction of the soap and the calcium and magnesium compounds in the water4 ,it settles on the clothes in gray or brown specks that are hard to remove4 ,synthetic detergents come in powder1 paste1 and liquid form4 ,most of them suds and lather well1 although a few clean without sudsing4 ,they do not make a scum with hard water4 ,synthetic detergents1 like soaps1 may be mild or alkaline4 ,the mild synthetics are excellent for washing silks and fine fabrics1 blankets1 and sweaters4 ,they are relatively safe for colors4 ,the alkaline synthetics1 which contain alkaline salts to aid in soil removal1 are all-purpose washing agents for washing heavily soiled garments4 ,the nonalkaline detergents can be used in place of glycerine to loosen fresh tannin stains made by soft drinks and some fresh fruits4 ,the other type should not be used because alkali tends to set tannin stains4 ,soap1 even the mild type1 is also alkaline enough to set these stains4 ,there are also special dry-cleaning soaps or benzene soaps1 which1 added to dry-cleaning fluid1 aid in softening the stain and removing the dirt4 ,or1 to soften a heavy grease or wax stain1 put these soaps directly on the stain1 especially on silk and wool cloth4 ,then rinse well in carbon tetrachloride1 ,stoddard solvent1 gasoline1 or benzene4 ,stain-,removal ,supplies ,keep all stain removers together on a handy shelf1 but out of the reach of children4 ,label all the jars and bottles2 be sure to mark 8,poison0 plainly on the poisonous ones4 ,to have a complete shelf1 you will need to keep at least three kinds of cleaning agents--bleaches1 absorbent powders1 grease solvents4 ,absorbent powders--for grease spots or ink stains4 ,chalk1 corn meal1 talcum powder1 or cornstarch4 ,acetic acid--#aj-percent solution4 7,vinegar is about #e percent acetic acid and can be used to remove alkalis1 to stop the action of ,javelle water1 and to restore some colors47 ,ammonia water--#aj-percent solution4 ,bleaches ,,javelle ,,water--for white cotton1 linen1 or rayon only4 ,,sodium ,,perborate--for any material1 particularly good on white woolens4 ,,hydrogen ,,peroxide--a mild bleach for any material4 ,,oxalic ,,acid--never use on weighted silk4 ,label 8,poison04 ,,hydrosulfites--never use on weighted silks4 ,pepsin--stain softener available at drug stores4 ,sodium thiosulfate1 or photographer's 8hypo0--removes iodine stain2 use with ,javelle water to remove chlorine from cloth4 ,solvents ,,turpentine--for paint stains4 ,,denatured ,,alcohol--be sure to mix alcohol with #b parts water when using on acetate rayon or colored material4 ,,carbon ,,tetrachloride1 ,,gasoline1 ,,or ,,benzene--for grease and oil stains4 ,,acetone ,,or ,,fingernail-,,polish ,,remover--for fingernail-polish stains4 ,never use on acetate rayon or vinyon4 ,,glycerine--for tannin stains2 also to loosen or soften other stains4 ,washing agents ,,soap4 ,,synthetic ,,detergent--powder1 paste1 or liquid4 ,,dry-,,cleaning ,,soap--to use with dry-cleaning fluid4 ,,washing ,,soda4 ,equipment ,cloth1 white blotting paper1 or cleansing tissues2 medicine dropper2 glass rod2 bowls4 ,removing ,individual ,stains ,acids ,act quickly when an acid has been spilled1 for it may damage the cloth or destroy the color4 ,first1 wash the stain with cold water to stop the action of the acid4 ,rinse several times in cold water2 then apply ammonia water or baking soda4 ,water alone will not restore color1 but ammonia water may4 ,baking soda4--,sprinkle soda on both sides of the stain1 moisten with water1 and allow to stand until the bubbling stops4 ,rinse well with water4 ,ammonia water4--,hold the dampened stain over an open bottle of strong ammonia water2 or if the material doesn't water-spot1 put a few drops of ammonia water1 diluted to half strength on the stain4 ,since ammonia water affects some dyes1 have white vinegar ready to apply quickly if the color changes4 ,rinse well with water4 ,adhesive ,tape ,sponge or soak the stain in carbon tetrachloride1 benzene1 or kerosene4 ,kerosene will make the cloth oily1 so wash in warm suds after the treatment4 ,alcoholic ,beverages and ,soft ,drinks ,alcoholic beverages and soft drinks may cause tannin stains4 ,fresh tannin stains are almost colorless1 but if they are allowed to stand or are washed in soap and water or heated as in ironing and pressing1 they turn brown and are almost impossible to remove4 ,fresh stains can be removed as follows3 ,cold water and glycerine4--,sponge the stain with water or with a mixture of equal parts alcohol and water4 ,then pour glycerine on the stain and rub between the hands4 ,let stand for a half hour and rinse with water4 ,acetic acid4--,if the above treatment does not remove the stain1 apply a #aj-percent solution of acetic acid with a medicine dropper and let stand a few seconds4 ,rinse and repeat if necessary4 ,stop the action of the acid with baking soda or ammonia 7see above7 and spread the garment in the sun4 ,bleaches4--,the last traces of stains on white materials can sometimes be removed by bleaching4 ,use one of the following3 ,hydrogen peroxide or sodium perborate4--,sponge lightly with hydrogen peroxide or with a mixture of #a level teaspoon sodium perborate to #a pint hydrogen peroxide4 ,if this does not remove stain1 cover dampened spot with powdered sodium perborate and let stand an hour4 ,rinse in water4 ,javelle water4--,for stains on uncolored cotton or linen material1 dip in ,javelle water for #a minute 7no longer71 remove the chlorine from the cloth with a sodium thiosulfate solution1 rinse well in water4 7,see p4 #f for more detailed instructions47 ,do not use ,javelle water to remove stains from colored materials or from silk or wool4 ,alkalies ,remove alkali spots at once2 they may destroy not only the color but the material as well4 ,first sponge or rinse the spot thoroughly with cold water4 ,this generally is sufficient for mild alkalies such as washing soda and weak ammonia water4 ,but to be on the safe side and to help restore color1 apply an acid--this stops the action of the alkali4 ,then rinse or sponge the spot thoroughly with water4 ,use any of the following mild acids3 ,lemon juice4--,squeeze the juice on the stain1 and allow it to remain until the juice loses its bright yellow color4 ,sponge or rinse well with water4 ,vinegar4--,sponge with vinegar2 then rinse in cold water4 ,acetic acid4--,apply a few drops of a #aj-percent solution of acetic acid with a medicine dropper or a glass rod and remove the excess by rinsing or sponging with water4 ,argyrol ,argyrol stains must be treated while still fresh4 ,proceed as follows3 ,pepsin4--,sponge with warm water to remove any argyrol that has not soaked into the cloth4 ,then sprinkle powdered pepsin over the dampened stain4 ,work it well into the cloth1 let stand a half hour or longer1 then sponge with water4 ,iodine and sodium thiosulfate 78hypo074--,after the above treatment1 put a few drops of tincture of iodine on the dampened stain with a glass rod4 ,let stand for #aj or #ae minutes2 then sponge with a solution prepared by dissolving several crystals of sodium thiosulfate in cup of water4 ,rinse well in water4 ,illustration3 ,to bring back the color changed by an acid1 hold the dampened stain in the fumes from an open bottle of ammonia water4 ,blood ,blood stains will usually come out if sponged or washed in cold or lukewarm water first4 ,never use hot water2 it sets the stain4 ,cold or lukewarm water4--,for stains on silk or wool1 sponge with cold or lukewarm water4 ,for washable material1 soak the stains in cold water until they turn light brown in color2 then wash in warm soapy water4 ,if the stain is an old one and has dried1 it may help to add #b tablespoons of ammonia water to each gallon of water used for soaking4 ,strong salt water 7about #b cups of salt to #a gallon water7 is also good to loosen the stain4 ,hydrogen peroxide and sodium perborate4--,if the above treatment does not completely remove the stain1 sponge with hydrogen peroxide4 ,or sponge with a mixture of #a level teaspoon sodium perborate to #a pint hydrogen peroxide4 ,if the stain still shows1 cover the dampened spot with powdered sodium perborate and let stand an hour4 ,rinse thoroughly4 ,these bleaches will not harm the cloth1 but before using test for colorfastness on a sample of cloth or on an inner seam of the garment4 ,if the color fades1 do not use the bleaches2 just dampen the stain and spread in the sun to bleach4 ,starch4--,use a starch paste to remove stains on thick materials1 such as flannel and blankets1 which cannot be soaked in water4 ,mix raw starch to a paste with cold water1 apply the paste thickly to the stain1 and brush it away when it dries4 ,repeat the treatment until the stain disappears4 ,bluing ,soak fresh stains or rinse them in cold water4 ,or wash the stained article with plenty of warm soapy water1 rubbing thoroughly4 ,candle ,wax1 ,colored ,scrape away as much wax as possible with a dull knife4 ,then treat as follows3 ,blotting paper4--,place the stain between clean white blotters1 cleansing tissues1 or paper towels1 and press with a warm iron1 changing the blotters as they become soiled4 ,then sponge with carbon tetrachloride or other grease solvent4 ,denatured alcohol4--,if a color stain remains1 sponge with liquid made up of #a cup denatured alcohol and #b cups water4 ,candy ,launder in warm soapy water if the material is washable4 ,otherwise1 sponge with clear warm water4 ,if dye or chocolate stains remain1 follow instructions given under ,dyes and ,running ,colors1 page #ad1 or ,chocolate and ,cocoa1 page #ac4 ,carbon ,paper ,carbon-paper stains usually can be removed by washing in a heavy suds of soap and water4 ,sponge unwashable materials with a liquid of #a cup alcohol and #b cups water2 then sponge with cold water4 ,chewing ,gum ,use one of the following methods3 ,ice4--,if the material will not water-spot1 rub the gum stain with ice4 ,then scrape and rub the hardened gum out of the cloth4 ,this method is particularly good for rugs and other heavy materials4 ,egg white4--,if the material is washable1 soften the gum stain with egg white and then wash4 ,carbon tetrachloride1 kerosene1 or turpentine4--,soak the stain in carbon tetrachloride1 kerosene1 or turpentine4 ,if kerosene is used1 wash in warm soapy water afterwards4 ,chocolate and ,cocoa ,it may be necessary to try more than one method to remove chocolate and cocoa stains1 since they usually contain other substances such as fat1 milk1 starch1 and sugar4 ,first scrape off as much of the stain as possible with a dull knife2 then try one of the following3 ,soap and warm water4--,if the material is washable the regular laundering in warm soapy water will often remove this stain4 ,hydrogen peroxide and sodium perborate4--,sponge stubborn stains with hydrogen peroxide4 ,or use a mixture of #a level teaspoon sodium perborate to #a pint hydrogen peroxide4 ,if the stain still shows1 cover the dampened spot with powdered sodium perborate and let stand an hour4 ,rinse thoroughly4 ,be sure to test for color change on a sample of the cloth or on the inside of hem or seam of the garment before using these bleaches on the stain4 ,carbon tetrachloride and pepsin4--,if the cloth is not washable sponge with carbon tetrachloride to dissolve the grease4 ,dry thoroughly1 then sponge with warm water1 and dust with pepsin powder4 ,work the powder into the cloth1 let stand for #cj minutes or longer1 then sponge with water4 ,cod-liver ,oil ,fresh cod-liver oil stains are almost colorless and are easy to remove4 ,but old stains1 especially if the material has been washed or ironed1 are a light brown and are almost impossible to remove1 even with bleaches4 ,treat fresh stains with either of the following3 ,grease solvents4--,sponge or dip fresh cod-liver oil stains in carbon tetrachloride1 benzene1 ,stoddard solvent1 or gasoline4 ,when the cod-liver oil has been removed1 sponge with warm soapy water4 ,glycerine4--,for washable materials1 pour either glycerine or one of the soapless shampoos on the fresh stain4 ,rub lightly between the hands to loosen the stain1 rinse well in water1 and then wash in warm soapsuds4 ,coffee and ,tea ,water and glycerine4--,if the stains are on wool or silk1 sponge with lukewarm water4 ,then apply glycerine and rub lightly between the hands4 ,let stand for half an hour and rinse thoroughly with water4 ,if a grease spot from cream remains1 sponge with carbon tetrachloride4 ,boiling water4--,remove fresh stains from washable materials by pouring boiling water on the stain from a height of #b or #c feet1 then wash in warm soapy water4 ,if a trace of stain remains1 dry in the sun or bleach with hydrogen peroxide and sodium perborate4 ,hydrogen peroxide and sodium perborate4--,sponge with clear water and then with a solution of #a teaspoon sodium perborate to #a pint hydrogen peroxide4 ,if the stain still shows1 sprinkle powdered sodium perborate on the stain and let stand half an hour4 ,rinse well with water4 ,dyes and ,running ,colors ,as there are many different kinds of dyes1 no one remover will successfully take out all dye stains4 ,in fact1 it may be impossible to remove some of these stains completely4 ,proceed as