If a stain seems to be greasy, try a grease solvent, such as carbon
tetrachloride, Stoddard solvent, gasoline, benzene, turpentine, ether,
acetone, or alcohol. Most of these do not change the color of fabrics,
but ether, acetone, and alcohol are apt to. So use them carefully on
colored materials; always mix alcohol with 2 parts water. Either sponge
the stain with the solvent or dip into a bowl of the liquid.
To sponge a grease spot, lay the stained material, wrong side up, on a
pad of soft cloth. Apply the remover to the back of the cloth, so that
the stain is washed from the material without having to pass through it.
Sponge with a clean, soft, lintless cloth. Dip the cloth in the liquid
and wring out most of the moisture. Sponge with light, brushing motions,
working from the outside of the spot to the center. Work rapidly and use
the solvent sparingly. It is better to apply the solvent several times
quickly than to apply it once and leave it on for a long time.
[Illustration: Sponge a greasy stain with carbon tetrachloride,
gasoline, or benzene. Lay the stain face down on a pad of cloth.]
[Illustration: Use light brushing motions, working from the outside
of spot to the center. Change the pad as it becomes soiled.]
[Illustration: Sprinkle talcum, cornstarch, or chalk on a fresh
grease or oil stain. Rub it in well, and let stand until it absorbs
the grease; then brush off.]
Avoid rings by spreading the cleaning fluid into the area around the
stain and at the same time blowing lightly on the spot to dry it
quickly. Do not rub—rubbing may cause light and worn-looking spots that
are as bad as the stain. Change the pad as it becomes soiled. Finally
pat the material with a dry cloth.
Always use these solvents out of doors or in a well-ventilated room, as
it is harmful to breathe the vapors. Gasoline, naphtha, and ether catch
fire easily and often explode, so never use them near a fire. Sometimes
just rubbing a garment that is soaked with gasoline will cause it to
burst into flames. Benzene, turpentine, alcohol, and acetone also are
inflammable. For this reason, cleaning with large amounts of these
fluids at home is not recommended. Grease-spot removers made entirely or
in large part of carbon tetrachloride will not catch on fire.