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Clothing Stain Removal Tips

Stain Removal Strategies

When applying stain-removing solutions to fabric, it’s best to work at the stain from the back of the fabric and not the front. This way the stain won’t spread deeper into the fabric. Remember to use cold water whatever solution you choose, as heat will set the stains.

When washing white clothes, hot water works best, since detergent will dissolve and work most effectively at this temperature. Treat stains prior to washing, since hot water can set stains. Water rinses equally well at any temperature, so you can rinse all your clothes using cold water. Be sure to always follow the washing directions given on the label of your clothes for best results.

Even the dirtiest of clothes can be cleaned by adding 1 cup of Eco-Cln Citrus Concentrate to the wash water.

Blood

To remove blood stains from clothing, try spraying the blood stains with a dilution of Eco-Cln Citrus Concentrate. Let sit for 5 minutes, then rinse with cold water. Repeat as necessary.

Dish Cloth Odor

To keep your cleaning cloths smelling fresh, wash the cloths in hot water with 1 cup of Eco-Cln Citrus Concentrate added to the wash water.

Glue

To remove glue from clothing, wet a cotton swab with mineral spirits and rub it lightly over the glue until it is loosened and comes off. Be sure to try this on a non-visible area first to ensure the colorfastness of your garment.

Grass

To remove grass stains from clothing, spray the grass stains with a dilution of Eco-Cln Citrus Concentrate. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes before washing in cold water.

Hair Dye

Unfortunately, hair dye can rarely be thoroughly removed as it permanently alters color. However, there are several steps you can try. First, try blotting the stain with rubbing alcohol. If that doesn’t work, try blotting the stain with a solution of 1/4 cup liquid hand dishwashing detergent per cup of warm water. If the stain persists, try blotting the stain with a solution of 1 cup of white vinegar per 2 cups of water, then rinse with warm water and a white cloth. You may also wish to try a liquid peroxide based cleaner such as Eco-Cln Citrus Concentrate. Be sure to let the clothing dry in between trying different cleaners.

Ink

To remove ink from clothing, try non-aerosol hairspray. Saturate the stain. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes before washing in cold water. Repeat as necessary.

Ink: Permanent Marker

You can try to remove permanent marker stains by rinsing the stains with cold water until the water runs clear. Place the fabric on a paper towel, then saturate the stains with rubbing alcohol, using a cotton ball as a blotter. Change paper towels as necessary as it absorbs the color. Wash the garment in the hottest water possible for the fabric, adding bleach (color-safe for colored fabrics), then rinse in warm water. Unfortunately, permanent marker is called permanent for a reason and cannot always be removed.

Juice

Remove juice stains by spraying with a dilution of Eco-Cln Citrus Concentrate. Let sit for 5 minutes, then launder as usual. Repeat the process as necessary. If the stain persists, try mixing equal parts vinegar, water and dishwashing liquid in a squeeze bottle. Shake, and work it into the spot. Let stand for a few minutes then flush with water. If the stain remains, try using an enzyme stain remover.

Mascara

To remove mascara, first scrape it with a dull knife to remove as much as possible. Dampen the stain and rub with a white bar soap (we like Ivory) or a liquid laundry detergent, or sponge with dry-cleaning solvent. Rinse well, then repeat if necessary. If the stain remains, soak in a solution of water and liquid laundry detergent for 10-15 minutes. Launder as usual, but do not put it in a dryer until you are sure the stain is gone, as heat can set stains. If a residual stain persists, try soaking the clothing in a dilution of Eco-Cln Citrus Concentrate. Note that some waterproof products cannot be removed.

Odor

To remove odors from your clothing, simply add 1 cup of Eco-Cln Citrus Concentrate to the wash load. Let it soak for an hour, then complete the wash cycle.

Whiter Whites and Brighter Colors

Brighten your dingy clothes without damaging the fibers of the fabric by soaking them in a dilution of Eco-Cln Citrus Concentrate overnight, then washing them in hot water with 1 cup of Eco-Cln Citrus Concentrate added to the wash water. For a spot treatment, try rubbing white non-gel toothpaste into the spot and wash in cold water (since hot water can set stains). Your clothes may be turning gray because you have hard water, as hard water diminishes the effectiveness of detergents and often leaves a residue on clothing. If you think this is the case, you may want to add a powdered water softener to your wash, particularly when washing white clothes.

Swimsuit Mildew

To remove mildew stains from your swimsuit, soak the bathing suit in a dilution of Eco-Cln Citrus Concentrate, then launder as usual. For stubborn stains, try gently rubbing the stain. Air dry in the sun if possible.

Sunscreen

To remove sunscreen stains from your bathing suit, simply soak the suntan lotion soiled swimsuit in a dilution of Eco-Cln Citrus Concentrate overnight, then launder as usual. Air dry in the sun if possible.

Wax

To remove wax from your clothing, first chip off as much of the surface wax as possible, using a dull knife or paint scraper. Once that is done, place several layers of paper towels over the remaining wax and apply a warm iron to draw the wax into the paper towels. Replace the paper towels if they become saturated.

Mildew

You can remove mildew stains by treating with chlorine bleach, if the garment is bleachable. If the garment is not bleach-safe, soak the clothing in a dilution of Eco-Cln Citrus Concentrate, then wash in hot water with a little extra of your favorite laundry detergent. As an added laundry booster, you can add 1 cup of Eco-Cln Citrus Concentrate to the wash water.

Deodorant / Perspiration / Yellow Armpits

The deodorant/antiperspirant build up, which also causes yellow armpit stains, is likely caused by a combination of deodorant and perspiration. Many deodorants and antiperspirants contain aluminum salts. When these salts are combined with laundry detergent, especially in cooler water settings, they are not easily dissolved, and they remain on the fabric. To remove the stains, try soaking the shirts in warm water with Eco-Cln Citrus Concentrate. Wash in the hottest water safe for the fabric. If the stain remains, dampen and sprinkle stain with meat tenderizer. Let stand for about an hour then launder again. To avoid new stains from forming, always wash the shirts in the hottest water safe for the fabric. To prevent these stains, allow your antiperspirant to dry completely before dressing. Wearing a cotton undershirt under polyester shirts will help absorb perspiration.

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