Stains & Laundry

Transcript How to unshrink a wool sweater. Your favorite sweater wound up in the dryer and is now only fit for a four-year-old? Fix it fast by doing the following. You will need: Hair conditioner, a flat surface, and two towels. Step one: Fill your bathroom sink with lukewarm water and 1/3 cup hair conditioner. …

Instructions Step 1: Blot the stain Scrape the paint off of the fabric or carpet. In a bucket, mix 1 cup warm water with a teaspoon of liquid detergent. Wet a clean rag in the cleaning solution and blot the paint spot firmly. Rinse and repeat as needed. TIP: Latex paint contains pigment and polymer …

Instructions Step 1: Separate towels Separate your towels according to their odor level. Check the truly stinky ones for obvious stains and pre-treat them with laundry detergent. Select the hot water cycle on your machine and loosely fill the the machine with towels. Step 2: Add cleaning products Add laundry detergent, along with a cup …

Instructions Step 1: Wash the sink Wash the sink so your clothes won’t pick up new stains in your basin. Step 2: Use the right temperature Follow the label’s water temperature instructions. Dipping a blouse whose label says “wash in cold water” into sink full of scalding suds will weaken the garment’s fibers, and giving …

Instructions Step 1: Rub an ice cube Remove gum from clothes, carpeting, and fabric by rubbing an ice cube or an ice pack on the gum to freeze it. Then use a dull knife or spoon to remove as much as possible. TIP: You can also put clothing in a plastic bag and put the …

Instructions Step 1: Scrape excess off Remove any excess glue by scraping it off with a butter knife or another hard-edged instrument. Step 2: Soak in water Allow the clothing to soak in room temperature water for 24 hours, and then wash the garment and let it air dry. Check for residual glue and repeat …

Instructions Step 1: Remove ketchup Remove the spilled ketchup quickly and carefully by wiping it from the fabric with a napkin or towel. TIP: Do not dab or blot the ketchup — this will only spread it around and make the stain bigger Step 2: Rinse under the faucet Remove the garment as soon as …

Instructions Step 1: Soak area Flush the glued clothing with cold water. Step 2: Rub the area Rub the area with a scrub brush or a toothbrush. Repeat until the glue softens and dissolves. Step 3: Dip into nail polish remover Dip an old toothbrush into a small amount of nail polish remover with acetone. …

Instructions Step 1: Scrape the wax Start by using a dull knife or spoon to remove as much wax as possible. Step 2: Blot with rubbing alcohol Blot the area with rubbing alcohol, or your favorite solvent cleaner. Finish by washing according to fabric label instructions. Step 3: Cover with towel and iron Cover the …

Instructions Step 1: Scrape residue off Scrape rust particles off the surface of the carpet or clothing with a plastic spatula or scraper. Step 2: Vacuum or shake out Vacuum your carpet or shake out the garment to remove any debris, dust, or hair. Step 3: Saturate rust spot with vinegar or lemon Saturate the …

Instructions Step 1: Mix solution Mix equal parts of baking soda and water to make a paste. Step 2: Apply paste Apply the paste onto the affected carpet area and let it dry. TIP: Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda over the area for extra odor absorption. Step 3: Scrape Use a flat tool, …

Instructions Step 1: Soak up oil with baking soda Sprinkle baking soda on the oil stain and allow it to sit for 24 hours to soak up oily residue. Step 2: Brush off Shake off or vacuum up the baking soda, and see if the oil went with it. Step 3: Soap up Squeeze liquid …

Instructions Step 1: Wash towel with baking soda Throw your towel into the washing machine with a 1/4 cup baking soda. TIP: You can throw in any other like-colored laundry with the towel to run a full load. Step 2: Run wash Run the washing machine using hot water. Allow it to complete a full …

Instructions Step 1: Add borax to your wash Add 1/4 cup borax to your regular laundry detergent and throw it in your washing machine with stinky garments or fabric. Run the wash cycle as usual. Step 2: Add vinegar to your wash Add 1/4 cup white vinegar to the final rinse cycle of your wash …

Instructions Step 1: Wet fabric Dampen the fabric completely if it has heavy wrinkles. Soak it in a tub and wring it out or spray with a spray bottle. Step 2: Turn inside out Turn the fabric inside out on an ironing board. Step 3: Iron Place a thin towel on top of the fabric …

Instructions Step 1: Use soap or detergent Wash your whites in hot water on a heavy-duty setting, using a soap or detergent. Step 2: Add bleach Add bleach to the cycle before throwing in the clothes, but read the tags on the garments to make sure the bleach won’t damage them. TIP: Hard water can …

