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University of Illinois Extension
Salad dressing

Salad dressing

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.

Upholstery

What you will need

  • Absorbent
  • Dry cleaning solvent

Steps to Clean

  1. Sprinkle baking soda, cornstarch, or other absorbent on the stain.  Let stand 10 to 15 minutes, and then vacuum.
  2. Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the dry cleaning solvent.
  3. Blot until the solvent is absorbed.
  4. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears.