DIY Network

Stains II Stains II From "Talking Dirty With the Queen of Clean" episode DQOC-132

Figure A

Have you ever spilled something on a silk blouse and tried -- unsuccessfully -- to get rid of the stain (figure A)? Chances are, you couldn't remove it for a good reason: because not every cleaning method works on every kind of fabric. Today we're looking at ways to remove spots from both natural fibers and man-made materials. We'll also learn how to make our own all-purpose laundry spotters at home and see how the pros clean and unlock the mysteries of unknown stains.

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Figure B

Cleaning Natural Fabrics

Different fibers require different cleaning methods, and it's a good idea to check the care-instructions tag on any garment you buy so you'll have an idea of the type of care it will require. Always leave the tag in place on the garment and follow the care instructions each time you clean it (figure B).

• Silk Moisten the stain with lukewarm water, work shampoo into the area using your thumbs, let the fabric sit, then launder as usual. Since silk is a delicate fabric, always hang it up to dry.

• Linen Linen is a natural flex fiber that can be temperamental to clean; hand- or machine-wash in warm water, using an all-purpose oxygen bleach if needed. Never use chlorine bleach on linen fabrics. Iron while the fabric is still damp.
  

  Figure C

• Wool Wool is also a temperamental fabric to clean. If possible, scrape off excess spills with a dull straight edge (figure C). Wash by hand, in cold water, using a cold-water detergent. Rinse, then use a towel to soak up excess water in the fabric before laying the item flat and reshaping to dry. A great laundry spotter for wool is shaving cream, which is actually whipped soap. Apply to the stain, work it in and launder as usual.

• Cotton If hand-washing, use cold water for bright colors and hot water for 100 percent white cotton. Remove bloodstains from white cotton with hydrogen peroxide and unseasoned meat tenderizer. Pour the hydrogen peroxide on the stain, then sprinkle with the meat tenderizer, which will digest the proteins in the blood. Leave it on the stain for approximately 30 minutes, then launder as usual.
  

Cleaning Man-Made Fibers

• Denim Denim, which is prone to shrinking, streaking and fading, should be washed separately in cold water, especially if the fabric is new. To remove paint stains, heat white vinegar and apply to the stain. Work it in to the stain and let it sit before washing.

• Flannel Turn the fabric inside out to prevent pilling, and wash in cold water, using a mild detergent. Dry, using a low dryer setting. Use pre-spotter or shaving cream on stains.
  

  Figure D

• Satin polyester Apply pre-spotter or shampoo to stains, let the fabric sit for 15 minutes, flush the stain with warm water, launder with warm water and tumble dry (figure D).

• Never place a previously stained fabric in a dryer until it's been checked to see if the stain has been removed during the laundry cycle. Heat will permanently set the stain.