As garments and household linens are apt to become stained and thus lose
their attractiveness, it is well to know the remedies for the most
common stains and the principle upon which their removal depends. All
stains should be removed as soon as possible. Boiling water will loosen
and remove coffee, tea, and fresh fruit stains. The stained spot should
be held over a bowl, and the water should be poured upon it with some
force. Cold water will remove stains made by blood or meat juice.
Soaking will help in the removal of blood stains. Rust stains may be
removed by wetting the stained spot with lemon juice, covering it with
salt, and placing the stained fabric in the sun. Stains from stove
blacking, paint, and grass may be removed by soaking in kerosene and
washing well with soap and water. Ink stains may be removed by soaking
in water, removing as much of the stain as possible, and then soaking in
milk. Stains from cream and other forms of grease may be washed out in
cold water, followed by warm water and soap.
White cotton and white linen materials may be bleached by exposure to
the sunshine while still damp. If they are left out overnight, the
bleaching process is made effective by the moisture furnished by dew or
frost. A stream of steam from the tea-kettle may also help in the
bleaching process.
Some colours are set by the addition of a small amount of acid to the
first water in which they are soaked, while others are set by the use of
salt. It is necessary to try a small amount of the material before
dipping in the entire garment, in order to be sure of satisfactory
results. Vinegar should be used for blues, one-half cup to one gallon of
water. Salt is most effective for browns, blacks, and pinks. In most
cases, two cups of salt to one gallon of cold water will be sufficient.