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University of Illinois Extension
Red dye

Red dye

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

Steps to Clean

Chemical solvents and supplies

  • Detergent
  • White vinegar
  • Color remover
  • Ammonia
  1. Soak the item in a solution of 1 quart warm water, 1/2 teaspoon liquid dishwashing or laundry detergent, and 1 tablespoon ammonia for 30 minutes.
  2. Rinse well.
  3. If stain persists, soak in a solution of 1 quart warm water and 1 tablespoon white vinegar for 1 hour. Use white vinegar with care on cotton and linen.
  4. Rinse well with water and allow to dry.
  5. If stain is set, try applying rubbing alcohol to the area and tamping (the method of bringing a brush down with light strokes on stained durable fabrics and materials).
  6. As stain loosens, blot liquid and stain with absorbent pad.
  7. Keep both the stain and pad moist with alcohol and change pad as it picks up stain.
  8. Allow to dry.
  9. As a last resort for any remaining traces of stain, mix Rit Color Remover according to package direction and apply to stain.
  10. After testing on a hidden place, flush the solution through the stain.
  11. Rinse well with clear water and allow to dry thoroughly.

Upholstery

What you will need

  • Detergent
  • Ammonia
  • White vinegar
  • Rubbing alcohol

Steps to Clean

  1. Mix one teaspoon of liquid dishwashing detergent and one tablespoon of ammonia with two cups of warm water. (Caution: Never mix chlorine bleach and ammonia – fumes are hazardous)
  2. Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent/ammonia solution
  3. Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
  4. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears or is no longer absorbed into the cloth.
  5. If the stain remains, mix one tablespoon of liquid dishwashing detergent and one tablespoon of white vinegar with two cups of warm water.
  6. Sponge the stain with the detergent/vinegar solution.
  7. Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
  8. Repeat Steps 6 and 7 until the stain disappears or is no longer absorbed into the cloth.
  9. Sponge the stain with rubbing alcohol.
  10. Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
  11. Sponge with cold water and blot dry