G N I R CAR YOUR CLOTHES FO
By Kristy Stevenson
Tried and True Expert Techniques for Proper Care & Maintenance
Any professional will tell you: the most important thing to do before attempting to clean a garment is to read the care label.While most labels are accurate, some fabrics can be inherently problematic, so always test an inconspicuous area such as an inside seam before proceeding with any cleaning technique. Lisa Hilker, Vice President of FRSTeam by Hilker’s Cleaners, offers the following tips: Types of Stains Milk, food, and body fluids produce protein stains that are often water-soluble. For resistant blemishes, however, you can try a drop or two of hydrogen peroxide to further eliminate the spot. Rinse thoroughly and air dry. Tannin or organic substances, such as wine and grass, create stains that are solvent removable. Try a diluted mixture of water and laundry detergent, rinse well, and air dry. Launder immediately afterwards in the hottest water safe for your fabric. Oily tinges require pre-treatment with a stain remover or detergent
booster. Apply and let sit for up to an hour before laundering. Cream-based stains are best soaked in cold water, then cleaned with the same solution. Launder in warm water. Repeat laundering in all cases where necessary. Ink stains, also solvent removable, can be treated by using lighter fluid and working with a gentle brush. If this doesn’t do the trick, you can also try the tannin mixture. Most underarm stains are caused by perspiration and salt from the body, or from antiperspirants. Silks are especially sensitive. Stains should be removed promptly for
best results, regardless of fabric type. When To Dry Clean Consider a fresh cleaning after dining out, as colas and teas tend to dry clear on most fabrics – reappearing in your closet after a short time. Commonly called an ‘invisible stain,’ the effect is similar to a cut apple turning brown. If left for long periods of time, the sugars begin to deteriorate garment fibers and dyes. Perspiration can have a similar effect. Hand Washing Over the counter soaps do well
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