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University of Illinois Extension
Yellowing , dinginess or graying, general soil buildup, white or gray streaks

Yellowing , dinginess or graying, general soil buildup, white or gray streaks

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
  • Water conditioner
  1. Fill the washer with hottest water appropriate for the fabric.
  2. Add four times the normal amount of phosphate detergent and one cup of nonprecipitating water conditioner, such as Calgon or Spring Rain.
  3. Agitate just long enough to wet the clothes.
  4. Soak overnight or about 12 hours.
  5. Drain and spin without agitating.
  6. Launder, using regular cycle, no detergent, and one cup nonprecipitating water conditioner.
  7. Repeat laundering with no detergent and one cup of nonprecipitating water conditioner until no suds appear during the rinses.
  8. To remove all dinginess, launder with nonprecipitating water conditioner and bleach that is safe for the fabric.

To prevent hard water problems, use adequate amounts of low-sudsing phosphate detergent or heave duty liquid detergent and water as hot as safe for fabric.  Soften the water with nonprecipitating water conditioner or install a water softening system.  Note: that water softening systems may increase the amount of sodium in the drinking water and cause problems for people with salt-restricted diets.