Stain Removal

A stain is an unwanted mark or colouration on a fabric caused by contact and absorption of foreign matter, which cannot be removed by normal washing process and requires special treatment. In order to use the right procedure for removing the stain, it is important to identify the stain first. Identification may be done on the basis of colour, smell and feel. The stains can be classified as: (i) Vegetable stains: tea, coffee, fruits, and vegetables.

These stains are acidic by nature and can be removed by alkaline medium. (ii) Animal stains: blood, milk, meat, eggs, etc. These are protein in nature and removed by detergents in cold water only. (iii) Oil stains: oils, ghee, butter, etc.

These are removed by the use of grease solvents and absorbents. (iv) Mineral stains: ink, rust, coal tar, medicine, etc. These stains should be washed first in acidic medium and then in alkaline medium (v) Dye bleeding: colour from other fabrics. These stains can be removed either by dilute alkalies or acids depending on the fabric type.

Removal of Stains – General Considerations Stain is best removed when fresh. Identify the stain and use the right procedure for its removal. For unknown stains, start with a simple process and move to a complex one. Repeated use of milder reagent is better than one time use of a strong agent.

Wash all fabrics with soapy solution after stain removal to remove all traces of chemicals from it. Dry fabrics in the sun as sunlight acts as natural bleach. For delicate fabrics try out the chemicals on a small portion of fabric; if they damage the fabric, do not use them. (i) Techniques of stain removal (a) Scraping: built up surface stains can be scraped lightly using a blunt knife.

(b) Dipping: The stained material is dipped into the reagent and scrubbed. (c) Sponging: The stained area is placed on a flat surface. The reagent is applied with a sponge on the stained area and absorbed by the blotting paper laid underneath. (d) Drop Method: The stained cloth is stretched over a bowl.

The reagent is put on it with a dropper. (ii) Stain removers/reagents for stain removal: The various reagents used for stain removal should be used in liquid form and in concentrations recommended for their use. These reagents can be grouped as follows: (a) Grease solvents: Turpentine, kerosene, white petrol, methylated spirit, acetone, carbon tetra chloride (b) Grease absorbents: Bran, Fuller’s earth, talcum powder, starch, French chalk (c) Emulsifiers: Soaps, detergents (d) Acidic reagents: Acetic acid (vinegar), oxalic acid, lemon, tomato, sour milk, curds (e) Alkaline reagents: Ammonia, borax, baking soda (f) Bleaching agents: Oxidising bleaches: Sunlight, sodium hypochlorite (javelle water), sodium perborate, hydrogen peroxide Reducing bleaches: Sodium hydrosulphite, sodium bisulphate, sodium thiosulphate Table : Common stains and the method of removing them from cotton fabric Stain Method of removal Adhesive Tape Harden with ice, scrape off, apply any solvent Blood Fresh stain – wash with cold water Old stain – soak in salt solution, rub and wash Ballpoint pen Keep a blotting paper under it and sponge with methylated spirit Candle wax Soak in cold water immediately, scrape off, dip in white vinegar, rinse with cold water Chewing gum Apply ice, scrape off, soak in cold water, sponge with a solvent Chocolate Soak in cold water, in hypochlorite bleach (javelle water) Curry (Turmeric & oil) Wash with soap and water, bleach in sun. Keep blotting paper under fresh stain and iron it.

Then wash with soap and water. Old stains can be removed by soaking in javelle water Egg Wash with cold water, wash with soap and lukewarm water.