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Removal of Spots and Stains: Tartaric

Nature of Tartaric Acid. - This is the acid principle of cream of tartar and is found in a free state in various plants and fruits, especially the grape. It is readily soluble in either alcohol or water. If dissolved in water and allowed to stand it deteriorates, turning into acetic acid. It is the acid principle of Rochelle salts and is principally used in dyeing, in preparing effervescing beverages, and as an ingredient in baking powder. In medicine it is used as a tartar emetic.

Tartaric acid is but slightly poisonous, is much less destructive to cloth fibers than are other acids, and does not injure fast colors. It may be dissolved in less than its own bulk of water, and hence may be used in a very strong solution and readily washed out of the most delicate fabrics.

Uses of Tartaric Acid. - Tartaric acid is especially useful in grass stains, as it changes the chlorophyll and chlorophyllan into soluble substances. It is nearly as effective as oxalic acid on ink spots from iron- REMOVAL OF SPOTS AND STAINS gall inks. It may be used on all ordinary linen, silk, cotton, woolen, or other fabrics, and if combined with salt will not cause the colors to run.

The usefulness of this article in the laundry does not seem to be generally known.

To Apply Tartaric Acid.-Wet the spot with water and apply the dry acid with or without an equal quantity of salt.

Or wet the spot and cover with cream of tartar, with or without its bulk of salt. The process will be quickened if the stain is held over the steam of a teakettle or laid upon a heated dinner plate or other smooth, heated surface. The acid may be rubbed into white goods with the finger tips or the bowl of a spoon, but on colored goods it should be applied more carefully.

Or, for a saturated solution, dissolve in its own bulk or less of hot water. For a dilute solution dissolve in 10 or more parts of cold water.

Apply same as oxalic acid.

Nature of Salts of Lemon. - This is a compound of equal parts in bulk of cream of tartar and salts of sorrel. It combines the effects of tartaric and oxalic acids. Its uses and methods of application are similar.

It may be used on the same fabrics and requires similar caution.