Stain Removal Guide with Quick Reference Chart and Recipes

This complete stain removal guide addresses how to remove red wine stains to coffee stain problems and everything in between. These are tried and trusted ways of removing stains from clothes and laundry, carpets, even wood.

Marks can often be removed successfully from upholstry, carpets, wood and clothes if you act fast before the stains have time to become permanent. Always follow a few simple rules and keep some basic items in your house that will form a personal stain removal kit. Everything here can be bought at either your local supermarket or drug store.

We cannot emphasise this more. Whatever you decide to use on stains, you need to act quickly. A soaked in or dried stain is much harder to remove than a fresh or wet stain. This is the same for fabrics as well as hard surfaces like wood. Worse still, some types of stains can never be removed if left for too long. In these situations a chemical reaction takes place whereby a chemical reaction due to sunlight, heat or just time bonds the stain to the surface.

Stain Removal Guide to Success

To be successful in stain removal you need to know 2 things:

1) What Caused the Stain?

With regards to the cause, you need to know this, because if you don't you could end up treating the mark incorrectly only finding that you have made the situation worse.

If you don't know what caused the stain you then need to determine whether it is a greasy or non-greasy stain, or a combination of both.

There are 3 types of stains:

i) organic stains such as blood, milk and milk products, body secretions, including perspiration, egg, fats, meat and its products etc.
ii) vegetable stains such as grass, fruits, mildew, oils and vegetables
iii) Inorganic stains from acids, alkalis, dust, dye, ink, medicine, minerals, mud, paint, paraffin, tumeric, machine grease, or machine oil

- Soap, borax and ammonia are all alkalis
- Alkalis and acids when applied to each other's stains will remove them\
- There are also combination stains that have 2 different issues, which need 2 or more treatments

2) Type of Fabric

Make sure that you know your fabric, that it is colorfast (see below), and that by treatment the colors in the fabric won't fade, bleed or the fabric won't stretch or shrink.

Some fabrics such as silk, taffeta, satins, rayons, crepes, gabardines and velvets are all difficult to treat.

3) Using a Combination of Treatments

You may need to use several methods to remove the marks as one method may not always work.

Our Stain Removal Guide's Simple Rules

Act quickly to remove the stain before it sets in.
Blot or wipe the spill. Rubbing may damage the fabric which may leave permanent damage, even if you manage to remove the stain.
A quick rinse with water will help remove most stains on washable fabrics. For non-washable fabrics and surfaces, sponge the area with water, wetting the items as little as possible. Use cold or lukewarm water, never hot water, as sometimes hot water can help set the stain.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for washing or cleaning. If in doubt, consult an expert.
Pre-treat stains on laundry before washing.
Always test the stain remover on a hidden area of the item first, before treating the larger area that needs attention.
Use the weakest solution first to make sure that there is no damage to the item.
Air dry between efforts to remove the stain. You can also use a hair dryer but only with the setting on cool. No not place in the sun, near a woodstove, open fire, or radiator. Do not iron until the stain has been removed completely.
Try heating some solutions before increasing the concentration. Warming will often increase the effectiveness of the stain remover. However, never heat solvents.
Work on damp fabric, except for waxy stains. Keep washable fabrics moist, if possible, until you are able to begin the treatment. However, do not keep moist for too long, especially if you live in the tropics as your item can then develop mold, which is extremely difficult to remove.
Anything that is valuable to you that has become marked or damaged, such as Persian carpets and antique furniture should rather be treated by a specialist.

Stain Removal from Clothes and Material and Equipment Needed

If you are going to keep a stain removal kit at home is should contain the basics:

absorbent materials
absorbent cloths
detergents
solvents
bleach
bowls
medical droppers and small syringes

Keep all stain removal kits out of reach of children. There are other removal agents which can make up your stain removal kit.

