Treat stains as soon as possible after staining. The older the stain, the more difficult it will be to remove.
All stain removal methods should be applied prior to laundering washable garments. Stains that have been laundered and dried are almost impossible to remove.
Tannin stains are made by coffee, tea, soft drinks, or wine. Use of soap or detergents containing natural soap will make a tannin stain permanent or at least more difficult to remove.
Do not use ammonia products or heat as both can set coffee stains.
Easiest to remove when fresh. Blot up all you can with a clean cloth, and sponge with cool water as long as stain is coming out.
If coffee or tea had cream added, it may be necessary to use a dry cleaning solvent to remove oily part of stain. Then, launder.
Sponge or soak stain area in cool water. Then pretreat with prewash stain remover such as Spray n' Wash, Shout or Clorox Stain-Out, liquid laundry detergent or paste of granular detergent and water. Launder with bleach safe for fabric. Older stains may respond to presoaking in product containing enzyme, then launder. (Examples of products that contain enzymes are: Biz Bleach or a laundry detergent containing enzymes.
Chlorine bleach is not recommended for use with silk, wool, or Spandex because it will yellow and weaken the fibers. Chlorine bleach will lighten colored fabrics. Use an oxygen bleach such as Clorox 2 for colored fabrics.
1993-bc (revised 9-94)
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