National Stain Laboratory

18/01/2013

It's a constant fear - Giving the important presentation at a conference. Flirting with a potential partner. At a job interview. Queuing at the shops. Walking down the aisle...

Suddenly a warm feeling comes over you and, after the initial pleasure, you realise you've pi**ed yourself in public again.

But even worse than the embarrassment are the cleaning consequences that come later when dealing with p**s stains.

Fortunately our crack team of scientists here at the National Stain Laboratory work day and night to ensure you can deal with the age-old problem of stains.

P**s Stain Removal From Clothing

Step 1: Run the fabric, inside out, under the cold (not warm or hot) water to flush out as much of the p**s as possible.

Step 2: Pretreat the stain with liquid laundry detergent containing enzymes, soaking for 30 minutes in cold water, or in the alternative pretreat with an enzyme pretreater. Do not use hot water.

Hint: If the stain is older, you may need to soak even longer, perhaps even overnight.

Step 3: Launder in the hottest water the fabric will allow to get out the stain, and either chlorine bleach if the fabric will allow it, or oxygen bleach if not.

Hint: Make sure the stain is gone after washing, but before you place in the dryer or you may set the stain.

Final Hint: Try not to p**s yourself.

19/11/2012

What a complete clumsitard...

This is what can happen when a feckless little quarter-wit tries to feed itself.

Pasta sauce can often cause severe staining - particularly on clothing, according to our scientists here at the National Stain Laboratory. Follow the instructions below to minimise stain damage. Remember, the faster you attend to the stain, the less visible impact it will have on your item of clothing.

Remove as much of the excess tomato sauce as possible from the fabric. The National Stain Laboratory recommends a spoon or the back of a butter knife. This won't damage your clothing, but will allow all the excess to come off.

Run cold water through the back of the stain as quickly as possible. This will force the stain back out through the fabric. Don't run it through the front of the tomato stain (like an idiot), which will only force it more deeply into your clothing.

Rub a liquid detergent into the stained portion of the fabric. Work it into the fabric gently in a circular motion beginning on the outside of the stained area, and working in.

If the garment is white, or you have tested it for colorfastness, apply a mild bleaching agent. Possible agents include hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar applied with a sponge. You can also use lemon juice on white fabrics. Rinse well.

Repeat with detergent followed by mild bleaching agent until the stain no longer appears.Hold the stain up to the light to make sure it is fully gone.
Apply a stain remover stick, gel, or spray. Allow it to sit for at least 5 minutes while you wait. Use this time to have a can, or a cigarette - or maybe both.

Wash normally with detergent. Before drying, double-check the stain. Stains that are dryed will often be permanent.

If it remains, rub detergent into the tomato stain. Next, soak in warm water for 30 minutes. Rinse well.

If the tomato stain is still stubborn, apply stain remover stick, gel, or spray and launder according to directions. Here at the National Stain Laboratory, we usually do this step even if our scientists can't see any lingering stain, just to be sure we get all traces of tomato stain out.

Tips:

If your stain is a combinations stain, treat the oily part first with some mild dish detergent before proceeding with the directions above. A lot of spaghetti sauces that are made with meat will be oily.

What You Need

Spoon or butter knife
Cold water
Liquid laundry detergent
(optional for white/colorfast clothing) white vinegar
(optional for white/colorfast clothing) hydrogen peroxide
(optional for white clothing) lemon juice
Stain remover
(optional for oily stains) mild dish soap

22/08/2012

Stain of the week – Red Wine

We’ve all been there – mangled and managed to spill a full glass of red wine all over a carpet or clothing. Apart from the annoyance of losing precious booze, red wine stains are very difficult to remove. . We’ve all experienced it. That slow-motion moment of horror as the wine glass topples over and spills red wine all over the nearest absorbent surface. The moment everyone’s attention shifts to the carpet, party dress, linen, or other (most often white) surface now dripping with a massive red wine stain. Removing red wine stains from clothing, upholstery, carpet and other materials is possible using the right advice.

*How To Remove Wet Red Wine Stains
The following household remedies have been proven to work best on fresh red wine stains and while the fabric is still “wet” with the red wine stain. In all instances, no matter what remedy you choose, it is important to keep the stain wet. Once the stain dries, it will be more difficult to remove. Water is always the best choice for diluting a stain, but if unavailable, club soda or white wine can be used. Apply using a spray bottle or by sprinkling or pouring on by hand. Next, blot the fabric from the outside edges of the stain in, to prevent it from spreading. Try to blot up as much of the red wine as possible.

