Treat fruit and berry stains immediately, if possible; they are hard to
remove after they dry. Boiling water (if it does not harm the cloth) or
sometimes even warm water will remove most fruit stains. It is better
not to use soap, as alkalies set some fruit and berry stains. Use the
same methods for removing stains from cooked fruits and berries as from
fresh.
Washing in warm soapy water sometimes removes stains from citrus fruits,
such as grapefruit and lemon. But if the stain is old or the cloth has
been pressed before washing, use one of the bleaches described below. If
the acid in citrus fruit changes the color of the cloth, restore it with
ammonia water or baking soda. (See Acids, p. 10.)
Cold water and glycerine.—For fresh peach, pear, cherry, and plum stains
on cotton and linen and for any fruit stain on wool or silk materials
(either white or colored), first sponge the stain well with cool water;
then work glycerine or a soapless shampoo into the stain, rubbing
lightly between the hands. Do not use soap, as soap sets the stain. Let
stand several hours, then apply a few drops of vinegar or oxalic acid,
allow to remain for a minute or two, then rinse thoroughly in water.
Boiling water.—Boiling water removes from cotton and linen most fruit
stains except peach, pear, plum, and cherry. Never use boiling water on
silk or wool. Stretch the stained part over a bowl, fasten it with
string, and pour boiling water on it from a teakettle held at a height
of 3 or 4 feet so that the water strikes the stain with force. Rubbing
alternated with the boiling water is also helpful. If a stain remains,
squeeze a little lemon juice on it and place in the sun to dry, or use
one of the chemical bleaches.
Bleaches.—If a stain remains, try one of the following:
_Hydrogen peroxide and sodium perborate._—Sponge with hydrogen
peroxide-sodium perborate mixture (1 teaspoon sodium perborate to 1 pint
peroxide). Rinse thoroughly. If the stain persists, sprinkle powdered
sodium perborate on the dampened area and let stand for half an hour.
Finally rinse well. Always test for change of color on the inside of a
hem or seam before using these bleaches. If the color fades, do not use
them—just dampen the stain with water and spread in the sun to bleach.
_Hydrosulfite._—Hydrosulfites available at drug stores as dye removers
are satisfactory for removing fruit stains from any white material.
Follow directions on package.
_Javelle water._—For stains on uncolored linen or cotton material, dip
in Javelle water for 1 minute (no longer), remove the chlorine from the
cloth with a sodium thiosulfate solution, rinse well in water. (See p. 6
for more detailed instructions.) Do not use Javelle water on silk or
wool.