Instructions Step 1: Press the fabric Cover the polyester fabric with a pressing cloth and iron it. Don’t let the iron come in direct contact with the polyester. TIP: Spray the item with a light mist of water before you begin ironing. Step 2: Wash the item Wash the item and hang it on your …

Instructions Step 1: Place cloth on Place butcher paper, grocery bag, or cotton cloth over the wrinkled leather or suede. Step 2: Heat iron Turn the iron on low to medium heat, and place the iron onto the bag or cloth. Iron until the wrinkles have smoothed out. TIP: Be careful not to overheat the …

Instructions : Acetone should not be used on fabrics that contain acetate or triacetate. Step 1: Place fabric on flat surface Place your clothing or fabric on a flat surface with the stain facing down. Step 2: Use acetone Get a corner of a paper towel or the tip of a cotton swab wet with …

Instructions Step 1: Unplug the dryer; detach hose Unplug the dryer and use a screwdriver to detach the hose from the exhaust duct. Step 2: Inspect and remove lint Inspect the hose and the aluminum elbow that attaches to the wall. Remove lint by feeding a vent brush through the dryer from inside the machine …

Instructions Step 1: Add shampoo Fill a bucket with a quart of water and add a tablespoon of baby shampoo. Step 2: Soak your clothing Soak your garment in the bucket for several minutes to help the fibers relax. This is especially true for knitted fabrics like cotton, cashmere or wool. Step 3: Trace a …

Instructions Step 1: Use an absorbent powder Absorb vegetable oil from clothing by sprinkling baby powder, cornstarch, or baking soda on the stain. Let it sit overnight, and then brush it off. Repeat the process until the stain is gone. TIP: Treat all oil stains as soon as possible. The stain will be harder to …

Instructions Step 1: Vacuum Vacuum the carpet to remove any loose, dry paint. Step 2: Mix soap and water Mix a teaspoon of liquid dish soap with a cup of warm water in a bowl. Step 3: Blot the stain Blot the stain with the soap and water mixture using a clean cloth. TIP: Rubbing …

Instructions Step 1: Fill sink with warm water and soap Fill your sink with lukewarm water and add a capful of mild detergent. Step 2: Soak dirty bras and panties Soak your dirty garments for 5 minutes, making sure they’re completely wet. Gently rub spots or stains, being careful to not catch the lace or …

Instructions Step 1: Toss towels into dryer Toss old towels into the dryer and run it at the hottest setting for a few minutes. Step 2: Mix dishwasher detergent and water Make a paste of powdered dishwasher detergent and water. Step 3: Scrub the spots Scrub the spots of melted crayon wax and gum with …

Instructions Step 1: Brush fabric Brush the mildew spot with a stiff-bristled brush to remove spores. TIP: Brushing fabrics inside will spread spores around your house. Take your clothing outside when using a brush to remove visible mildew. Step 2: Wash in washing machine Wash the clothing in a washing machine with hot water if …

Instructions Step 1: Blot the area Blot the nail polish with a paper towel. Step 2: Put nail polish remover on stain Put nail polish remover on a cotton ball or paper towel and blot the stain again. TIP: If the nail polish remover contains acetone, test a small area of your carpet first. Step …

Instructions Step 1: Read labels Read the care label on the shirt before washing. TIP: Don’t dry clean your shirts. Excessive dry cleaning will cause them to deteriorate. Step 2: Separate Separate your shirts into white, colored, and dark piles. Step 3: Treat stains Tackle stains by applying a stain remover or presoak shirts in …

Instructions Step 1: Rub stain with bath towel Rub the stained area with a soft towel. Step 2: Brush stain with suede brush Brush the stained area gently with a suede brush. Step 3: Scrub area with cleaner Scrub the stain gently with a soft cloth dampened with cleaning solution. TIP: Always test a non-visible …

Instructions Step 1: Stop hair from rising Stop your hair from rising by using a natural bristle hairbrush or rubber comb. Step 2: Rub a dryer sheet Rub a dryer sheet on your clothes and hair to remove static cling. TIP: You can also use a dryer sheet on your pet, but check with your …

Instructions Step 1: Wear cotton Wear clothes made from cotton and other natural fibers, which are low-static materials. Step 2: Go barefoot Wear leather-soled shoes or go barefoot if you’re getting shocked indoors. Synthetic-fiber, rugs and rubber shoe soles can react to create static electricity. Step 3: Touch nonconductive material Touch nonconductive material to reduce …