*Household Red Wine Stain Removal
As with every stain, time is of the essence when removing red wine stains. The sooner you can work on removing the stain, the easier it will come out. The following remedies work best on cotton, polyester and blends. Red wine stained dry-clean only fabrics should not be pretreated at home. These fabrics must be taken to the cleaners as soon as possible. Attempting to remove the stain at home from dry clean-only fabrics can cause irreversible damage.

*Wine Stain Removal From Clothing with Peroxide and Soap
A simple household remedy to remove even the ugliest of red wine stains combines the stain lifting powers of hydrogen peroxide and soap. First, combine equal parts liquid detergent or soap and hydrogen peroxide in a bowl. Sponge or pour the mixture over the red wine stain and let stand for a minute to pre-soak. Please note: if you have stained only one side of a garment, place a towel between the stained layer and clean layer so the stain does not pe*****te through to the other side of the fabric. If possible, test one small area first to ensure the solution does not discolour the fabric.

Next, gently blot the stained area. The hydrogen peroxide and soap formula help remove discolouration. Continue to blot until the stain can no longer be seen. The garment can then be put in the laundry machine as usual. Cool water is usually best. Be sure to check care labels for special instructions.

*Removing Wine Stains From Carpet With Hydrogen Peroxide and Soap
For removing red wine stains from carpet, first apply hydrogen peroxide, giving it a few minutes to pe*****te carpet fibers. Next, using a spray bottle filled with one part water and one part carpet cleaner, mist the stain. Blot with a clean cloth until stain is removed.

*Water, Vinegar and Soap Red Wine Stain Removal
Similar to the hydrogen peroxide and soap solution above, the water, vinegar and soap method is best applied immediately after blotting the red wine stain with a clean, white cloth or paper towel. Next, combine one tablespoon of dish soap or detergent with one tablespoon white vinegar and two cups lukewarm water. (Some stain removal guides suggest first applying soapy water and then applying a vinegar and water solution. Both remedies work.)

*Apply the water, vinegar and soap mixture to the stain using a clean towel. Blot the stain with a clean, dry towel as you go. Once the stain is gone, blot the area using a clean rag with cold water. Finally, blot the area once again with a clean, dry cloth.
If you are unable to completely remove the stain using this method, repeat using the red wine peroxide and soap solution above.

*White Wine to the Rescue – Using It On Red Wine Stains
*Be careful not to use the last of any precious booze.
Although two wrongs rarely make a right, here’s an exception to the rule that would put even your mother to shame. When it comes to red wine stain removal, white wine is a valuable resource. White wine counteracts the red wine and makes it easier to remove the original red wine stain.

Simply pour a small amount of white wine over the red wine stain and blot with a clean, absorbent towel. Be sure never to rub or wipe at red wine stained fabric, as this will only set the stain deeper within the fabric. Once you have blotted as much of the stain as possible, treat any stain remnants with the regular fabric or carpet stain remover of your choice. The pesky red wine mark can then be easily removed in the same fashion as any other stain.

*Add a Little Salt to Your Red Wine Stain
In a pinch and not sure what method to choose, or short on ingredients? Shake a thick layer of salt over the red wine stain to prevent it from spreading and setting. Then, when you are ready to treat the stain, remove or vacuum the salt. Remember, the sooner you salt, the better the chance it will help stop the stain from setting—making it easier to lift.

*Dry Red Wine Stains Removal
Remember, it is always best to treat a stain—especially a red wine stain—as soon as possible. But as life would have it, sometimes it’s just not possible to remove a red wine spill directly after it happens. Perhaps you were out at a party, or a guest spilled red wine on your favourite rug and you didn’t notice it until the next day, what should you do?

The following stain removal methods are best suited to dry red wine stains and should assist in removing stains after they have already set. Please be aware that dry red wine stains may sometimes not come out, no matter how much time you spend and what you do.

The first line of defence for a tough dry red wine stain is the peroxide and soap solution found above. However, if the stained fabric is not colourfast or is very delicate, try one of the remedies below.

*White Wine with Baking Soda To Fight Red Wine Stains
First, soak the red wine stain in white wine (or club soda). Next, cover the stain with a thick baking soda and water paste. Leave the baking soda on the stain for a few hours, periodically moistening the solution with water. Once the treatment is done, wash the fabric as normal.