follows3 ,water and sunlight4--,if the material is washable1 rinse the stains in cold or lukewarm water 7soak for #aj to #ab hours if necessary71 wash in heavy soapsuds1 and then dry in the sun4 ,spots on wool or silk materials sometimes come out by soaking or washing in cold water4 ,bleaches4--,if a stain remains1 try one of the following3 ,hydrosulfite4--,apply one of the hydrosulfites available at drug stores as a color remover4 ,follow directions on the package4 ,javelle water4--,for stains on uncolored linen1 cotton1 or rayon1 dip in ,javelle water for #a minute 7no longer71 remove the chlorine from the cloth with a sodium thiosulfate solution1 rinse well in water4 7,see p4 #f for more detailed instructions47 ,do not use ,javelle water to remove stains from silk or wool4 ,hydrogen peroxide4--,for stains on any white material1 add a few drops of ammonia water to hydrogen peroxide4 ,soak the stains until they disappear and rinse thoroughly in water4 ,one teaspoon sodium perborate added to #a pint hydrogen peroxide makes a good bleach1 but it must be made fresh1 as it soon loses its strength4 ,egg ,scrape away as much of the stain as possible with a blunt knife4 ,then sponge with cold water4 ,never use hot water--heat makes egg stains harder to remove4 ,pepsin4--,if cold water does not remove the stain completely1 sprinkle pepsin powder over the spot4 ,work it in well and let stand for half an hour4 ,rinse well4 ,grease solvents4--,for nonwashable materials1 sponge first with cold water4 ,let dry and then sponge with carbon tetrachloride1 gasoline1 or other grease solvent4 ,fingernail ,polish ,acetone or nail-polish removers4--,on any material except acetate rayon or vinyon1 sponge the stain with acetone or a commercial nail-polish remover4 ,grease solvent and banana oil 7amyl acetate74--,use this treatment on any material including acetate rayon and vinyon4 ,first wet the stain well with carbon tetrachloride or gasoline2 then apply a drop of banana oil to the stain4 ,brush lightly with a soft cloth1 using an upward motion to pick up the dissolved polish4 ,for heavy stains use dry-cleaning soap with the banana oil4 ,bleaches4--,to remove any color remaining after the polish itself has been dissolved1 apply a bleach4 ,test the cloth for change in color first4 ,hydrogen peroxide and sodium perborate4--,sponge with clear water and then with a solution of #a teaspoon sodium perborate to #a pint hydrogen peroxide4 ,if the stain still shows1 sprinkle powdered sodium perborate on the stain and let stand half an hour4 ,rinse well with clear water4 ,hydrosulfite4--,apply one of the hydrosulfites available at drug stores as a color remover4 ,follow directions on the package4 ,fish ,slime ,soak or sponge the stain with a solution made of cup salt and #a cup vinegar in #b quarts of water4 ,rinse well in water2 then wash in warm soapsuds4 ,flypaper1 ,sticky ,sponge the stain with carbon tetrachloride or benzene4 ,if the material is washable1 soak in kerosene and then wash in warm soapy water4 ,fruits and ,berries ,treat fruit and berry stains immediately1 if possible2 they are hard to remove after they dry4 ,boiling water 7if it does not harm the cloth7 or sometimes even warm water will remove most fruit stains4 ,it is better not to use soap1 as alkalies set some fruit and berry stains4 ,use the same methods for removing stains from cooked fruits and berries as from fresh4 ,washing in warm soapy water sometimes removes stains from citrus fruits1 such as grapefruit and lemon4 ,but if the stain is old or the cloth has been pressed before washing1 use one of the bleaches described below4 ,if the acid in citrus fruit changes the color of the cloth1 restore it with ammonia water or baking soda4 7,see ,acids1 p4 #aj47 ,cold water and glycerine4--,for fresh peach1 pear1 cherry1 and plum stains on cotton and linen and for any fruit stain on wool or silk materials 7either white or colored71 first sponge the stain well with cool water2 then work glycerine or a soapless shampoo into the stain1 rubbing lightly between the hands4 ,do not use soap1 as soap sets the stain4 ,let stand several hours1 then apply a few drops of vinegar or oxalic acid1 allow to remain for a minute or two1 then rinse thoroughly in water4 ,boiling water4--,boiling water removes from cotton and linen most fruit stains except peach1 pear1 plum1 and cherry4 ,never use boiling water on silk or wool4 ,stretch the stained part over a bowl1 fasten it with string1 and pour boiling water on it from a teakettle held at a height of #c or #d feet so that the water strikes the stain with force4 ,rubbing alternated with the boiling water is also helpful4 ,if a stain remains1 squeeze a little lemon juice on it and place in the sun to dry1 or use one of the chemical bleaches4 ,bleaches4--,if a stain remains1 try one of the following3 ,hydrogen peroxide and sodium perborate4--,sponge with hydrogen peroxide-sodium perborate mixture 7#a teaspoon sodium perborate to #a pint peroxide74 ,rinse thoroughly4 ,if the stain persists1 sprinkle powdered sodium perborate on the dampened area and let stand for half an hour4 ,finally rinse well4 ,always test for change of color on the inside of a hem or seam before using these bleaches4 ,if the color fades1 do not use them--just dampen the stain with water and spread in the sun to bleach4 ,hydrosulfite4--,hydrosulfites available at drug stores as dye removers are satisfactory for removing fruit stains from any white material4 ,follow directions on package4 ,javelle water4--,for stains on uncolored linen or cotton material1 dip in ,javelle water for #a minute 7no longer71 remove the chlorine from the cloth with a sodium thiosulfate solution1 rinse well in water4 7,see p4 #f for more detailed instructions47 ,do not use ,javelle water on silk or wool4 ,glue and ,mucilage ,water4--,if the material is washable1 soak the spot in warm water1 or if it is a stubborn stain you may have to boil it4 ,if the stain is known to be casein glue1 soak it in cold water4 ,acetic acid4--,for nonwashable materials1 sponge the spot with water1 then with acetic acid 7#aj-percent solution7 or white vinegar4 ,rinse well4 ,grass and ,other ,fresh ,garden ,foliage ,hot water and soap4--,if the material is washable1 use hot water and soap1 rubbing the stain well4 ,if this does not completely remove the stain1 use a bleach4 ,bleaches4--,try one of the following3 ,javelle water4--,for stains on uncolored linen1 cotton1 or rayon1 dip in ,javelle water for #a minute 7no longer71 remove the chlorine from the cloth with a sodium thiosulfate solution1 rinse well in water4 7,see