Stain Removal From Washable Fabrics

Greasy food stains

Saturate area with pretreatment laundry stain remover (aerosol-types work better on greasy stains). Wait one minute for product to penetrate the stain. For stubborn stains, rub with heavy-duty liquid detergent. Launder immediately.
If color stain remains, soak/wash in chlorine bleach if safe for fabric, or in oxygen bleach.
For extra heavy stains, apply dry cleaning fluid to back of stain over absorbent paper towels. Let dry, rinse. Proceed as above.

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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