anti-stain treatments
BERRIES
Fabric
Clean up the spill and pour soda water onto the area, dabbing with a cloth to absorb the liquid. Run cold water through the stain to remove as much stain as possible. Then do one of the following:
• dab the affected area with lemon juice, of half a lemon.
• Apply a paste of cream of tartar and water and allow to dry
Follow up either treatment by washing the garment as usual, using lukewarm water.
If the stain is old, apply either cream of tartar paste or a little glycerine, and leave for a couple of hours before washing as usual.
CARPET
Sprinkle soda water over the stain and blot up immediately with towelling, stepping onto it to absorb as much of the liquid as possible. Repeat the process until all traces of the stain have disappeared.
BIRD DROPPINGS
For the best results, let the droppings dry before scraping them away. Then sponge the stained area with a solution of 2 tablespoon of whit vinegar and ˝ cup of water.
BLOOD
NOTE do not use hot water on a bloodstain-it will set
FABRIC
If possible, run cold water through the stained area, and then soak in cold water for several hours before washing as usual. Use lukewarm water. In the case of a very small blood stain, saliva will break it down. Spit on the stain, wait for a few minutes, and then wash the garment as usual. If the blood has dried on the fabric, apply a paste of borax and water. Once the paste has dried, brush it away, and then wash the item as usual.
CARPET
For fresh stains, sponge the area immediately with cold water. If this is not enough to treat it, pour soda over the stained area and blot quickly with a towel, stepping on it to absorb as much liquid as possible. Repeat the process until all traces of the stain have disappeared.
If the stain is dry, apply a paste of borax and water to the affected area, wait for it to dry, and then brush or vacuum away.
• Eucalyptus oil is also effective for treating bloodstains. Drop a little onto a wet cloth, and dab at the stain until removed.
NOTE Avoid using eucalyptus oil on delicate fabrics, such as silk. Test by dabbing on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric or carpet before using.
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