If the stain is not greasy, first try to remove it with cold water. Hot
water sets many stains and makes them harder to remove. Always test a
sample of the cloth to see if water spots it. If not, place a pad of
clean cloth underneath the stain, with the stain face down. To sponge,
use a soft cloth, dampen it with cold water, and cover with a layer of
dry cloth so that it is not too moist. Then sponge the stain with light,
brushing motions, working from outside of stain to the center. Spread
the moisture into the cloth around stain to keep a ring from forming.
The trick is to spread, or “feather out,” the liquid around the stain
until there is no definite edge when the material dries. It may help to
go over the spot with a cloth wet with alcohol mixed with 2 parts water.
As alcohol changes some colors and dissolves acetate rayon, use it
sparingly. Finally pat the spot with a dry cloth. Dry rapidly to prevent
water rings.
[Illustration: Sponge a nongreasy stain with water. Work from the
outside of the stain to the center. Spread moisture unevenly into
the cloth around the stain.]
[Illustration: To remove a water ring, rub the cloth between the
hands; then scratch with the fingernail.]
If a ring has formed, remove it either by sponging the material with
clean water or by shaking it in the steam from a briskly boiling
teakettle. Scratching with the fingernail or a stiff brush or rubbing
the cloth between the hands will sometimes remove a ring.