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General Directions

Each stain demands individual attention. Patience is essential. Do not use strong chemicals. If the stain disappears instantly it is likely that your cloth will do likewise in time. Method is more important than the chemical you use.

Follow directions carefully and be ready to make more than one effort. Cover only a small section at a time. Either place a thick pad of old toweling under the stained material to absorb the remover and stain or stretch the soiled fabric over a bowl into which hot water can be poured. Do not use hot water on an unknown stain, because heat may set it permanently. When in doubt use cold water. It will not injure the fabric, as water stains can be removed by steaming, and it may have good results. Discover if possible what caused the stain and then determine which remover is most effective without injuring either texture or color or fabric. You might stain a sample of the material and test various removers. Work toward the center of the stain to avoid rings and continue light strokes until spot dries. If one method fails, try another.

Where the use of potassium permanganate and oxalic acid is recommended, apply potassium permanganate first with a dropper, leave until color changes to brown, pour warm water through it, apply oxalic acid with a dropper, pour water through the stain again. Repeat this process until stain disappears. The oxalic acid should be diluted one-half when it is used with delicate colors.

Do not use household ammonia. Buy a ten per cent solution of ammonium hydroxide at a drug store, diluting it to one-half for use with delicate colors. Where alternation with oxalic acid is suggested, pour clear warm water through the stain between applications of ammonia and acid, repeating the entire process until the stain disappears.