The acid of the vinegar or lemon juice in salad dressings may injure the
color of the material. Apply a mild alkali such as baking soda or weak
ammonia water immediately to restore the color. (See Acids, p. 10.) Then
use one of the following to remove the stain:
Soap and water.—Sponge delicate, washable materials with lukewarm water.
Do not use hot water if egg or cream was used in making the salad
dressing. Use soap if it will not harm the cloth.
Grease solvents.—Sponge the stain with lukewarm water, let dry, and then
sponge with carbon tetrachloride, Stoddard solvent, gasoline, or
benzene.
Absorbents.—Absorbent powders are particularly good for splatters of
salad oil. Dust cornstarch or talcum powder over the spot, allow it to
absorb the oil or grease, then brush off. Or make a thick paste by
mixing the powder with carbon tetrachloride or other grease solvent,
spread it on the spot, let dry, and brush off. Repeat if necessary.
Another method is to put the stained cloth between cleansing tissues and
press with a warm iron.