p4 #f for more detailed instructions47 ,do not use ,javelle water to remove stains from silk or wool4 ,hydrogen peroxide and sodium perborate4--,sponge with clear water and then with a solution of #a teaspoon sodium perborate to #a pint hydrogen peroxide4 ,if the stain still shows1 sprinkle powdered sodium perborate on the stain and let stand half an hour4 ,rinse well with clear water4 ,always test for change of color on a sample of the cloth before using these bleaches4 ,hydrosulfite4--,hydrosulfites available at drug stores as dye removers are satisfactory in removing grass stains from any white materials4 ,follow directions on the package4 ,benzene or denatured alcohol4--,on materials that soap and water might injure1 sponge the stains with benzene or alcohol4 ,test them first to be sure they do not change the color of the material4 ,do not use alcohol on acetate rayon or vinyon unless you dilute it--#a cup denatured alcohol with #b cups water4 ,grease and ,oils ,fresh grease spots usually are the pure fat or oil4 ,old grease spots or stains from automobile1 wheel1 or machine greases usually contain also more or less dust1 dirt1 or fine bits of metal4 7,for road oil and axle grease1 see p4 #bg47 ,first scrape or wipe off as much of the grease as possible2 then treat the stain by one of the following methods3 ,soap and water4--,if the material is washable1 wash in warm sudsy water4 ,be sure to use plenty of soap on the stained part and rub well between the hands4 ,the soaplike washing agents 7soapless shampoos1 oils1 and lathers7 are good to soften grease stains4 ,illustration3 ,place a grease or oil stain between paper towels or cleansing tissues and press with a warm iron4 ,absorbents4--,use cornstarch1 ,french chalk1 or white talcum powder for fine materials2 corn meal or salt for carpets1 rugs1 and other coarse materials4 ,dust the powder or salt over the spot1 let stand until it absorbs the grease or oil1 then brush off4 ,another method is to place the stained part between blotting papers and press lightly with a warm iron4 ,change the blotting paper as it becomes soiled4 ,or use cleansing tissues or paper towels in the same way4 ,the advantage of using absorbents is that they do not wet the material or leave rings as water or grease solvents are apt to do4 ,grease solvents4--,remove common grease and oils with carbon tetrachloride1 gasoline1 or benzene4 ,place a pad of clean cloth or a white blotter beneath the stain and sponge with a clean cloth1 moistened with the grease solvent4 ,work from the wrong side of the material in order to push the dirt and grease out rather than to rub it into the material4 ,use light1 brushing motions1 work from the outside of the spot toward the center and spread or 8feather out0 the solvent into the cloth around the stain until there is no definite edge4 ,then pat dry with a clean1 dry cloth4 ,if the grease spot contains dirt or fine bits of metal1 first loosen the stain by rubbing a little lard1 petroleum jelly1 or dry-cleaning soap into it4 ,then sponge with the grease solvent or dip the stain into a small bowl of the solvent4 ,another method is to make a paste by mixing cornstarch or talcum with carbon tetrachloride or other dry-cleaning fluid4 ,spread the paste over the spot2 when dry brush it off4 ,repeat if necessary4 ,the solvent does not spread and is less likely to form a ring if used in this way4 ,ice ,cream ,ice cream stains contain milk or cream1 sugar1 sometimes egg1 and often coloring4 ,if after trying the following methods1 a fruit or chocolate stain remains1 follow instructions under ,fruits and ,berries1 page #ae1 or under ,chocolate and ,cocoa1 page #ac4 ,cold or lukewarm water4--,if the material is washable and the stain contains no highly colored fruit or chocolate1 sponge with cold or lukewarm water2 then wash in warm soapsuds4 ,carbon tetrachloride4--,for nonwashable materials1 sponge with carbon tetrachloride to remove the greasy part of the stain4 ,let it dry2 then sponge with cold water to remove any stains from the egg and sugar in the ice cream4 ,if this does not remove the stain completely1 follow with a pepsin treatment4 ,pepsin4--,first sponge the stain with cold water1 then sprinkle pepsin on the dampened stain1 and let it stand half an hour4 ,brush it off and rinse the spot well4 ,for best results1 be sure the material is free from soap or other alkali before applying the pepsin4 ,ink ,because inks differ in composition1 it is impossible to find removers that are equally effective for all types of ink spots4 ,each of the methods mentioned below is satisfactory with some type of ink4 ,for most ink spots1 it is necessary to try several methods1 beginning always with the simplest and that least likely to harm the cloth4 ,india or drawing ink ,denatured alcohol1 carbon tetrachloride1 and benzene4--,place a pad of cloth or blotter under the stain and sponge with one of these solvents4 ,then rub glycerine 7use glycerine only with alcohol7 or a dry-cleaning soap into the stain and finally rinse out with the solvent4 ,if this does not remove the stain1 let the stain dry2 then wet with water and rub in a synthetic detergent 7nonsoap cleaner7 to help soften the stain4 ,or use strong soapsuds to which a few drops of ammonia water have been added4 ,alcohol must not be used on acetate rayon or colored materials4 ,printing ink ,use one of the following agents for removing printing-ink stains3 ,lard or petroleum jelly4--,rub the stain with lard or petroleum jelly2 work it into the cloth4 ,if material is washable1 wash with soap and water2 otherwise sponge with carbon tetrachloride1 gasoline1 or other grease solvent4 ,turpentine4--,soak the stain for a few minutes in turpentine and then sponge with carbon tetrachloride1 alcohol1 or other dry-cleaning fluid4 ,do not use alcohol on acetate rayon or colored materials4 ,kerosene4--,to remove printing from flour bags and other bags1 soak in kerosene for several hours4 ,then wash thoroughly in soap and hot water and spread on the grass in the sun to dry4 ,writing ink ,in removing writing-ink stains it usually is necessary to try various methods4 ,always start with the simplest method and the one least likely to harm the cloth4 ,absorbents4--,if the stain is still wet1 spread corn meal1 salt1 ,french chalk1 cornstarch1 or talcum powder on the stain to remove any excess ink and to keep it from spreading4 ,work the powder into the stain4 ,shake it off as it becomes soiled and repeat the process4 ,when the dry absorbent fails to take up more ink1 make the absorbent into a paste with water or with a mixture of #a part