Instructions Step 1: Snap clothing Snap each piece of washed material before your hang it to help prevent wrinkles. Step 2: Turn clothing inside out Turn your clothing inside out for faster drying and to prevent fading. Step 3: Pin to clothesline Pin your articles to the clothesline with wooden clothespins. TIP: You can also …

Instructions Step 1: Remove case Remove the pillowcase and pillow protector. Step 2: Read label Read the care label for instructions. Pillows filled with buckwheat or gel cannot be washed. Step 3: Put in washer Put the pillow in a washing machine set to the gentle cycle. Use hot water and a mild detergent. TIP: …

Instructions Step 1: Wrap the yarn Wrap the yarn around your first and middle fingers a couple of times to make the core of the ball. TIP: If you want scented dryer balls, sew a sachet filled with dried flowers, and wind the yarn around it. Step 2: Make the core Remove the loop from …

Instructions Step 1: Turn the sock inside out Turn your sock inside out and place the darning egg inside of the sock to emphasize the hole. Step 2: Thread the needle Thread the darning needle with yarn or thick thread. TIP: If the hole is in the sole of the sock, use a different color …

Instructions Step 1: Fix the source of the leak Fix the source of the leak before repairing water stains. TIP: Look carefully. The source of a leak may not be directly above the water stain. Step 2: Mix cleaning solution Mix a solution of three parts water and one part bleach in the bucket. Step …

Instructions Step 1: Set up iron Set your iron on low and use an ironing board with a terry cloth cover. TIP: The iron temperature should not exceed 140 degrees for polyester and silk ties and should not exceed 170 degrees for wool ties. Step 2: Spray with water Spray the tie with water. Then …

Instructions Step 1: Attach safety pin to drawstring Attach the safety pin to one end of the drawstring. Choose a pin that’s long but narrow enough to fit through the opening. TIP: If you can’t find a safety pin, use a paper clip. Tie one end of the drawstring to the clip and wrap the …

Instructions Step 1: Clean stains immediately Blot spills immediately with a clean, white cloth, and then clean the spot as quickly as you can. The more time that elapses, the more difficult it will be to remove stains. TIP: To prevent newsprint ink stains, never place newspapers on leather furniture. Step 2: Dab with dishwashing …

Instructions Step 1: Start tugging Gently tug the lining or garment that is stuck in the zipper. Use tweezers if you cannot pull it out with your fingers. TIP: Do not force the zipper. You may break it and ruin the garment. Step 2: Use pencil lead Rub pencil lead against both sides of the …

Instructions Step 1: Know what’s really “dry clean only Take that “dry clean only” label with a grain of salt. Many silks, wools, and linens can be hand-washed safely in cold water. But be aware that silk is more susceptible to fading over time if it’s hand laundered. TIP: Never wash leather, suede, acetate, rayon, …

Instructions Step 1: Lay the shirt on a table Lay your shirt down sideways and faceup on the table so that the neck is to your right. Step 2: Pinch the shirt in two places With your right hand, pinch the shirt at the shoulder, halfway between the sleeve and neckline farthest away from you; …

Instructions Step 1: Open towel and lay flat Open the bath towel lengthwise and lay it flat on the floor. Roll each side inward, toward the center. Step 2: Fold in half at center Fold the rolled towel in half with each rolled side serving as a pair of elephant legs, and then stand the …

Instructions Step 1: Rinse with cold water If the stained item is washable, rinse the blood stain with cold water as soon as you can; keep rinsing until the water is no longer lightening the stain. If the blood stain has had time to set in, soak it in cold water for a few hours. …

Instructions : If your fabric is not machine-washable or color-safe, have it professionally cleaned. Step 1: Scrub Use the scouring pad to remove as much surface rust from your iron as possible. Step 2: Soak fabric in lemon juice If the fabric is machine-washable and color-safe, soak the fabric stain in lemon juice, and leave …

Instructions Step 1: Put it in a bag Carefully fold the angora sweater and place it in a sturdy plastic freezer bag. Step 2: Place in freezer Put the bag inside your freezer. Just don’t confuse it with the frozen peas when you’re making dinner. Step 3: Wait Keep the bag in the freezer for …

Instructions Step 1: Select a button & thread Select an appropriate button and matching thread for the article of clothing. TIP: Check to see if the manufacturer included extra buttons. Step 2: Thread your needle Cut a suitable length of thread with scissors (12 to18 inches is generally enough), and thread and knot your needle. …

Instructions Step 1: Hold up tablecloth Hold up the tablecloth in front of you with its top side facing you. Step 2: Fold into semicircle Work your hands down to the center on either side, allowing the tablecloth to fold away from you in half along its diameter, with its top half facing out. You …

