How ToPrevent and Treat Common Summertime Stains
Your picture of paradise may include cheeseburgers, soda,ice cream, pizza, and other summertime favorites, but that picturecertainly does not include spots on your shirts and shorts. Thesetips will help you confront the stains of summer. For a care-free andstainless summer, don’t forget we’re here to help! And make sure you checkthe care label of any garment before using any of these suggestions.
French Fries
Treat as a grease stain, like meats. Wash in hottest water possible.
Pizza
This stain has a little bit of everything, including tannin and fats. Blot off excess stains and use a mild detergent.
Ice Cream & Popsicles
Use mild detergent. Chocolate can be especially hard toremove. Pre-treat it.
Alcoholic Beverages
Alcohol may damage silk or acetate and can disturb dyes. Blot with water and wash.
Hamburgers, Hot Dogs & Steaks
Blot the excess of these grease stains and dab with water. Use apre-treatment such as “Shout.” Launder. Take drycleanable garments to your drycleaner (us!).
Lemonade
The acidic lemon juice may cause some dyes to change color.
Candy Apples
Blot, don’t rub. Should wash out, unless it contains a lot.
How to Care for an Item Without a Care Label
Have you ever wondered how we know how to process an item that lacks a carelabel? As most cleaners know, receiving garments without care labels is notuncommon. When we first see an item of this type, whether it is acomforter, a pair of twill pants, or an evening gown, the first thing we dois test for colorfastness. This is done by blotting and crocking withdrycleaning solvent and a water/detergent solution to best determine thebest method of care with regard to color.
The next step involves testing any trim that is attached to the item. Thisincludes testing the coating on the trim in addition to the trim itself.
Of course, it is important to remember that these are only tests todetermine the most optimal method of cleaning. Damage may still occurduring the cleaning process even though the garment has been tested.However we do have an expert eye when it comes to even the most unusualitems.
Customer Question: How do you remove pet urine stains fromcarpet and upholstery?
A: We love our pets, but they also require lots of clean up,including urine stains on carpet and upholstery. Usually the stains appearas absorbed, yellowish or brownish discolorations and are more apparent onlighter-colored carpets and upholstery.
There are many pet stain removal products on the market, usually availablein the cleaning supplies section of your local grocery store. Before usingany cleaning product, it is important to test for colorfastness, byapplying a small amount on an unexposed area of the carpet or upholstery.Let stand for five minutes, then rinse. If the color is affected, don’t usethe product. Never over-wet the area, and always use clean, white towels orpaper towels. If the stain removal formula is unable to remove the stain,try mixing one teaspoon of ammonia with 1/2 cup water and blot. Blot anyremaining stain removal agents or moisture with a clean, white towel, andlet dry.
So, first test and be patient. If the stain persists after this process, itmay become necessary to seek advice from a carpet cleaning professional.
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