REMOVING STAINS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18617, 12 July 1930, Page 14

REMOVING STAINS

WATER AND ACID STAINS. Water disfigures some wools and silks because it dissolves the “weighting” material, which is subsequently distributed unevenly when the fabric dries. The remedy is to damp the marked area and iron it, repeating the process, if necessary. Sea water marks are caused by the deposition of saline matter in the fibres of the material when the brine dries. Wash or sponge the marks with hot, soft water, which should be kept out of contact with the material once it has passed through the stain. When a garment is splashed with weak acid the water begins to evaporate, but the acid remains and ultimately becomes so strong as to destroy the fibre. Wash acid stains away at once with plenty of water, and, if on cotton or linen, add ammonia thereto. If on silk or wool, wash the fabric finally with water containing a little borax, which harms them less than other alkalis. If accumulator acid is splashed on a fabric, plunge the latter immediately into plenty of water and move it about well. Any attempt to sponge the acid away with a damp cloth will develop heat and destroy the fabric, especially if it is linen or cotton.