Absorbent Materials for Stain Removal

Cornstarch, cornmeal and talc are just some absorbent materials that work well on fresh grease stains. Apply the absorbent material to the grease spots and allow to absorb the grease. Brush off and reapply. Repeat until there is no more absorption. You may need to follow up with the treatment of a solvent.

Absorbent Cloths for Stain Removal

Cotton cloths, sponges and paper can all be used to absorb spilled liquid. Make sure that they are applied to the fabric in such a way that they absorbs any excess liquid rather than pressing the liquid into the fabric.

Detergents for Stain Removal

Detergents and soaps will help with greasy and non-greasy stain removal. Liquid soaps are particularly useful as they are in a concentrated form and can be easily worked into the dampened fabric and rinsed out.

If you get a deep seated stain you can still apply a detergent to the area but you have to work the fabric correctly. Instead of rubbing the material, and possibly spoiling it, hold the area between your thumbs and bend the fabric backwards and forwards so that the fibres move against one another. In this way the detergent will be able to penetrate the stain and removal will be easier.

Solvents for Stain Removal

Solvents are very useful for getting rid of a number of difficult stains, especially those that are both grease and non- grease-based.

Water is your best solvent for non-greasy marks. When you don't know what has caused marks on your clothes, then rather use cold water and a little liquid detergent. Using hot water could end up making the mark permanent.

However, for most stains water is not the best solvent for greasy marks, or even rust as these need a chemical application that will bond with the original stain to form another compound which is then easily removed.

Solvents, other than water, have the ability to change the color and look of your fabric during treatment, so great care is needed when using. Only use small amounts.

Rubbing alcohol is used for stain removal from clothes as is benzine, ether and carbon tetracholorine. Other than carbon tetrachloride, these are all flammable chemicals that should be used with great care. As a website the promotes more organic methods we suggest you look for alternative methods that are less dangerous to your health.

One of the best natural solvents to use is eucalyptus oil. This is perfect to get rid of grease stains; axle grease, grease from dripping butter, and tar stains.

If you are still determined to use chemical solvents place the stain downwards, and place a clean absorbent cloth or pad directly underneath. By placing the stain downwards when you dab the area with the solvent you will wash the stain away from the fabric rather than through the fabric.

Using light, brushing movements dab a small amount of solvent onto the cloth and work the stain from the middle, towards the outer edges. Working outwards helps prevent any rings from forming.

Avoid any hard rubbing that will damage the surface of the fabric and sponge the outside of the spot regularly to prevent any rings or definite edges or lines.
Change the pad or cloth used underneath the stain regularly so as to prevent the stain from reentering the fabric once it has been washed out.

When using solvents do not use near open fires, gas pilot lights or any other area that could be dangerous working with these flammable chemicals. Work in a well-ventilated room, preferably even outside. Keep all solvents away from children, and rinse off your skin if you come directly into contact with them.

How to Use Solvents on Stains

Solvents can leave a stain unless used with care. Most are flammable, and have harmful fumes, so they should be used in a well-ventilated area. Carbon tetrachloride is a solvent that isn't flammable and safer to use than benzine, for example.

Firstly, scrape off any solid matter, taking care not to damage the fabric or surface. Then, if possible, turn over the item so that you can work from the back of the stain.

Put a pad of clean white cloth underneath the stain to protect other surfaces. The pad will help to stop the stain spreading and will absorb the solvent and loosened dirt.

Now soak another piece of cloth with the solvent and dab it on the stain. Start from the outside and work inwards. Do not flood with solvent, or the stain will spread.

Rinse off the solvent thoroughly with water. If the item is washable wash as usual. Air non-washables outdoors or in a well-ventilated room.

Bleaches for Stain Removal

Although bleach is probably one of the first things we reach for when trying to treat stains, it is often not only removes the stain, but it also damages the fabric at the same time.

To minimize the damage, don't use the bleach in metal bowls when applying it to your fabric as metals increases the action of the bleach and may increase the chance of damaging your clothes.