Instructions Step 1: Clean stains immediately Blot spills immediately with a clean, white cloth, and then clean the spot as quickly as you can. The more time that elapses, the more difficult it will be to remove stains. TIP: Make sure you blot. Never rub a stain into fabric; it will embed the stain into …

Instructions Step 1: Dry it out Sprinkle the stain with salt, baking soda, cornstarch, or talcum powder. Let it stand for 30 minutes, and then brush it away with something gentle, like a pastry brush. Repeat until as much grease as possible has been absorbed. Step 2: Pretreat it Gently rub colorless dishwashing liquid into …

Instructions Step 1: Sponge with spirits For a fresh stain, sponge it with denatured alcohol, also known as methylated spirit, which is available at hardware stores. Rinse with cold water, and launder as usual. TIP: If the fabric has any rayon in it, test an inconspicuous spot first. Step 2: Soak in eucalyptus oil If …

Instructions Step 1: Pretreat underarm areas Always gently rub a little liquid detergent into the underarm areas of shirts before washing, as a preventive measure. TIP: To prevent the sweat buildup that leads to stains, wash your tops in the hottest water they can stand every third or fourth time you launder them. Step 2: …

Instructions Step 1: Clean stains immediately Blot spills immediately with a clean, white cloth, and then clean the spot as quickly as you can. The more time that elapses, the more difficult it will be to remove stains. Step 2: Tackle white marks To remove white marks on wood, like the rings left by a …

Instructions Step 1: Place stain on a washcloth Place the garment, stain-side down, on a clean, white towel. Step 2: Soak another cloth Dip a clean, white washcloth in rubbing alcohol and dab it on the back of the stain. Keep dipping and dabbing until the stain is gone. TIP: If you have grease solvent …

Instructions Step 1: Spray it Spray the stain with a lubricant like WD-40, available in hardware stores. Step 2: Let it sit Let it sit for a few minutes, and then gently sponge with warm, soapy water. Step 3: Rinse Rinse with warm water. Step 4: Fluff Let it dry completely before fluffing the fibers …

Instructions Step 1: Use white on red Pour white wine or club soda on the stain while it’s still wet – just make sure the fabric is washable. If you don’t have either, use cold water. Step 2: Blot it Blot it with a white cloth napkin or a clean white T-shirt. Step 3: Sprinkle …

Instructions Step 1: Treat it immediately Treat the stain immediately. Ink stains are almost impossible to get out once they’ve set in. Step 2: Make sure it’s washable Make sure the item is washable. If not, take it to the dry cleaner. Step 3: Apply denatured alcohol Pour enough denatured alcohol to saturate the stain, …

Instructions Step 1: Spray with shaving cream Spray it with shaving cream and then work the cream in for a few minutes with a clean toothbrush. Step 2: Wipe and rinse Wipe off with a damp cloth, and then rinse by sponging cold water on it. Step 3: Re-fluff When the spot dries, fluff up …

Instructions Step 1: Hand-wash delicate knits Laundering cashmere or wool knits in the washing machine, even on the delicate cycle, can cause them to run and unravel. Instead, hand-wash them in the sink or a bowl with liquid detergent. Squeeze suds through the fabric instead of rubbing, and rinse thoroughly. Step 2: Dry knits Wringing …

Instructions Step 1: Pick a cleaner Pick a cleaner. An automotive lubricant is often recommended by crayon manufacturers. A thick paste made from baking soda and water or a baby wipe will also work. Step 2: Test the cleaner Test the product you will be using in an inconspicuous spot, like behind a door. Make …

Instructions Step 1: Lay facedown On a flat surface, lay the T-shirt facedown with its arms spread. Step 2: Fold one edge Fold one edge of the shirt to the middle of the back, stacking the sleeve on top of it so its edge runs parallel to the side edge. Step 3: Fold other edge …

Instructions Step 1: Button shirt Button the shirt all the way up. Step 2: Lay face down On a flat surface, lay the shirt face down with its arms spread. Step 3: Fold one edge Fold one edge of the shirt to the middle of the back, folding the sleeve down so its inner edge …

Instructions Step 1: Heat four cups of water Heat four cups of water in a large pot on the stove. Step 2: Shave some soap Start shaving a regular-sized bar of bath soap, and begin adding the shavings as the water gets to just below a boil. Maintaining the water at that level, keep adding …

Instructions Step 1: Grab two corners Grab the sheet by two corners of one of the shorter sides. Step 2: Hold up sheet Hold it up in front of you so it hangs lengthwise from head to toe, and so the side that will face up on the bed is facing you. TIP: If you’re …