water and #a part alcohol and apply again4 ,let dry and brush off4 ,glycerine and water or soap and water4--,if the material is washable1 pour either glycerine or one of the soapless shampoos on the fresh stain4 ,rub lightly between the hands1 rinse1 and apply glycerine again as long as any ink comes from the stain4 ,rinse with clear water4 ,washing with soap and warm water will remove some types of ink4 ,bleaches4--,if the above treatments do not remove the stain1 try a bleach4 ,but use bleaches sparingly on colored materials4 ,oxalic acid4--,soak the stain for a few seconds in a solution of oxalic acid 7#c tablespoons of the crystals of the acid to a pint of water74 ,or sponge the stain well with cold water1 then stretch the stain over a bowl of hot water1 and apply crystals of oxalic acid directly to the stain4 ,rinse by dipping in the hot water and finally in water to which a few drops of ammonia water have been added4 ,do not use on weighted silk4 ,hydrosulfite4--,sponge with a hydrosulfite solution and rinse quickly4 ,iodine ,soap and water4--,if the material is washable1 soap and water will often remove a fresh stain4 ,or moisten with water and place either in the sun1 over a warm radiator1 or hold in the steam from a boiling teakettle4 ,denatured alcohol4--,on materials that water would injure1 sponge with alcohol4 ,on acetate rayon and colored materials be sure to dilute the alcohol--#a cup denatured alcohol to #b cups water4 ,sodium thiosulfate 78hypo074--,sponge the stain or dip in a solution of #a tablespoon of the 8hypo0 to #a pint of water4 ,rinse well in water4 ,iron ,rust ,use any of the methods given below to remove iron-rust stains from white materials4 ,test remover on sample of cloth before using on colored materials4 ,lemon juice4--,spread the stain over a pan of boiling water and then squeeze lemon juice on it4 ,after a few minutes rinse2 then repeat the process4 ,this method is rather slow1 but does not harm delicate white cottons or linens4 ,another method is to sprinkle the stain with salt1 squeeze lemon juice on it1 and spread in the sun to dry4 ,add more lemon juice if the stain still shows4 ,rinse well4 ,oxalic acid4--,spread the stained article over a bowl of hot water and apply a few drops of oxalic acid solution 7#c tablespoons of the crystals to #a pint of water74 ,or put the crystals of acid directly on the stain and moisten with hot water4 ,rinse in hot water1 and repeat until the stain disappears4 ,do not use on weighted silk4 ,cream of tartar4--,boil the stained article in a liquid made up of #d teaspoons of cream of tartar to #a pint of water4 ,rinse thoroughly4 ,hydrosulfite4--,hydrosulfites available at drug stores as color removers or dye-stripping agents also will remove rust stains4 ,follow directions given on the package4 ,do not use on weighted silks4 ,linseed ,oil ,sponge with carbon tetrachloride or benzene4 ,treat as for cod-liver oil stains4 ,lipstick and ,rouge ,petroleum jelly and carbon tetrachloride4--,if water spots the cloth1 work petroleum jelly or lard into the stain4 ,then either sponge with carbon tetrachloride or dip the stained part in a bowl of the solvent4 ,if a trace of color remains1 sponge with denatured alcohol4 ,on acetate rayon and colored materials1 dilute the alcohol--#a cup of denatured alcohol to #b cups water4 ,glycerine1 soap1 and water4--,if the material is washable1 first loosen the stain as above with glycerine or petroleum jelly4 ,then launder4 ,if soap or other alkalies are applied before the stain is loosened1 they are apt to set it4 ,hydrogen peroxide and sodium perborate4--,sponge with sodium perborate-hydrogen peroxide mixture 7#a teaspoon sodium perborate to #a pint peroxide74 ,rinse thoroughly4 ,if the stain persists1 sprinkle powdered sodium perborate on the dampened area and let stand for half an hour4 ,finally rinse well4 ,be sure to test the cloth for colorfastness before using these bleaches4 ,meat ,juice or ,gravy ,sponge meat-juice or gravy stains with cold or lukewarm water4 ,never use hot water2 it sets the stain4 ,if a grease spot remains1 launder washable materials in warm soapy water4 ,if the cloth is not washable1 use an absorbent powder or a grease solvent4 ,absorbents4--,dust the powder over the stain1 let it stand until it absorbs the grease1 then brush off4 ,solvents4--,sponge with carbon tetrachloride1 gasoline1 or benzene4 ,medicines ,because of the great number and variety of substances used in medicines1 it is not possible to give methods for removing all such stains4 ,if you know what the medicine is made of1 it will aid in choosing the remover4 ,for instance1 a tarry or gummy medicine can be treated in the same way as a tar spot 7see p4 #bg72 a medicine containing much iron can be removed in the same way as iron rust 7see p4 #bj74 ,medicines in a sugar sirup usually can be washed out with water2 those dissolved in alcohol sometimes can be removed by sponging the stain with alcohol4 ,many of the medicines used in swabbing sore throats contain silver nitrate and should be sponged with a solution of sodium thiosulfate 78hypo07--#a teaspoon of the crystals in #a cup of water4 ,if you cannot find out what kind of medicine caused the stain1 you may have to try several methods to find one that will do the job4 ,each of the following methods will remove certain medicine stains4 ,boiling water4--,for washable materials1 pour boiling water on the stain from a height of #c or #d feet1 as for fruit stains1 or launder in warm soapy water4 ,denatured alcohol or carbon tetrachloride4--,some color stains can be sponged or soaked out with alcohol4 ,sponge greasy stains with carbon tetrachloride4 ,a dry-cleaning soap helps to loosen them4 ,finally sponge with fresh carbon tetrachloride4 ,bleaches4--,use bleaches only on white materials4 ,try one of the following3 ,hydrosulfite4--,use one of the hydrosulfite dye-stripping agents available at drug stores4 ,follow instructions on the package4 ,javelle water4--,for stains on linen1 cotton1 or rayon1 dip in ,javelle water for #a minute 7no longer71 remove the chlorine from the cloth with a sodium thiosulfate solution1 rinse well in water4 7,see p4 #f for more detailed instructions47 ,do not use ,javelle water on silk or wool4 ,mercurochrome ,mercurochrome stains are very hard to remove unless you treat them promptly4 ,proceed as follows3 ,denatured alcohol1 glycerine1 and laundering4--,first sponge the stain well with a liquid made of equal parts of alcohol and water4 7,on acetate rayon and colored materials use #a part alcohol and #b parts water74 ,next work glycerine into the cloth to help loosen the stain1 and continue using as long as any color bleeds from the stain4 ,then wash well in soapsuds1 and rinse with water to which a few drops of ammonia water have been added4 ,acetic acid4--,if a stain remains after the above treatment1 apply #aj-percent acetic acid with a medicine dropper2 then rinse well in water4 ,bleaches4--,if the above treatments do not completely remove the stain1 use a bleach4 ,javelle water4--,for stains on uncolored linen1 cotton1 or rayon1 dip in ,javelle water for #a minute 7no longer71 remove the chlorine from the cloth with a sodium thiosulfate solution1 rinse well in water4 7,see p4 #f for more detailed instructions47 ,do not use ,javelle water on silk or wool4 ,sodium perborate4--,sponge with a sodium perborate solution 7#d tablespoons of the perborate in a pint of lukewarm water7 or dampen the stain with water and dust the powdered sodium perborate on it4 ,rinse thoroughly4 ,always test for the effect on the color of the cloth before using bleaches4 ,sodium hydrosulfite4--,this color remover is available at drug stores4 ,it may be used safely on most white materials4 ,follow directions on the package4 ,metallic ,stains ,the tarnish of copper1 brass1 tin1 and other metals often stains textiles4 ,to remove1 apply vinegar1 lemon juice1 or a #aj-percent solution of acetic acid4 ,rinse well as soon as the stain has dissolved4 ,do not use chlorine bleaches or sodium perborate to remove these stains4 ,mercury or quicksilver removes lead or solder stains from rugs or clothing4 ,first scrape off as much of the lead as possible with a dull knife4 ,then pour mercury on the stain and work with a stick until the mercury absorbs the stains4 ,mildew ,mildew spots must be treated when fresh1 before the mold growth has a chance to weaken the cloth4 ,soap and water4--,on washable material1 soap and water will remove very fresh stains4 ,drying on the grass in the sun helps to bleach the spots4 ,bleaches4--,try a bleaching agent if soap and water do not remove the stain4 ,be sure to test for colorfastness on a hidden part of the garment4 ,lemon juice4--,moisten the stain with lemon juice and salt and place in the sun4 ,this often removes slight stains4 ,javelle water4--,old stains on cotton1 linen1 or rayon may be bleached out with ,javelle water4 ,dip the stain in the ,javelle water for #a minute 7no longer71 remove the chlorine from the cloth with a sodium thiosulphate solution1 rinse well in water4 7,see p4 #f for more detailed instructions47 ,do not use ,javelle water on silk or wool4 ,sodium perborate4--,soak the stain in a sodium perborate solution 7#d tablespoons perborate to #a pint lukewarm water74 ,or dampen the stain with water and sprinkle the perborate powder directly on the stain4 ,rinse after either treatment4 ,milk and ,cream ,see ,ice ,cream1 p4 #ah4 ,mimeograph-,correction ,fluid ,follow instructions given under ,fingernail ,polish1 page #ae4 ,mucus ,soak in lukewarm salt water 7about #b cups salt to #a gallon water7 or in weak ammonia water 7#b tablespoons ammonia water to each gallon water74 ,rinse well with cold water and launder as usual4 ,mud ,let the mud stain dry1 then brush well4 ,sponge with clear water1 or use soap and water if it will not harm the cloth4 ,sponging with alcohol will help to remove the last traces of the stain4 ,on colored materials and acetate rayon dilute the alcohol--#a cup denatured alcohol to #b cups water4 ,mustard ,glycerine and soap and water4--,if the material is washable1 work glycerine into the stain1 rub lightly between the hands1 and then wash the article in soap and water4 ,denatured alcohol4--,if water spots the cloth1 sponge the stain with alcohol4 ,since alcohol makes some colors run1 test a sample of the cloth to be sure it does not harm the color4 ,on acetate rayon sponge with dilute alcohol--#a cup denatured alcohol to #b cups water4 ,bleaches4--,try one of the following1 but use sparingly on colored materials and do not use on weighted silks4 ,hydrosulfite4--,sponge with a hydrosulfite solution 7#b teaspoons in #a pint of warm water7 and rinse quickly4 ,oxalic acid4--,apply oxalic acid solution with a medicine dropper 7see p4 #g7 and rinse well with clear water4 ,sponge with weak ammonia water1 borax or sodium perborate solution1 to neutralize the acid4 ,paints--,oil ,paints1 ,varnishes1 ,enamels ,treat oil paint1 varnish1 and enamel stains quickly1 since a dried or hardened paint stain is almost impossible to remove4 ,scrape off as much of the paint or varnish as possible before using any remover4 ,if the stain has hardened1 apply a solvent on both sides and give time for it to soften4 ,do not rub too hard2 rubbing roughens the cloth4 ,use one of the following methods3 ,soap and water4--,if the material is washable1 remove fresh stains by washing with plenty of soap4 ,if the stain has dried1 soften it first by rubbing oil1 lard1 or petroleum jelly into it4 ,turpentine or other solvents4--,sponge the stain with pure turpentine or1 if the spots are large or scattered1 wash the whole article in it4 ,or soak in a liquid of equal parts ammonia water and turpentine1 rinse several times in fresh turpentine1 wash in soapy water4 ,carbon tetrachloride1 kerosene1 alcohol1 or benzene may be applied in the same way as turpentine4 ,benzene is good for the usual type of spar varnish4 ,alcohol will remove stains of shellac varnish1 but never use alcohol on acetate rayon or vinyon4 ,paint and varnish remover4--,equal parts of benzene1 carbon tetrachloride1 and amyl acetate 7banana oil7 make a very good paint remover4 ,apply the remover and rub in a dry-cleaning soap to help loosen the stain4 ,finally rinse out with carbon tetrachloride4 ,pencil ,marks ,indelible pencil ,do not use water on indelible pencil marks as this spreads the dye and makes the stain harder to remove4 ,use one of the following3 ,denatured alcohol4--,soak the stain in alcohol4 ,if carbon marks remain1 sponge with soap and water4 ,do not use alcohol on acetate rayon4 ,test all dyed cloth for colorfastness4 ,bleaches4--,remove the dye with a bleaching agent4 ,javelle water4--,for stains on uncolored cotton1 linen1 or rayon1 dip in ,javelle water for #a minute 7no longer71 remove the chlorine from the cloth with a sodium thiosulfate solution1 rinse well in water4 7,see p4 #f for more detailed instructions47 ,do not use ,javelle water on silk or wool4 ,hydrogen peroxide and sodium perborate4--,for other materials sponge with a mixture of #a teaspoon sodium perborate to #a pint peroxide4 ,rinse well4 ,lead pencil ,a soft eraser sometimes will remove the