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University of Illinois Extension
Hair spray

Hair spray

Treat stains as soon as possible after staining. The older the stain, the more difficult it will be to remove.

All stain removal methods should be applied prior to laundering washable garments. Stains that have been laundered and dried are almost impossible to remove.

Washable Fabrics

What you will need

  • Pretreatment laundry stain remover
  • Heavy-duty liquid detergent
  • Chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach
  • Dry cleaning solvent
  • Absorbent paper towels

Steps to Clean

  1. Saturate area with pretreatment laundry stain remover (aerosol types work better on greasy stains) Wait one minute for product to penetrate the stain. For stubborn stains, rub with heavy-duty liquid detergent. Launder immediately.
  2. If color stain remains, soak/wash in chlorine bleach if safe for fabric, or in oxygen bleach.
  3. For extra heavy stains, apply dry cleaning solvent to back of the stain over absorbent paper towels. Let dry, rinse. Proceed as above.

Carpet

Chemical solvents and supplies

  • Detergent
  • White vinegar
  • Dry cleaning solvent
  • Ammonia

 

  1. Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the dry cleaning solvent.
  2. Blot until the solvent is absorbed.
  3. If the stain remains, mix one tablespoon of liquid dishwashing detergent with two cups of warm water.
  4. Sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
  5. Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
  6. Mix one tablespoon of ammonia with 1/2 cup of water.(Caution: Never mix chlorine bleach and ammonia – fumes are hazardous)
  7. Sponge the stain with the ammonia solution.
  8. Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
  9. If the stain remains, mix one teaspoon of white vinegar with one cup of warm water. Sponge the stain with this solution. Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
  10. Sponge with cold water and blot dry.

Steps to Clean

Upholstery

What you will need

  • Detergent

Steps to Clean

  1. Mix one (1) tablespoon of liquid dishwashing detergent with two (2) cups of cool water.
  2. Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
  3. Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
  4. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears.
  5. Sponge with cold water and blot dry to remove the detergent solution.

Or

What you will need

  • Dry cleaning solvent

Steps to Clean

  1. Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the dry cleaning solvent.
  2. Blot until the solvent is absorbed.
  3. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears.