During the holidays we get lots of kisses. No silly, not chocolate kisses! With kisses, often come lipstick and makeup. Funny thing about lipstick and makeup, they come off our face and cheeks much easier than they come off our clothing.
I’ve talked about water-based stains versus oil-based stains many times, but here are a couple great examples. Lipstick and makeup may come off our face with soapy water and face-cleansing creams – which makes them technically water-based stains. However, when these two items are on our clothing or furniture covers, they are considered oily and require a different tact.
Remember, when trying to remove these stains from fabric, especially silk, wool and polished cotton – all dryclean-only clothing – you should not use soap or water, even in a pinch. It’s best to blot them with a dry, white napkin and stop! Take the clothing to the drycleaners ASAP, and then point out the areas to the person at the counter. Both these stains need pre-treatment to fully come out. By putting water on the stains, you are helping to “set” them and working against your cleaner. However … if you get these stains on washable clothing, you can try lubricating them out with a mix of one part clear liquid dishwashing soap and six parts water. Mix it up, put a little on the stain, allow it sink in, re-apply again, and watch the stains start to dissolve. Be patient! Then wash as usual. If you think the stains are not completely removed before washing, then AIR DRY the clothing and re-inspect it again. This way you can always re-treat and rewash without setting the stain with the heat of the dryer!
Spills
Just a quick word, at the moment about champagne, beer, wine and such … If you are wearing nice clothing and you spill a large amount of drink on yourself – or someone else – be very careful about dosing it with water or club soda. The alcohol that spreads from the rinsing may cause a huge ring around the perimeter, which can ruin a great outfit in a snap! Blot with a wet cloth, if you must, but never rub the fabric. If you get in this situation, write me and I will help you through it, but do not drench your clothing!
Happy New Year!
P.S. Emails, emails, emails … I get them everyday at
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
from people with stain emergencies, storage issues, and such. Feel free to write me and I will help you out! |
