Removal Techniques for Specific Stains

• Stains are caused by a variety of things. Stain treatment depends on the type of stain. Protein stains are from body fluids such as blood, vomit, feces or urine. They also include stains left from foods such as baby food, milk, cream and eggs. Protein stains should always be soaked in cold water. Hot water "cooks" the protein, making it more difficult to remove.
  
  Oil-based stains are from greasy substances such as automotive oil, car grease and gasoline. They also are made from greasy foods and household items including bacon fat, butter or margarine, face cream and hand lotion. The stains require a stain-removal pretreatment or the application of a stain stick to loosen the stain.
  
  Tannin stains are from food items such as alcoholic beverages, coffee, soft drinks, berries and juice. They are also caused by cologne and washable ink. Fresh tannin stains can usually be lifted by laundering with detergent in hot water. Natural soaps should never be used on tannin stains.
  
  Dye stains include ink from felt-tip pens, mustard, tempera paint, Kool-Aid and grass stain. Dye stains are often dark and difficult to remove. They should be pretreated with heavy-duty liquid detergent then rinsed. The garment may need to soak in bleach if the stain persists.
  
  Combination stains are from items that have a mixture of an oily and waxy component with a dye and pigment component. Causes of combination stains include lipstick, catsup, candle wax, crayons and gravy. Combination stains that are mostly wax-based need pretreatment with a dry-cleaning solvent or stain stick. Combination stains with more dye require pretreatment with liquid detergent rubbed directly into the stain.
  
  

General Stain Removal Methods

• There are also general stain removal methods and tips that should be used. Always treat stains while they are fresh. Stains more than 24 hours old are more difficult to remove. If a stain is still wet, blot off excess liquid with a paper towel or clean, white cloth. Dried solid material should be gently scraped off with a metal spatula or dull knife. Do not use a colored or linty cloth to rub stains. Never use bar soap on a stain because it will usually set the stain in the fabric. Clothing should not be ironed or placed in a dryer until the stain is completely removed.