Repair Guide: Removing Fabric Stains

Information about Fabrics and Fabric Care

Sheep wool, and other natural fiber, has been used to make fabric for thousands of years. Man started developing synthetic fabric used in home furnishings and apparel in the early 1900’s. As technology advanced, so did the production of synthetic fibers. For instance, in 1993 lyocell was developed and in 1989 even the finest silk fabrics were improved. Always check the clothing label for wash and care instructions because many fabrics may lose their color, shape, and overall beauty if not cared for properly.

Acrylic

• Acrylic History
• Acrylic Care and Maintenance

Chiffon

• What is Chiffon?
• How to Care for Chiffon Fabric

Cotton

• Aesthetic Properties of Cotton
• Cotton: Laundering and Garment Care

Denim

• History of Denim
• How to Wash Denim

Leather

• History of Leather
• Tips for Leather Care

Linen

• How Linen Was Made
• General Care for Linens

Nylon

• Nylon Fibers
• Cleaning Nylon Fabric

Polyester

• Polyester Manufacturing
• Polyester Care instructions

Rayon

• Rayon Fiber
• Rayon Fabric Care Guide

Satin

• Types of Satin
• How to Care for Satin

Silk

• How Silk is Made
• Caring for Silk Fabrics

Spandex

• What is Spandex?
• Washing Instructions for Spandex

Wool

• Facts about Wool Fabric
• How to Care for Wool

Basic Stain Removal Tips

• Stain Removal for House and Home – Clothing stained with gasoline should not be put in a washing machine. Instead, start by covering the wet stain with some baking soda which will help absorb moisture and odor.
• Removing Stains From Clothing – Treat stains and spots quickly in order to make removing them easier.
• Tips for Quick and Easy Stain Removal – Always read the clothing label for proper care and washing instructions.
• Removing Stains From Washable Fabrics – Avoid overloading the washer so clothing can move freely in the machine. 
• Stain Removal Answers to Common Care Questions – Rather than brushing pollen off of clothing, try using the vacuum.

Common Stains and Removal Tips

Accidents happen and stains are often times completely unavoidable, especially when children are involved. Kids love to play outside. When they do, their clothing is covered with mud or grass that seems impossible to remove. A scraped knee may lead to blood on their jeans or all those snacks can leave nasty chocolate stains. There are many tips and tricks that will help in the removal of certain stubborn stains and nothing says happy like vibrant, stain free fabric.

Beer

• How to Remove (Tannin and Glucose) Stains

Blood

• How to Remove a Blood Stain

Catsup

• How to Remove a Catsup Stain

Chocolate

• Removing Chocolate Stains from Washable Fabrics

Coffee

• Removing Coffee Stains

Crayons

• How to Remove Crayon Stains

Deodorant

• How to Remove a Deodorant Stain

Fruit Juice

• How to Remove a Fruit Juice Stain

Glue

• How to Remove Glue

Grass

• How to Remove a Grass Stain

Gum

• How to Remove Gum

Ink

• How to Remove an Ink Stain

Lipstick

• How to Remove a Lipstick Stain

Liquor

• How to Remove a Liquor Stain

Markers

• How to Remove a Marker Stain

Mud

• How to Remove a Mud Stain

Mustard

• How to Remove a Mustard Stain

Nail Polish

• How to Remove a Nail Polish Stain

Paint

• How to Remove a Paint Stain

Pencil

• How to Remove Pencil Marks

Rust

• How to Remove a Rust Stain

Salsa

• How to Remove a Salsa Stain

Soot and Smoke

• How to Remove Soot and Smoke

Sweat

• How to Remove Sweat Stains

Tea

• How to Remove a Tea Stain

Tomato Sauce

• How to Remove a Tomato Sauce Stain

Urine

• How to Remove a Urine Stain

Vomit

• How to Remove a Vomit Stain

Wine

• How to Remove a Wine Stain

Depending on the type of fabric, it can stain or wrinkle rather easily. Remember to always check for stains or spots before throwing clothing into the washing machine. If a stain is noticed, the stain can be treated and removed by using the proper technique for the individual stain. Certain fabrics need special care so be sure to read the label for proper instructions on washing and caring for your garments. Stains are not unavoidable but they can and should be treated as soon as possible. In doing so, clothing can remain in great shape for years.