Stain Removal: Five Rules To Remember

Rule No. 1:  Always test for colorfastness before applying any stain
                    removal agent.  Blot a small amount of the agent on an
                    inconspicuous area of the garment with a white cloth.  If
                    any traces of dye appear on the cloth, do not use that 
                    agent.  It is not safe to use on the garment.

Rule No. 2:  The longer a stain remains in the fabric, the harder it will 
                    be to remove, so act quickly.
Rule No. 3:  Blot stains---never rub or brush the stained area, as this 
                    may damage the fabric.  Work from the outside edge 
                    of  the stain toward its center so that a ring will not form
                    around the stained area.
Rule No. 4:  Do not use more chemicals than you need. 
Rule No. 5:  Place absorbent materials such as white towels or white 
                    paper towels under the stained area to absorb the stain 
                    and prevent it from spreading.  Change the position of 
                    the absorbent material to provide a clean area beneath 
                    the stain as necessary.

-Source: OSU Extension
 

  Will the garment need to be pressed after washing?  Some fabrics need a touch up after hand washing.  For example, silk usually requires ironing for a smooth look and the appearance improves if the fabric is slightly damp when laundered.  If you allow the silk fabric, primarily blouse-weight wovens to dry completely, they often have "dry wrinkles" left in the fabric which are difficult to remove.  Some styles or designs are difficult to iron, such as sleeves with a full gathered cap or detailing in the bodice.  You may decide to hand wash silk or other garments with less detail, but dry clean those which require ironing or are more difficult to iron well.

  The age or quality of the garment as well as how much you like the garment may influence the hand wash or dry clean decision.  If the garment was expensive, of particularly good quality, or an important element in your wardrobe, you may not want to chance hand washing it.  Something  that is brand new or very good quality, may be worth the investment of commercial dry cleaning. As the item gets older or is worn less often, hand washing may be the best choice since it may no longer be an important and regularly worn part of the wardrobe. 

  What is the potential for fading or crocking of colors if the garment is hand washed?  Bright or intense colors combined with light colors or white may bleed or crock easily.  When hand washing these color combinations, remove as much water as possible by rolling the wet garment in one or two towels.  If drying flat, it may be helpful to place an old towel or paper towel between the front and back of the garment until most of the moisture is gone.  Dry cleaning would solve this concern and the special attention required if hand washed.
 

  How much special attention does a fiber need?  Some specialty fibers, such as angora or mohair, should not be "shocked" by extremes in temperature when hand washing.  Care should be taken to wash and rinse in water of similar temperature.  The animal fibers are more subject to shrinkage, matting or damage, in general.  Decide whether you want to take the  extra effort required for hand washing.

  Decorative trim may influence the decision to hand wash or dry clean. Embroidery, ribbon insertion, attached pearl or sequins or other detail may be a bit fragile.  Although the label may say "dry clean," there are many instances where adhesives used to attach trims are soluble in dry cleaning solution.  If this happens, the garment could be ruined and it would not be the dry cleaner's fault.  The garment could be returned to the manufacturer, but maybe it is a key part of an outfit.  Hand washing may be gentler on garments with embroidery, trims or other details and may be worth the effort of caring for them yourself.  Consider your options as well as the costs involved---both time and money--when deciding to hand wash or dry clean, if both methods are indicated as acceptable on the care label.  Your decision may impact the long term use and beauty of the garment.

-Source: J. Smith, 5/01, FCS Update