3 kinds of bleaches are recommended for stain removal:

Chlorine bleach
Peroxygen bleach
Color removers

Chlorine and hydrogen peroxide usually remove the same stains and so can be used interchangeably. Color removers are usually used when the first two don't work.

Vinegar, lemon juice and ammonia also fall under this category.

Stain Removal Guide to Other Includes in your Stain Removal Kit:

Bleach out stains, kill mildew and remove certain dyes with bleach. Oxygen bleaches are safe for all fabrics. Use chlorine bleaches on washable, colourfast fabrics.

Hydrogen pyroxide is a mild form of bleach which, when diluted, can be used on silk and wool.

Borax, lemon juice, vinegar and ammonia can also be used as bleaching agents.

Detergents are used on washable fabrics and surfaces. On delicate fabrics rather use soaps.

Prewash soil and stain removers are useful for oil-based stains. Use on washable fabrics before washing in the normal way.

Enzyme presoaks and bleaches are used to remove protein-based stains such as grass stains and blood stains on washable fabrics. Rinse well. Do not use on wool, silk, non-colorfast or flame-resistant fabrics.

Solvents help to remove oil-based, or combination stains. These include dry cleaning fluids, amyl acetate, acetone, nail polish remover, paint remover and stripper. Never use solvents with water and never put them in the washing machine. Acetone dissolves some synthetics, so always do a sample test first.

Proprietary stain removers are designed to remove specific stains such as felt tip pens, blood and rust. They are available from most drug stores . Make sure that you follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Stain Removal Guide on How to Test for Colorfastness

When you do a test sample on your fabric you are trying to find out if the fabric is colorfast. In otherwords, the fabric won't change in any way once you treat it. So how do you do that?

First of all testing for colorfastness involves trying the remover on an inconspicous spot, such as inside the hem of a your clothes or curtains. Dab some of the stain remover on to the spot and then cover with a clean white cloth. Press with a warm cloth. If the cloth shows no trace of color, then the item is colorfast.

Homemade Stain Removal Recipe

The following recipe for removing stains can be made at home with ingredients bought at your drug store. This stain removing recipe will remove:

grease from carpets
clean men's suits
remove grease from woollen garments
old paint marks
safe for silk items

Recipe Ingredients:

2 ounces ammonia
2 ounces white castille soap
1 ounce pure alcohol
1 ounce glycerine
1 ounce spirits of ether
2 1/4 quarts water

Method:

Shred the soap and put it into 1 quart of water. Boil until dissolved. Heat the balance of the water so that it is hot, and put into the pot with the other ingredients.

Bottle the ingredients.

To use:

Apply to stains on clothes, curtains and carpets diluted with water 50:50. For really stubborn stains, and making sure that the items are colorfast, you can apply the cleaning solution full strength.

Stain Removal Guide to Specific Stains

Blood Stain Removal Guide:

There are several methods of removing blood stains. Never use hot water or soap as these will both fix the stain.

Method 1: Take 2 teaspoons of glycerine mixed in a quart of cold water. Soak the item in cold water until the stain turns brown. Then use soap and warm water.

Method 2: If your item is colorfast then you can use hydrogen peroxide on the stain. Rinse and wash as normal. Hydrogen peroxide will also remove blood from wool, silk, linens and synthetics.

Method 3: Place article in lukewarm salted water. Allow to soak followed by washing with warm soapy water. Only once the blood stain has been removed should you finish off by boiling the article.

Method 4: You can also lift blood stains by adding a little ammonia to some lukewarm water that you are soaking the items in. Use 1 tablespoon of ammonia to 1pint of warm water. This is for cottons and colorfast clothes, only.

Method 5: Put the article to soak at once in cold salt water; then wash in warm soapy water and finish by boiling.

Method 6: First soak in cold water. Then soak in 1 liter of warm water with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar.

Blood Stain Removal from Blankets: Apply a paste made from raw starch and warm water. As soon as the blood starts to discolor make a new application. You can also apply the paste very thickly and then after it has dried, brush off. If you apply the starch paste to both sides of the item, this works even better still.

