Laundry Tips for Kitchen Stains
- ketchup image by dinostock from Fotolia.com
From a laundering perspective, the kitchen is an obstacle course of potentially stain-causing hazards. Preparing, cooking and eating food are all activities likely to cause stains on clothing and linens. Dyes in prepared foods, fats in cooking oils and condiments and acids in foods can cause especially troubling stains. Always address spills as quickly as possible to avoid them setting in your fabrics. - Many stains can be rinsed out with cool water. If possible, hold the affected area directly under running water for several seconds, and then pat the item almost dry between absorbent cloths. If this is not possible, use a clean cloth dipped in water and dab the stain or rub gently in the direction of the affected material's weave. If the stain is not completely removed, try to keep the area damp until it can be treated with a stain remover. This is a good first step for cotton or machine-washable fabrics. Silks and other dry-clean only fabrics should not be treated with water. Never use hot water, as that may actually make the stain harder to remove.
- Vinegar works well on many common kitchen stains. To use, mix in a 1:8 ratio with cool water. For example, mix ¼ cup of vinegar with two cups of cool water. If possible, soak the affected area in a vinegar and water solution for 30 minutes, and then rinse with cool water. Another option for food stains is foaming shaving cream. Apply and wait 30 minutes. White wine will often remove red wine and fruit juices. Remember that these products may need time to work properly. These products are not suitable for all fabrics, so test a small area of the affected item.
- Commercial stain removers are available through many manufacturers and for many types of stains. These include "instant" spot removers as well as laundry pre-treatments. Special formulas are available for removing ketchup, mustard, chocolate, dairy stains, fat, cooking oil, coffee tea, juice and wine. Always follow the package directions carefully. Pay special attention to the types of materials on which the product is considered safe for use. Incorrect use of a commercial stain remover can ruin clothing or linens. Instant spot removers are often available in convenience sizes making them easy to tuck in a purse or pocket.
