Stain Removal From Washable Fabrics

Fruit and beverage stains

Soak for 15 minutes in mixture of one quart lukewarm water, one-half teaspoon liquid hand dishwashing detergent and one tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse.
Sponge with alcohol, using light motions from center to edge of stain.
Soak for 30 minutes in one quart warm water with one tablespoon enzyme presoak products.
If color stain remains, launder in chlorine bleach if safe for fabric, or in oxygen bleach.

Iowa State University Cooperative Extension Service. Quick 'n Easy Stain Removal. Ames, Iowa, 1986.
Johnson Wax. Form ED2-11. Laundry Products. Shout. 1989.
Maytag. Stain Removal Guide Form number 19 YG1087
North Central Regional Cooperative Extension. Stain Removal for Washable Fabrics. Publication 64. Extension Services of Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin, 1979.
Proctor and Gamble Educational Services. The How to Clean Handbook, 1986.
Purdue University Cooperative Extension. FACTS: A General Guide to Stain Removal. West Lafayette, Indiana, 1979.
Soap and Detergent Association. Laundering Problems — Causes, Solutions, Preventive Measures, n.d.
Soap and Detergent Association. Removing Stains from Washable Items, n.d.
United States Department of Agriculture. Removing Stains from Fabrics. Home and Garden Bulletin number 62. Washington, D.C., 1976.
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Recommended Procedure for Removing Liquid Paper Correction Fluid From Clothing, n.d.

MP663, reviewed November 2002

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