Good morning! I hope everyone is having a great week!

Comments Suggestions QuestionsDid some of you visit my blog entry where I addressed Alice’s second question? For those of you who didn’t read on. And if you did, please read anyway, as I have included some additional tips that I think you’ll find helpful!

Question #2: What specific steps do we follow to ensure that we treat stains effectively?

I realize how frustrating it is to have a favorite item that you love and unfortunately something spills and stains it. It can be very disappointing if it is expensive and/or it happens to be the perfect “whatever” to go with so many outfits. 

Unfortunately stains do happen. The effectiveness of a stain treatment really depends on so many different variables. This is what I suggest when it comes to treating stains:

  1. The best way to remove a stain so that you can hopefully be rid of it for good, is to treat the stain as soon as it happens or as soon as you notice it. If it’s still “wet” your chances of removal are much better. The longer you wait, and the drier it becomes, before you try to remove it, the more difficult it can be to remove.
  2. For most stains I recommend pre-treating the stain with a stain remover. There are a lot on the market but I have found that most only work slightly better than just detergent alone. I realize that Alice tried “Zout” but didn’t have such great luck. I have gotten some good results from using “Zout” but if you, like Alice, have tried it and the results were not so good, I would try “OxiClean ‘Max Force’ Laundry Stain Removal Spray.”
  3. Removing a stain successfully really depends on what has stained your clothing and what type of fabric is stained. There are so many variables that many times you just have to experiment with pre-treatments and detergents. However, I did find this chart awhile ago that I think could be very helpful. Please let me know if you used this chart with success, and what pre-treatment and detergent you used to get your stain out. We all benefit when we share what works.

Before I end, I just want to say that my best advice in treating stains is how not to get them in the first place. 🙂 Because I really value my clothes, and I know you do too, I have developed my own little modus operandi to help me avoid most mishaps. I am happy to share them with you, and I hope they will be as helpful to you as they have been to me:

  1. If I am throwing a dinner party and I am wearing one of my favorites items, I always don an apron. There are some really great ones out there.
  2. Or I prepare and cook meals in a top or something that I don’t really care if I get something on it, and then I change into something nicer when I am ready to eat.
  3. I drape myself with cloth napkins like a bib. Yes, even if I am out to dinner.
  4. I roll up any sleeves that might “dip” into something.
  5. I don’t eat or drink coffee while driving. (Most of the time:)
  6. The moment I spill something on myself, I drop anything I am doing and I’m on it. Many times this is the reason I don’t get permanent stains.
  7. If you’re like me and you have a tendency to always clean up a bit around the house, undress the moment you get home, put your clothes away, and wear something more comfortable that if stained, you won’t be knocking yourself for ruining something that you love.

Now, it’s your turn. I’d love to hear from you.  Your insights and inspiration are appreciated so please share your stories and suggestions in the comments below.

Blog me.

Love,

~Michelle

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