Emergency Spot Stoppers

Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-825 -- More Projects »
Frugal mom Deana Ricks shares tips for taking care of stains on washable fabrics even when you aren't at home.

  • Time, temperature, heat and exposure to light are the factors that set stains. The sooner they are treated, the more likely it is that the stains will come out.
PHOTO

Figure A
  • To remove grease stains, immediately sprinkle it with baby powder. It will absorb some of the grease. Scrape powder and grease off with a spoon (figure A). Shake off excess and wash in soapy water as soon as possible.

  • Combat coffee stains by putting a napkin underneath the stain and blotting it with a paper towel. Moisten a cloth with club soda and dab the stain. The carbonation will help lift out the stain.

  • For those impossible stains that won't come out any other way, try mixing 1/2 cup automatic dishwasher powder and 1/2 cup color-safe bleach in three gallons of hot water. Soak garment for 15 minutes or even overnight.

  • For a dry clean-only garment, rub the stain immediately with an ice cube to cool down the stain. Do not rub with a cloth because you will shift the fibers and perhaps ruin the fabric.

  • If a clothing item has bleach stains, get creative and stain the entire garment since you cannot add the bleached-out color back in. Here's how:
    • PHOTO

    Figure B
    PHOTO

    Figure C

    1. Bundle the garment in small sections and tie with a rubber band (figure B).

    2. Squirt bleach all over the garment while holding it over a tub or sink. Place in cold water to rinse. The result is a tie-dye look (figure C)

    * Note: Be sure and wear protective gloves and eyewear when working with bleach.

    Resources
    Cheap Talk with the Frugal Friends: Over 600 Tips, Tricks, and Creative Ideas for Saving Money
    by Angie Zalewski, Deana Ricks
    Starburst Publishers, 2001
    Order this title from Amazon.com.

    Guests
    Deana Ricks
    Author / Co-founder of the Frugal Family Network
    PO Box 92731
    Austin, TX 78709
    Phone: 512-891-9031
    E-mail: frugal4u@frugalfamilynetwork.com
    Website: www.frugalfamilynetwork.com
    Also in this Episode
    Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-825
    •Emergency Spot Stoppers
    •Pain-Free Gardening
    •Healthy Brunch
    •Smart Solution of the Day