Stain Removal Misconceptions and Misnomers

Some home cleaning remedies that actually damage clothing.

MILK

Milk has been used by people as a spot removal for stains such as ink and blood. Milk sets in the fabric and is impossible to clean.

CLUB SODA

This liquid has been touted as a successful stain remover by restaurants and airline attendants. Club soda has the same properties as water…the bubbles have no magical powers.

ALCOHOL

Though alcohol does provide some good stain removal properties it can also alter the dyes and discolor fabrics.

LEMON JUICE

This remedy has been advocated by some to remove rust stains. While is can be effective some times it should be noted after a period of time the lemon juice will oxidize and may cause a stain that cannot be removed.

ICE

Ice has been used to take out chewing gum stains. The ice stiffens the gum and allows it to be picked off the fabric. Dry cleaning agents are much more effective and gentler to most fabrics.

SOAP AND WATER

Dry based stains such as glue, paint, oil and nail polish cannot be removed by soap and water. In some instances soap and water can actually set ore prevent the stain from being removed.

HOT IRON FOR WAX

Using a hot iron to remove was from garments is a sure way to fuse, melt, and damage most synthetic fabrics.

HAIR SPRAY

Hairspray contains alcohol and other ingredients with properties that can be dangerous to many dyes and fabrics.

Nail Polish Remover

Used to remove make-up and other stains, but nail polish remover can dissolve certain fabrics such as acetate.

Color-Safe Bleach

There is no such thing as color-safe bleach.