Joy Jordan, Extension 4-H Youth Development Specialist and Tiffany Browning, 4-H Project Coordinator, Department of Family Youth & Community Sciences

To Wash or Not to Wash??How do you know if you should wash your

garment or have it dry cleaned?

• Wash it if it is: cotton, polyester, nylon, spandex, or acrylic.

• Dry clean it if it is: wool, silk, linen, or acetate.

• Check the care labels to make sure you are caring for it appropriately.

Stubborn Stains

• Stains are one of the biggest problems in caring for clothing.

Why learn about stain removal??

• If you know how to properly remove stains you can avoid ruining your favorite clothes.

How Do I Know What it is??

• Smell it and try to identify the odor.

?

• Look at its color and appearance.

• Feel it to check the texture

Stain Removal Steps

1. Identify the stain.

2. Identify the fiber content of the garment.

3. Treat immediately!!

4. Blot or scrape off excess stain.

5. Use a soft white cloth or white paper towel under the stain as a blotter.

6. Place the right side of the garment to the blotter.

7. Work on the wrong side of the stain to push it out.

8. Sponge lightly with a cloth.

9. Frequently move it to a clean area on the blotter.

10. Work on a small area, brushing in circles from the center.

Stain Removal Steps

The Do’s and Don’ts• DO NOT use hot water on an

unknown stain!

• DO take the garment to the dry cleaner if the stain is large or stubborn.

• DO try and pre-treat the stain and wash it before taking it to the dry cleaners.

What About Those Ones You Just Can’t Figure

Out??1. Soak stain in cold water for half an

hour.

2. Rub detergent into the stained area and let sit for half an hour. Rinse.

3. Launder with bleach (if possible).

4. Soak in pre-soak for recommended amount of time.

Common Stubborn StainsStain Special Instructions

Ball Point Pen

Apply prewash stain remover or sponge with rubbing alcohol.

Chewing Gum

Harden gummy residue with ice. Scrape and let dry. Then saturate with a dry

cleaning solvent and pull it off. Launder as usual.

Chocolate

Sponge or flush with dry cleaning solvent. Let it air dry. Soak in cool water and allow it to dry. Rub with laundry bar soap and

launder.

Common Stubborn StainsStain Special Instructions

CoffeeFlush and soak the stain with cold

water. Then rub detergent onto it and launder as usual.

CosmeticsSponge with dry cleaning solvent or spray with prewash stain remover. Launder with appropriate bleach.

Grease, Oil

Apply prewash stain remover. Rub with detergent an and bleach if it is safe for fabric. Flush with water and

let it dry. Launder as usual.

What Would You Do?

GOOD LUCK!!!

You will be given two situations. Tell how you would remove the

stains from each of these garments.

Situation #1Your Dad

accidentally got ink on his White

Oxford shirt. What steps would you follow to remove

this stain?

Situation #2

While at your sister’s school formal, she

accidentally got make up on her baby blue

silk dress. What should she do to get

rid of the stain?

Score Card

Situation #1:

____________________________

____________________________

____________________________

Situation #2:

____________________________

____________________________

____________________________

A N S W E R S

• Situation #1 : Follow the stain removal steps and use rubbing

alcohol as a pre-treat.

• Situation # 2: Because of the delicate nature of the fabric,

you should take the dress to the dry cleaners.