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Successful removal of stains from fabrics depends on the basic principle of not allowing the spot or stain to become set. A stain should be removed at the first possible opportunity because it may be more easily dissolved when fresh. Different fibres require different methods and different stain removers. Use of an incorrect remover may damage or even destroy the fibre content of a fabric. Knowledge of the nature of the stain makes possible the immediate use of the appropriate method and removal agent.
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Hot water should never be used on an unknown stain. The heat may set the stain, making it more difficult to remove. If the stain is known to be of a non-greasy nature, sponging with cold water may be all that is necessary. On the other hand, a greasy stain requires the use of perchlorethylene or some other dry cleaner, such as gasoline, turpentine, or denatured alcohol.
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Methods of Stain Removal:
There are several techniques for applying stain removers. They require care and best applied when the stain is not too
large.
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Dip Method:
When the entire fabric can be immersed in the stain remover, the best method is dipping. This is the most convenient method if the spot is large, or if there are many spots on all- cotton or all linen fabrics.
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Steam Method:
Stains on wool, silk or any coloured fabric may be removed by steaming. The stained area is saturated with steam by spreading the cloth over a bowl partly filled with hot water into which a small amount of the appropriate removal agent has been placed.
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Drop Method:
Small drops of a removal agent can be applied by means of a medicine dropper or a glass rod.
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Sponge Method:
Sponging is the most frequently used method of stain removal, but if it is not done with care, it will not be effective. An absorbent cloth or a blotter should be placed underneath the stain to absorb the removal agent as well as the stain. The blotter also prevents further spreading of the wet area. Both the sponging cloth and the absorbent material should be renewed whenever they show the slightest tinge of the stain.
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The stained portion of the fabric must not be soaked with the cleaning fluid, and the fabric must not be harshly rubbed. Apply small quantities of the fluid with a soft cloth using light strokes in a circular direction from the outer rim of the stain towards its center. Feather the edges of the stain to prevent formation of a ring, which indicates an improper method of sponging, an excessive amount of cleaning fluid, or lack of sufficiently quick evaporation. Rapid results can be obtained by blowing on the fabric or by placing it in front of an electric fan or dryer. To prevent a ring, hold the fabric over the spout of a steaming kettle until the area is damp. then iron immediately.
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Dry Cleaning.
If the care information on a fabric or garment advises dry cleaning, that advice should be followed. Though dry cleaning is more expensive than washing, it pays to have a garment dry-cleaned rather than take a chance on washing and thereby ruining it. If acetate is dry- cleaned at home, the cleaning fluid must not contain alcohol, chloroform, strong acetic acid, or acetone.
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Other easy methods of removing stains at home:
1) Stains of oil, ghee, butter, wax are sprinkled with French chalk. Then brush off the powder. Repeat till stain disappears. Wash with warm water and soap. Place blotting paper on stains of vaseline, wax, butter and press with a hot iron.
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2) Tea, coffee or iron rust stain is rubbed with a slice of lemon and salt. Let it dry out in the sun. Then wash as usual or use oxalic acid for rust.
3) Ink or fruit stains will vanish as soon as ink remover is applied. Or make a solution of bleaching powder in water and apply it to the stain. Do not allow solution to dry, wash and hang up to dry in the sun.
4) Iodine stains clear off like magic when a little solution of hypo is applied. You will get hypo from a photographer.
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Apply a little starch on bloodstains. Let it dry. Wash off with water. Repeat till stain disappears. Or put a few drops of ammonia in lukewarm water and dip the stain in it. Then wash with soap and water.
Coal tar stains can be removed with petrol or turpentine. Then wash with soap and water.
Thus it is easy to get rid of stains of any kind.
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Courtesy: IMFAA creations
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