Index

original stain. finish.  Don't use too much; it can soften the finish

 

MILDEW:

 

As soon as mildew spots are discovered, before they have a chance to weaken or rot the material, they should be

removed. Brush mildewed items outdoors, if possible, to ­avoid scattering spores throughout the house, then sun and air them throroughly.  If spots still show, have non-washables dry-cleaned. For washables, wash the ­articles at once with soap or detergent and water. Rinse and dry in the sun. If a spot remains, use lemon juice or bleach.

 

HOW TO REMOVE THREE TYPES OF FABRIC STAINS

 

1. GREASY STAINS: On washable materials you will save yourself trouble if you pretreat stains before laundering by rubbing in a detergent. Often, however, a grease solvent ­(cleaning fluid) will be needed. This removes the spot equally well after the article has been laundered. Let the material dry and sponge it repeatedly if necessary.

 

For nonwashable materials sponge repeatedly with cleaning fluid, allowing them to dry between applications, or use an

absorbent such as cornstarch, corn meal, French chalk, talcum ­powder, magnesium carbonate. These remove light or freshly made stains by absorbing them; they are easy to apply, harmless to all fibers.

 

Lay the stained fabric flat on a clean cloth or towel. Spread a layer of absorbent on the stain and work it around gently. When the absorbent becomes caked and or gummy, shake ­or brush it off; use a vacuum cleaner on rugs. Repeat this procedure until the stain is gone.

Absorbents work better on some stains when blended with cleaning fluid  to form a paste.  However, they are not recommended for dark, unwashable materials because they may ­be difficult to remove completely.

 

2. NONGREASY STAINS: Promptly sponge stains on washable materials with cool water, or soak them in cool water for 30 ­minutes or more. After sponging or soaking, work undiluted liquid detergent into the stain and rinse. If the stain remains, you will have to use a bleach. Old stains and ­stains that have been ironed are in the difficult-to­impossible category.

 

On nonwashable materials, sponge the stain with cool ­water or put a sponge under it and squirt cool water through

 

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