marks1 especially on stiff or starched materials4 ,if the material is washable1 rub soapsuds into the stain and launder as usual4 ,sponge woolen materials with clear water or with a solution of equal parts alcohol and water4 ,perspiration ,stains ,perspiration of the body is usually acid1 so you can sometimes restore colors changed by a perspiration stain by treating with an alkali4 ,dampen the stain with water and hold it over the fumes from an open ammonia water bottle4 7,see ,acids1 p4 #aj47 ,old stains may be alkaline2 then try vinegar4 7,see ,alkalies1 p4 #aa47 ,however1 colors changed by perspiration cannot always be restored1 particularly if the stain is an old one4 ,to remove perspiration odors1 sponge the stained part with warm water to which a few drops of vinegar have been added1 sprinkle powdered pepsin over the stain1 work it well into the cloth1 and let stand #a to #b hours1 keeping the spot moist4 ,then brush off the powder and rinse well4 ,yellowish perspiration stains on white material can be removed by3 ,soap and water4--,if the material is washable1 bleach in the sun after washing in soap and water4 ,bleaches4--,for a stubborn stain1 try a bleach4 ,hydrogen peroxide4--,sponge with hydrogen peroxide or a mixture of #a teaspoon sodium perborate to #a pint peroxide4 ,rinse with water4 ,sodium hydrosulfite4--,quickly dip the stain into a sodium hydrosulfite solution 7#b teaspoons sodium hydrosulfite to #a pint water74 ,rinse immediately4 ,first test the colorfastness of the cloth to this bleach4 ,rubber ,cement ,to remove rubber cement either sponge or dip the cloth in carbon tetrachloride1 ,stoddard solvent1 gasoline1 or benzene4 ,if the stain has dried1 rub in petroleum jelly or dry-cleaning soap to loosen it4 ,then apply the carbon tetrachloride or other solvent4 ,salad ,dressings ,the acid of the vinegar or lemon juice in salad dressings may injure the color of the material4 ,apply a mild alkali such as baking soda or weak ammonia water immediately to restore the color4 7,see ,acids1 p4 #aj47 ,then use one of the following to remove the stain3 ,soap and water4--,sponge delicate1 washable materials with lukewarm water4 ,do not use hot water if egg or cream was used in making the salad dressing4 ,use soap if it will not harm the cloth4 ,grease solvents4--,sponge the stain with lukewarm water1 let dry1 and then sponge with carbon tetrachloride1 ,stoddard solvent1 gasoline1 or benzene4 ,absorbents4--,absorbent powders are particularly good for splatters of salad oil4 ,dust cornstarch or talcum powder over the spot1 allow it to absorb the oil or grease1 then brush off4 ,or make a thick paste by mixing the powder with carbon tetrachloride or other grease solvent1 spread it on the spot1 let dry1 and brush off4 ,repeat if necessary4 ,another method is to put the stained cloth between cleansing tissues and press with a warm iron4 ,scorch ,you can usually remove light scorch stains from cotton and linen materials1 but wool and silk can seldom be restored to their original condition4 ,brushing with emery paper may improve wool1 however4 ,try the following3 ,soap and water4--,if the cloth is washable1 soap and water will remove very slight stains4 ,after washing1 place the article in the sun for a day or two2 it may bleach out any remaining traces of the stain4 ,hydrogen peroxide4--,if the stained material is white1 use hydrogen peroxide4 ,dampen a white cotton cloth with the peroxide and lay it on the stain4 ,cover with a clean dry cloth2 then press with a medium warm iron4 ,if the hydrogen peroxide soaks through the top cloth1 replace with a dry one4 ,ironing directly on the cloth moistened with peroxide or on the dampened stain itself1 after the cloth has been removed1 will cause rust stains on the garment4 ,repeat the treatment1 until the stain is completely removed4 ,rinse well4 ,light scorch stains may be removed also by sponging with hydrogen peroxide to which sodium perborate has been added 7#a teaspoon sodium perborate to #a pint peroxide74 ,rinse well with water4 ,shoe ,dressings ,soap and water4--,if the material is washable1 remove fresh stains from one of the paste dressings by sponging or washing thoroughly with plenty of soap4 ,for spots caused by white dressings1 sponge first with water1 then with soap and water4 ,solvents4--,sponge well with carbon tetrachloride or turpentine4 ,glycerine1 lard1 or petroleum jelly worked into the stain first helps to loosen it4 ,for liquid dressings and for stains on wool1 sponge with denatured alcohol4 ,do not use alcohol on acetate rayon or colored cloth4 ,bleaches4--,if a dye stain remains1 remove with a bleaching agent4 ,hydrosulfite4--,apply one of the hydrosulfites available at drug stores as a color remover4 ,follow directions on the package4 ,hydrogen peroxide or sodium perborate4--,sponge the stain with hydrogen peroxide or with a sodium perborate solution 7p4 #g7 or sprinkle sodium perborate powder on the moistened stain directly4 ,rinse well4 ,soap ,ironing material from which the soap has not been well rinsed may cause a stain much like iron rust4 ,washing with soap and water usually removes it4 ,be sure to rinse well4 ,bleaching in the sun afterwards is sometimes helpful4 ,soot and ,smoke ,absorbents with solvents4--,first brush the stain2 then sprinkle with an absorbent powder--,french chalk1 cornstarch1 corn meal1 or salt4 ,work the powder around until soiled and brush it off4 ,then if the material is washable1 sponge or wash with soap and water4 ,if water harms the cloth1 first use an absorbent2 then sponge the stain with one of the grease solvents--carbon tetrachloride1 ,stoddard solvent1 or gasoline4 ,another method is to make a paste by mixing an absorbent powder with carbon tetrachloride or other solvent1 spread it on the stain1 then brush it off when dry4 ,to remove the odor of smoke from a garment1 have it dry-cleaned4 ,sugar ,sirups ,if the material is washable1 wash out sugar-sirup stains with soap and water4 ,for more delicate materials1 sponge with clean water4 ,tar1 ,road ,oil1 ,asphalt1 ,axle ,grease1 ,pitch ,stains made by tarlike substances are hard to remove1 especially from cotton material4 ,first rub in petroleum jelly or lard to soften the stain1 then sponge with one of the grease solvents--carbon tetrachloride1 ,stoddard solvent1 gasoline1 benzene--or dip the article in the liquid and rub lightly between the hands4 ,repeat the treatment until the stain is removed4 ,if the material is washable1 use warm soapy water after rubbing in the petroleum jelly or lard4 ,for stains on carpets or rugs1 scrape off as much as possible