**Commercial Red Wine Stain Removers
If you are a complete alcoholic, or a handitard, or both, then investing in a commercial red wine stain remover is a great idea. There are many great products available for both wine stains specifically and stains in general. The National Stain Laboratory recommends OxiClean, mainly as they supply the office Christmas party with co***ne and prostitutes.
General Wine Stain Removal Tips
- Blot, don’t rub.
- Do not apply heat (i.e. put garment in dryer) until stain is fully removed.
- When using bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide, be sure to first test colored fabrics for colorfastness.
- When in doubt, take the garment to a professional dry cleaner.

*Wine Stain Removal from Specific Fabrics
There are numerous other red wine stain removal methods that have gained a following on the internet. These include milk saturation, vodka, shaving cream and boiling water. To learn specific methods for removing red wine stains from specific fabrics and garment types, please check back soon as we’re preparing lots of new red wine stain removal related content!

What causes red wine stains?:
Red wines contain a pigment found in grape skins which is part of a family of food-coloring chemicals called anthocyanins. Similar to fabric dyes, anthocyanins quickly and easily attach themselves to fabrics and fibrous items.

17/08/2012

13/08/2012

That'll learn ya.....

13/08/2012

Clumsy handitard

10/08/2012

Stain of the week – Coffee

If you are a coffee drinker, there will inevitably come a time when you will spill coffee on your favourite clothes, a carpet or a tablecloth. Coffee stains can be stubborn and, if allowed to set, can be nearly impossible to get out. Following these simple steps on a fresh coffee stain will help get the stain out before it sets in.

What You Will Need
• Absorbent white paper towels
• Powdered laundry detergent
• Distilled white vinegar
• Cold water
• Small cup or dish
• Toothbrush or small nail brush
• Liquid laundry detergent with colour-safe bleach
• A Life

Steps to Remove the Coffee Stain
1. Using the paper towels, blot the stain using a firm lifting motion until little or no stain comes off on the paper towel. DO NOT rub the stain as that may spread the stain further.
2. Rinse the back side of the stain with cold water (do not rinse the front of the stain yet, as this may actually spread the stain)
3. In the small dish or cup, mix powdered laundry detergent, cold water and distilled white vinegar to form a paste. The paste should be the consistency of toothpaste.
4. Spread the paste on both sides of the stain (remember to check a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric to make sure the paste will not damage or discolour the material), and let it sit for approximately 5 minutes.
5. With a toothbrush or small nailbrush, rub the pasted stain in a circular motion (both sides).
6. Rinse the area with cold water, both front and back.
7. Pour a small amount of liquid laundry detergent directly onto the area of stain and rub it in with your thumb and forefinger.
8. Place the fabric in the wash and launder as usual as per the directions on the fabric tag, using the liquid detergent with colour-safe bleach. (If the stain is on durable whites that are bleach-safe, you may use regular detergent with bleach added to the wash water, instead of the detergent with colour-safe bleach.)
9. If the stain remains after washing, repeat steps 1 through 7. DO NOT dry the fabric in the dryer if any stain remains as the heat from the dryer will set the stain, making it nearly impossible to get out.

Additional Tips and Advice
• Always treat coffee stains as soon as possible. If allowed to dry, the stain will set in and will be much more difficult to remove.
• Always opt for white paper towels since colours or designs on the paper towels may bleed onto your fabric, making the situation worse.
• If your fabric is a delicate material, such as wool or silk, consider taking the item to a professional cleaner to avoid damage or discolouration.
• If the dirt or mud stain is on a delicate fabric such as silk or wool, or if the garment is designated as dry-clean only, take the item to a professional cleaner. For help finding reputable cleaners in your area, contact your local Chamber of Commerce, or visit the yellow pages.
• Always follow all care instructions and warning on the label of your particular clothing or fabric before following any of these stain removal suggestions. If anything contained on the label of your clothing or fabric contradicts the advice given here, opt to follow the advice on the label.
• If you are at a location where immediate stain treatment is impossible, try dabbing the stain with a little baking soda sprinkled on a wet napkin or dishcloth. This may not get the stain out completely, but will usually stop it from setting in, until you are able to get to a laundry facility.
• Again, if you are at a location where immediate stain treatment is impossible, dabbing the stain with distilled white vinegar will help it not to set until you are able to get to a laundry facility.
• Most grocery and other such stores sell a variety of stain pre-treatment product. These products may be useful in treating stubborn coffee stains, but be sure to read and follow all directions and cautions provided with any such product to make sure it is safe to use on or around the particular fabric you have in mind.

