Remove Stains From Fabric Softener, Bluing | Textiles - UGA

Apparel/Fabrics

Blue-gray, greasy-looking stains can result from undiluted fabric softener poured directly on fabric or an overuse of softeners in the dryer.

1. Rub stain with a bar of soap and launder.
2. Saturate stain with concentrated detergent and water. Launder in hot water. If stain remains, sponge area with rubbing alcohol or a commercial cleaner until the stain has lightened. Rinse. Launder with detergent and warm water. If several items are stained, take to a drycleaner.

Look for products containing petroleum distillates or hydrocarbon such as trichloroethane, xylene, methylenechloride, methane, benzene and/or naphtha. These chemicals may be found in such spot removers and cleaners as Guardsman’s Afta, Dap Cleaner and Thinner, Goof Off, M-1 Remover, Goo Gone, K2r.

CAUTIONS:

• Always read the care label before trying any stain removal method. Do not use any products or procedures prohibited by the care label.
• Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
• Always pretest each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area first to determine colorfastness.
• Be sure to store and dispose of products/cans/containers as recommended. Keep out of reach of children.
• When using caustic or commercial cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate ventilation.

Carpet

Blended Fibers, Natural Fibers, Synthetic Fibers, Wool

1. Blot up excess spill. Dampen the stained area with water and rub the stain with bar soap (such as Ivory). Rinse thoroughly with water, then blot the excess liquid and allow to dry.
2. An alternate method is to rub the area with liquid laundry detergent or a laundry soil and stain remover such as “Shout, “Spray and Wash,” etc. Sponge with clear, cool water. Blot the excess liquid and allow to dry. NOTE: Do not use a deodorant-type soap.

CAUTIONS:

• Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
• Always pretest each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area first to determine colorfastness.

Upholstered Furniture

Blended Fibers, Fiberglass, Natural Fibers, Synthetic Fibers, Vinyl, Vinyl Coated, Wool

Blot excess spill. Mix 1 teaspoon of a white dishwashing detergent in 1 cup warm water. Apply to an absorbent cloth and sponge the stained area. Follow by sponging with clear water. Be careful to remove all detergent residue. Blot thoroughly and allow to dry quickly.

CAUTIONS:

• Be careful any time a commercial product or combil’lation of cleaning supplies are used.
• Always pretest each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area first to determine colorfastness.
• Overwetting with water may cause the finish on the upholstery fabric to migrate and thus leave a circle in the treated area.

Walls And Ceilings

Dry Wall/gypsum Board (Painted), Glass, Plaster (Painted), Tile

Wipe up excess spill immediately. The chemicals in fabric softener/bluing can injure these surfaces. Wipe the area with a cloth or sponge dipped in warm sudsy water. Rinse well and wipe dry.

Metals

Aluminum

Wipe up excess spill immediately. The chemicals in fabric softener/bluing can injure these surfaces. Wipe the area with a cloth or sponge dipped in warm sudsy water. Rinse well and wipe dry.

Other/interior

Acrylic Plastic, Ceramic Glass, Enamel, Glass, Plastic, Plexiglas

Wipe up excess spill immediately. The chemicals in fabric softener can injure these surfaces. Wipe the area with a cloth or sponge dipped in warm sudsy water. Rinse well and wipe dry.

Exterior Surfaces

Porches, Decks, Patios – Masonry (Painted), Wood (Painted)

Wipe up excess spill immediately. The chemicals in fabric softener/bluing can injure these surfaces. Wipe the area with a cloth or sponge dipped in warm sudsy water. Rinse well and dry.

Siding/walls – Aluminum, Vinyl, Wood (Painted)

Wipe up excess spill immediately. The chemicals in fabric softener/bluing can injure these surfaces. Wipe the area with a cloth or sponge dipped in warm sudsy water. Rinse well and wipe dry.