Blood Stain Removal from Silk or Cotton: Apply starch to the fabric immediately. Allow to dry and then wash carefully.

Candle Wax Stain Removal Guide

Hot wax can be easily removed by placing some ice cubes in a plastic bag. Hold it against the wax until it becomes solid. Remove carefully by either peeling it off the fabric by bending the fabric or by removing the wax with a sharp knife.

Remove any further stains with a grease solvent.

Carpet Stain Removal Guide

The first thing you need to do in order to clean a carpet is to vacuum the carpet thoroughly before any other cleaning.

If you don't have a vacuum cleaner you can use cold, moist tea leaves. Sprikle the tea leaves onto the carpet and then brush well into the carpet with a straw broom.

Cleaning carpets can also be done by throwing salt all over the carpet and then sweep with a brush. Then go over the whole surface with a damp cloth using 1 tablespoon of turpentine to 1 quart of water. Remember to brush with the way of the pile, not in circular motions.

You can also clean carpets by using soap flakes and warm water to which a sprinkling of ammonia has been added. Have a bowl of the soap mixture ready, along with a bowl of clean warm water. Work about 2 square feet at a time with a nail brush and clean carefully. Rinse with a cloth wrung out in the clean water.

If you want to bring back the colors to a carpet that has faded, wipe the carpet with a vinegar solution; a cupful of vinegar to a bowl of warm water.

Homemade Carpet Shampoo Recipe

Shave 2 oz laundry soap into 2 pints boiling water until dissolved. Add to this 2 tablespoons ammonia and 1/2 ounce washing soda.

To use, take a little of the solution and add to a bowl of warm water. Mix to make a lather. Rub gently into a small area of the carpet with a small brush, rinsing each section as you go by brushing with clean water. Blot dry with a soft, clean cloth.

Chewing Gum Stain Removal Guide

The same treatment for hot wax can be applied to chewing gum. Sometimes it is better to apply the area with direct contact of the ice cube. Remove any further stains with a grease solvent.

Coffee Stain Removal Guide

There is nothing worse than an unfortunate coffee stain just as you are hurrying off to work. However, don't despair as help is near.

Method 1: Take the garment and stretch the stained part over a dish or pot and fasten down so that you are able to pour absolutely boiling water on the stain from a height of about 2-3 feet. Repeat several times, if necessary. To prevent the place from having a yellowish tinge sprinkle some powdered borax over the spot after the stain is removed and then rinse out.

However, if milk was in the coffee soak the clothes in lukewarm water with 1/2 cup borax added to the water. If you treat a milk coffee stain with hot water you will set the mark rather than remove it.

Method 2: Treat with a little glycerine to the area. The soak in a basin of lukewarm water to which 1/2 cup borax has been added. Leave to soak and then launder as usual.

Method 3): For synthetics, colored cottons, silk, linens and wool you can remove coffee stains using hydrogen peroxide.

Chocolate Stain Removal Guide:

Method 1) Remove chocolate stains by soaking clothes in soda water before washing as normal.

Method 2) If you have white cottons and linens you can use a small amount of household bleach that has been diluted and applied carefully after checking for colorfastness. Just because it is white doesn't mean to say that it won't turn yellow when bleach is applied.

Method 3) Chocolate marks can be removed from clothes that are made from colored cottons, wool, silk, linens and synthetics by using hydrogen peroxide.

Egg Stains

Egg stains need to be treated quickly. Remove as much of the yolk as possible with a knife. Do this carefully without damaging the fabric. Soak clothes in cold water for an hour before laundering. Do not use hot water on the egg stain. This will just help set the egg into the clothes.

Fruit Stain Removal Guide:

Fruit stains, if treated while wet will disappear if washed out quickly with warm water. If they been allowed to dry on the clothes they should be sponged or left to soak for a brief time in tepid borax solution. Use 1 teaspoon of borax to a small cupful of water. You can use this on any washable fabrics.