01/08/2012

Stain of the week – Ink

Removing ink stains caused by biros, fountain pens and artist's ink from clothing is not an easy task but it is doable. There are a few ways to remove the stains, and a few products that can help you to do it easily. Here are some suggestions to remove the ink from washable clothing, preferably sooner rather than later.


1. Treat very fresh ink stains as soon as possible.
Acting fast is important because ink stains are very stubborn and hard to remove once they've set. If the ink stain has just happened, get a paper towel and press it against the fabric very firmly for several seconds. Do not "blot" as some people recommend, and never rub. Blotting and rubbing can spread the ink. The paper towel, on the other hand, will absorb the still-wet ink out of the fabric somewhat, making the stain less obvious, and easier to remove.

2. Use rubbing alcohol or methylated spirits.
‘Rubbing’ alcohol or methylated spirits (denatured alcohol) from the chemist or hardware store are ideal to remove ink stains, as long as the stains have not set. The alcohol neutralizes the pigment in the ink so it disappears. Either soak a washable garment in rubbing alcohol or methylated spirits, then wash as normal, or use the following process:
• Dip a clean cotton swab into rubbing alcohol.
• Dab at the soaked up ink mark with the cotton swab (bud) or small sponge.
• Repeat this each time with a fresh cotton swab or sponge, as many times as needed.
• Dip another fresh cotton swab or sponge into cold water and dab the area to remove the alcohol from the fabric. For best results, let the fabric dry before trying to remove the ink stains again. Rubbing alcohol works best on a dry fabric, but after each application you must rinse it with water. The process of removing heavy ink stains is a lengthy, cyclical process of blot, rinse and dry.
• Allow the area to dry. Wash the garment as normal.

3. Try ammonia for non-synthetic garments.
Make a mixture from 2 parts of methylated spirits (denatured alcohol) to 1 part cloudy ammonia. Soak, then add vinegar to neutralize the ammonia. Wash as usual.

4 Put a paper towel under the stain first then apply hairspray to the stain.
Hairspray will cause the ink to dissolve, making it easier to wash the ink out of the material. Spray liberally until the stain is saturated with hairspray, then blot with a damp cloth (do not rub). Repeat application and blotting until the stain lifts, then wash. Be sure that you have gotten all the ink out before you dry the washed garment in a dryer, because the heat of a dryer will set the stain.

5 Try milk.
There are several different possible methods for using milk to remove ink stains, as follows:
• Use cold milk. After dabbing up the fresh ink with paper towels as outlined in step one, soak the stain in milk for half an hour. Wash as usual.
• Use warm milk. Heat milk to lukewarm. Pour into a suitable container and soak the stained part of the garment in the warm milk as soon as possible. Rinse after soaking and wash as usual.
• Use rotten milk solids. Put milk into a container and put it into the sunshine to rot. When it turns lumpy and stinks like a wino’s crotch, it's ready to use; use a wide-mouthed container to speed up the rotting process. Using your fingers, grab some of the lumpy pieces and apply these direct to the ink stain. Once you see the ink bleeding into the lump, shake the lumps off the fabric. Dip a cake of bathroom soap into cold water and rub the stain. Once the stain has disappeared, rinse off with cold water to remove the soap residue. Wash as normal.

6 Use glycerin.
Warm the glycerin slightly to lukewarm temperature. Apply to the stain, then flush with water. Add a few drops of ammonia.

7 Proceed to stronger methods for difficult or older stains.
Commercial stain removers are usually a good choice for more stubborn stains. Some choices include:
• Put Dry-Erase whiteboard cleaner or water-based "Goof Off 2" on the ink stain. These make a good pre-wash to quickly loosen the ink. Follow the instructions and wash off as usual.
• Apply OXY-CLEAN to really serious ink stains. Permanent marker can also be removed from clothes that have already been laundered with this product.
• Take the garment to the dry cleaner if you've tried and failed, or if you've been too scared to even try! Any ink-stained clothing that cannot be washed should be taken to the dry cleaner immediately.

8 Ask the dry cleaner if they have experience removing this type of stain.
Most dry cleaners have a spotting board with high pressure steam and vacuum, plus a selection of much stronger chemicals than is available to the public specifically for removing these stains. Most blue inks can be removed, most black inks cannot be removed. Throw away (or put up) all your black pens.

9 Sometimes "home remedies" make stains much harder to remove. All stains can be removed, some stains require scissors.

10 With most of the stain removed and with just a shadow of the stain remaining:
use a mild spray cleaner with bleach as the final step. Tap on the stain with a brush after applying the spray cleaner with bleach.