with a dull knife4 ,then sponge with the grease solvent1 using a brushing motion so that you do not rub the stain into the carpet4 ,tobacco ,treat stains from the tarry substances in the stem of a pipe in the same way as tar4 ,use one of the following methods to remove tobacco juice stains3 ,cold water and glycerine4--,sponge with cold water2 then work warm glycerine into the stain4 ,let stand for half an hour1 and wash with soap and water4 ,if the stain cannot be completely removed by washing1 bleach it in the sun4 ,moistening it with lemon juice makes it disappear more quickly4 ,wood or denatured alcohol4--,to remove traces of color remaining on wool materials after the above treatment1 sponge with alcohol4 ,bleaches4--,try one of the following to remove remaining tobacco stains3 ,hydrogen peroxide or sodium perborate4--,sponge with hydrogen peroxide or with sodium perborate solution 7#d tablespoons to a pint of water74 ,or sprinkle powdered sodium perborate on the moistened stain4 ,rinse thoroughly4 ,javelle water4--,for stains on cotton or linen1 dip the stain in ,javelle water for #a minute 7no longer71 remove the chlorine from the cloth with a sodium thiosulfate solution1 rinse well in water4 7,see p4 #f for more detailed instructions47 ,do not use ,javelle water on silk or wool materials4 ,be sure to test the cloth for colorfastness before applying this bleach4 ,tomato ,juice and ,catsup ,cold water and glycerine4--,sponge the stain thoroughly with cold water to remove all the loose foodstuff4 ,next work glycerine into the stain1 and let stand for half an hour4 ,then wash with soap and water4 ,hydrogen peroxide or sodium perborate4--,remove any remaining stain by sponging with hydrogen peroxide or with sodium perborate solution 7#d tablespoons to #a pint of water74 ,sponge or rinse with cold water4 ,urine ,these stains differ so in composition that it is impossible to give methods which will be successful in all cases4 ,if the color of the cloth is not destroyed but only changed1 it may be restored4 ,normal human urine is usually acid1 as is also that of all meat-eating animals4 ,therefore sponge such stains with a weak ammonia or soda solution4 7,see ,acids1 p4 #aj47 ,if the stain is alkaline1 sponge with lemon juice or vinegar4 7,see ,alkalies1 p4 #aa47 ,warm water followed by salt and water4--,sponge with warm water4 ,warm salt water may be used 7about cup salt to #a quart water74 ,apply and let stand #ae minutes2 then sponge with clear water4 ,hydrogen peroxide or sodium perborate4--,apply a few drops of hydrogen peroxide 7see p4 #g7 or sponge with a mixture of #a level teaspoon sodium perborate to #a pint peroxide4 ,powdered sodium perborate may be sprinkled on the dampened stain4 ,rinse thoroughly in water4 ,walnut 7,black7 ,soap solution4--,boil washable materials in soapy water 7a half-inch cube of laundry soap to each cup of water74 ,this will completely remove fresh stains on cotton or linen4 ,if this treatment leaves a gray color1 as it sometimes does with an old stain1 treat with ,javelle water as follows3 ,javelle water4--,mix ,javelle water with an equal amount of hot water4 ,soak the stained place for #a hours in this solution1 and rinse thoroughly4 ,then treat with oxalic acid solution 7#a teaspoon oxalic acid to #a pint water71 and rinse again4 ,this will remove a week-old stain and will not seriously injure the material4 ,soaking the stain in ,javelle water of full strength1 however1 rots the material4 ,do not use ,javelle water on silk or wool4 ,water ,spots ,some silks1 rayons1 and wools are spotted by water4 ,to remove such spots1 dampen the entire material evenly1 either by sponging with clean water or by shaking in the steam from a briskly boiling teakettle4 ,then press it while still damp4 ,scratching with the fingernail or a stiff brush or rubbing the cloth between the hands will sometimes remove the spot4 ,white ,sauces1 ,cream ,soups ,if the material is washable1 laundering in warm soap and water will remove these spots4 ,for nonwashable materials1 sponge with warm water1 let dry1 then sponge with a grease solvent--carbon tetrachloride1 gasoline1 or benzene4 ,index to ,stains ,a ,page ,acids #aj ,adhesive tape #aj ,alcoholic beverages #aj ,alkalies #aa ,argyrol #aa ,asphalt #bg ,axle grease #bg ,b ,beer4 ,see ,alcoholic beverages4 ,berries #ae ,beverages4 ,see ,alcoholic beverages2 ,chocolate2 ,coffee4 ,blood #ab ,bluing #ab ,c ,candle wax1 colored #ab ,candy #ab ,carbon paper #ac ,catsup #bh ,cement1 rubber #be ,cherry4 ,see ,fruits4 ,chewing gum #ac ,chocolate #ac ,cocoa #ac ,cod-liver oil #ac ,coffee #ac ,cream4 ,see ,ice cream4 ,cream soups #bi ,d ,dyes #ad ,e ,egg #ad ,enamel paint #bd ,f ,fingernail polish #ae ,fish slime #ae ,fish oil4 ,see ,cod-liver oil4 ,flypaper1 sticky #ae ,foliage #af ,fruits #ae ,g ,glue #af ,grapefruit4 ,see ,fruits4 ,grass #af ,gravy #ba ,grease #ag ,i ,ice cream #ah ,ink #ah ,iodine #bj ,iron rust #bj ,l ,lemon4 ,see ,fruits4 ,linseed oil #bj ,lipstick #bj ,liquor4 ,see ,alcoholic beverages4 ,m ,mayonnaise4 ,see ,salad dressings4 ,meat juice #ba ,medicines #ba ,see also ,argyrol2 ,mercurochrome4 ,mercurochrome #bb ,metallic stains #bb ,mildew #bb ,milk4 ,see ,ice cream4 ,mimeograph-correction fluid4 ,see ,fingernail polish4 ,mucilage #af ,mucus #bc ,mud #bc ,mustard #bc ,n ,nail polish #ae ,o ,oil #ag ,see also ,cod-liver oil2 ,linseed oil2 ,road oil4 ,oil paints #bd ,orange4 ,see ,fruits4 ,p ,paints #bd ,paraffin4 ,see ,candle wax1 colored4 ,peach4 ,see ,fruits4 ,pear4 ,see ,fruits4 ,pencil marks #bd ,perspiration #be ,petroleum jelly4 ,see ,grease2 ,oils4 ,pitch #bg ,plum4 ,see ,fruits4 ,r ,road oil #bg ,rouge #bj ,rubber cement #be ,running colors #ad ,s ,salad dressings #be ,sauces1 white #bi ,scorch #bf ,shoe dressings #bf ,silver nitrate4 ,see ,medicines4 ,sirups #bg ,smoke #bf ,soap #bf ,soft drinks #aj ,soot #bf ,soups1 cream #bi ,sugar sirups #bg ,t ,tannin4 ,see ,alcoholic beverages2 ,coffee2 ,fruits4 ,tar #bg ,tea #ad ,tobacco #bg ,tomato juice #bh ,u ,urine #bh ,v ,varnish #bd ,vinegar4 ,see ,acids4 ,w ,walnut1 black #bh ,water spots #bh ,wax #ab ,white sauces #bi ,wine4 ,see ,alcoholic beverages4 99 ,u4 ,s4 ,,government ,,printing ,,office3 #aiee ,o-#ccgeij ,for sale by the ,superintendent of ,documents1 ,u4 ,s4 ,government ,printing ,office ,washington #be1 ,d4 ,c4--,price #ae cents ,transcriber's ,notes --,silently corrected a few typos4 --,retained publication information from the printed edition3 this e,book is public-domain in the country of publication4 --,in the text versions only1 text in italics is delimited by underscores4