Another way of getting a set fruit stain to lift is to apply warm glycerine, followed by sponging with warm water or a mild detergent. The glycerine can be dropped on or applied with a clean brush. You can also use glycerine on silk and coloured fabrics.

If you have fruit stains on clothes that are of a non-washable fabric, a glycerine mark can be steamed out instead of being sponged out, or can be sponged with a little methylated spirits.

Take a mixture of liquid detergent and very hot water and pour it through the clothes that have been stretched over a pot or the like to allow the water to penetrate through the fibers. This should be done for a height of 2-3 feet and is made easier if the marks are first moistened with glycerine or rubbed with borax.

Even old fruit stains can be loosen with a little glycerine before treatment.

You can remove mulberry stains from hands by rubbing the hands with the unripe fruit.

Peach Stains can be removed by rubbing glycerine over stain two or three days before washing which will cause the stain to disappear.

Grape stains should be moistened with vinegar and then given the boiling water treatment. The im portant thing in stain removal is to deal with the trouble as promptly as possible.

Grass Stain Removal Guide:

Grass stains on white fabric can be removed by using a paste of cream of tartar and warm water.

Grass stains on ecru, blue or other delicate colors can be removed by using alcohol. Wipe the treated area with a cloth moistened with a little water. Dry.

Grass stains and other vegetable stains can be removed using molasses. Apply and leave for a while. Then rinse off in cold water and wash in soap and warm water.

Removing grass stains from white cottons and linens: Use methylated spirits.

Removing grass stains from synthetics, colored cottons, silks, linens and wool: You can use either methylated spirits or hydrogen peroxide.

Removing grass stains from white, unwashable material: Sponge the area with pure alcohol or spirits of ether.

Grease Stain Removal Guide:

Heat, soap, alkalis and alcohol will all remove grease stains.

Put either cornstarch or talcum powder directly on the grease spot. This will help absorb as much grease as possible. After that, treat with a solvent such as carbon tetrachloride, as per directions above.

For a machine oil stain on linen clean with gasoline followed by a wash with white soap and cold water.

If you have old grease stains you want to lift, soften these with turpentine before washing.

You can dissolve grease with a number of solvents such as eucalyptus oil, carbon tetrachloride, tetrachloroethylene or hydrogen peroxide.

Ice Cream Stain Removal Guide:

Ice cream is particularly difficult to clean on clothes as this is a combination stain made up of greasy milk, egg and sugar.

Ice cream marks must first be sponged with cool or tepid water to remove the traces of the sugar and any other non-greasy elements. Then you need to apply a grease solvent to eliminate the greasy elements. Carbon tetrachloride is very useful here.

Ink Stain Removal Guide:

Ink stain removal from wooden furniture: Take equal parts of methylated spirits and white vinegar. Rub the affected area. Dry off and then polish as normal.

Stain Removal for Dry Ink:

Method 1) Soak the effected area with lemon juice and then rub in some salt. Place in some sunshine. Rinse and apply again until stain disapears.

Method 2) Dampen the affected area and rub in a mixture of borax and salt. Place in sunshine, Rinse and apply again until stain disappears.

Stain Removal for Ball Point Ink: Some hairsprays will remove ball point ink. So will methylated spirits. This is a mark that is difficult to lift as there are a number of different formulas used in making ballpoint ink.

Stain Removal for Wet Ink: Soak the affected area in sour milk, if possible, or if not, fresh milk for 1 - 2 days. Change the milk as it becomes discolored. Clean in cold water and then wash as normal.

Stain Removal for Red Ink: Most red ink marks can be re moved by using borax and water, or methyldted spirits.

Stain Removal for Fountain Pen Ink: Fountain pen ink, if resistant to simpler methods, may respond to an application of potassium per manganate and hydrogen peroxide.

Lipstick Stain Removal Guide:

Method 1: Take a piece of soft, white bread and rub on the lipstick stain. Repeat if necessary.

Mildew Stain Removal Guide

Mildew on clothes is very difficult to lift. Tell, me! I know! I spent all of last week trying to get mildew stains that had already gone through a wash cycle and the tumble dryer before I noticed. Mildew is difficult to remove too, because it is not a stain as such, but a vegetable fungus that forms when clothes are wet and left in a warm, humid environment.

Although the shirt did not come out absolutely free from mildew in the end, it did look a lot different after the days of treatment, and follow up washes using my homemade laundry soap detergent which I recommend everyone to make. Not only does it cost me a third of the price of normal washing powder, because it contains borax as part of the ingredients, it also helps to get out certain stains, mildew being one of them.

I used method 1 but I did leave the shirt to soap for 3 days. Each day washing out with some soap and trying again with the borax.

I have subsequently found other ways of removing mildew, which I haven't needed to try, but I like the last method.

Method 1: Soak mildew area in some warm water and borax. 1/2 cup to a basin of water will do. Launder as usual. If you add borax to your washing cycle, then you will find that over time, the mildew will eventually fade.

Method 2: Soak clothes in full strength lemon juice for a few hours. Lemon juice is a mild bleach that will lift mildew that hasn't been there too long.

Method 3: Mildew on clothes can be treated with white vinegar. Soak for a few hours and then launder.

Method 4: Remove mildew from clothes by spreading a paste of lemon juice and starch over the spot and place in the sunshine to dry. Rinse off in cold water.

Method 5: Mix equal parts of soft soap with powdered starch, half as much salt and some lemon juice. Brush on both sides of the fabric and leave out in the sun until the mildew fades.

Mud Stain Removal Guide:

Mud stains can be difficult to remove, especially when red soil is involved. If you have mud on carpets allow the mud to dry and then vacuum the area thoroughly. Treat the area with a mild detergent, blotting as you go. Do not oversoak the carpet.

Method 1: Mud stains on clothes can be removed by treating the area with slices of raw potato. Rub the potato, flesh-side down on the mud. Launder as usual.

Pet Stain Removal Guide

Method 1: Blot the area with an absorbent cloth. Treat the pet stain with equal parts of water and vinegar. The vinegar will help neutralize the smell of urine, but if you have cats, they will continue to spray in this area, even with the vinegar. This becomes a very hard cycle to break.

Red Wine Stain Removal Guide:

If you get red wine stains on carpets blot the carpet immediately with an absorbent cloth. Then apply some plain water to the area, again trying to blot the carpet to remove excess water and wine. Sprinkle thickly with table salt. Leave for 15 minutes and then vacuum.

If marks still remain, treat the area with an ammonia solution and some detergent.

Removing Scorch Marks on Clothes

If you burn clothes with an iron too badly, you will have damaged the fibers and will have to throw the item away. However, if an item has only been lightly scorched you can save the garment.

Method 1: Lightly press over the area using a cloth that has been dampened with hydrogen peroxide.

Method 2: Boil in milk and turpentine to which soap has been added and dry
in sun.

Method 3: Apply a thick paste made of ordinary starch mixed with just enough water to make it stick well. Let it dry and then wash out thoroughly.
Repeat if necessary.

Method 4: For a scorch stain on linen, rub with a fresh-cut brown onion and soak in cold water afterwards.

Rust Stain Removal Guide

Method 1: If you have rust on clothes you can remove these marks by boiling the garments in water and cream of tartar. Take 1 pint water and add 1 teaspoon cream of tartar.

Method 2: You can also use salt and lemon juice. Apply to area and then place in direct sunlight to dry.

Tea Stain Removal Guide:

First try washing with warm water and some liquid detergent. Brown stains may remain. These should be treated with hydrogen peroxide, or simply exposing to strong sunlight.

Urine Stain Removal Guide:

Method 1: For removing urine from white cottons and sheets you can use a weak ammonia solution. Soak for a few hours and then launder as usual.

Method 2: You can also use white vinegar, or lemon juice and rinse out with an ammonia solution. Launder as usual.

Wood Stain Removal Guide:

Method 1: If you have wood stains caused by heated dishes make a thin paste made from olive-oil and salt. Spread it over the marked place and leave for an hour or more, then rub off with a soft cloth.

Method 2: White rings on wood caused by spilling alcohol on the wood and from glasses can be removed by using a mixture of toothpaste and baking soda.

Quick Stain Remover Guide Chart

STAIN	WASHABLE WHITE COTTONS AND LINENS	WASHABLE COLORED COTTONS, SYNTHETICS, SILKS, LINENS, WOOL
Adhesive Tap	Carbon tetrachloride	Carbon tetrachloride followed by a detergent wash
Alcohol	Add glycerine to washing water followed by a white vinegar rinse	Add glycerine to washing water followed by a hydrogen peroxide rinse
Blood	Weak ammonia solution soak	Hydrogen Peroxide
Chewing Gum	Treat with ice cubes or put in iced water.	Iced water or carbon tetrachloride
Chocolate Cocoa	Household bleach	Tetrachloroethylene or hydrogen peroxide
Codliver Oil	Household bleach	hydrogen peroxide
Coffee	Glycerine followed by borax and warm water. 1/2 cup per basin.	hydrogen peroxide
Dye	Household bleach and ammonia rinse. Difficult to treat. Best to buy dye removal kits from supermarket or drug store	hydrogen peroxide
Fruit Stains	Must remove before washing. Stretch fabric over bowl, rub liquid detergent on area and run through boiling water from a height of 2-3 feet.	Stretch fabric over bowl of steaming hot water to which ammonia has been added. You can also use hydrogen peroxide
Grass	Methylated spirits	Methylated spirits or hydrogen peroxide
Grease and Oil	Tetrachloroethylene	Tetrachloroethylene
Ice Cream	Carbon tetrachloride	Carbon tetrachloride or hydrogen peroxide
Ink	salt and lemon juice, place in sunshine, followed by an ammonia wash	salt and lemon juice, place in sunshine, followed by an ammonia wash
Ink - Ballpoint	Petroleum jelly followed by a hot wash	Tetrachloroethylene
Lipstick and Rouge	Tetrachloroethylene	Tetrachloroethylene
Meat Juices	Tetrachloroethylene	Tetrachloroethylene
Mildew	borax solution or salt, lemon juice and sunshine	borax solution or salt, lemon juice and sunshine
Milk and Cream	Tetrachloroethylene	Tetrachloroethylene
Mustard	Glycerine followed by methylated spirits	Glycerine followed by methylated spirits
Nail Varnish	Nail polish remover followed by household bleach	Nail polish remover followed by hydrogen peroxide
Paint and Varnish	Soak in equal amounts of turpentine and ammonia	Soak in equal amounts of turpentine and ammonia
Pencil - Indelible	Do not use water, it will spread the dye. Use Tetrachloroethylene	Tetrachloroethylene
Perspiration	Household Bleach	Hydrogen Peroxide. If fabric has lost color hold over ammonia fumes or sponge with white vinegar
Rust	Boil in cream of tartar solution - 1 teaspoon cream of tartar to 1 pint water	Lemon juice with baking soda rinse
Scorch	Light scorches only - press over hydrogen peroxide dampened cloth	Light scorches only - press over hydrogen peroxide dampened cloth
Shoe Polish	Black shoe polish use turpentine or Tetrachloroethylene	Tetrachloroethylene or hydrogen peroxide
Soft Drinks	Household Bleach	Hydrogen peroxide
Tar	Eucalyptus Oil	Eucalyptus Oil
Urine	Ammonia solution soak. White wine vinegar, lemon juice with ammonia rinse	Ammonia solution soak. White wine vinegar, lemon juice with ammonia rinse
Water spots	-	If taffeta or velvet is spotted hold over a steaming kettle

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