8/13/11

Laundry Tips: Correcting Laundry Disaster




Have you had a disaster in the laundry? Stay calm! Disaster can be averted with our handy guide.

Q: Help! A pen has exploded in the washing machine!

You'll have better luck salvaging your laundry if you catch the ink stains before putting the clothes into the dryer. Begin by checking each garment for stains. You may have multiple stains to treat. If the ink is ballpoint or washable marker, begin by treating the stains with rubbing or isopropyl alcohol. Place the ink stained clothing on top of a white towel or paper towelling. Working from the outside of the stain and using a cotton swab, blot the alcohol into the stain. The ink will be transferred to the towelling underneath. Keep moving the stain onto a clean towel area until the stain is gone. Then rinse the area very well with cold water. You may need to repeat the treatment several times depending upon how much ink was transferred. If the ink is a permanent marker, nothing is going to work. Use rubbing alcohol to remove any ink remaining in your washing or dryer.

Q: Help! I've burned my shirt with the ironing board!

Too much heat from an iron can damage garments permanently. However, if your garment is cotton, linen, rayon or wool, it may be able to be saved. If the fabric is thick and fuzzy, brush lightly to remove burned fibres or charring. Rub liquid detergent into the scorched area and launder in cold water - hand washing may be required for certain garments. If the stain remains, launder again using an all-fabric bleach. Fabric will be weakened permanently in the scorched area and will wear out more quickly than the rest of the garment. Melted or scorched synthetic blends - nylon, polyester, acetate, acrylic - can never be restored.

Q: Help! I've washed a tissue and there's lint everywhere!

Washing a tissue left in a pocket will shreds of tissue and lint all over your clothing. usually, you can save the day by picking out the biggest clumps before putting the load in the dryer. The dryer lint guard will catch most of the smaller pieces. Remove the clothing while it is still slightly damp and shake out the garments to remove any clinging pieces.

For more tips, see our elaundry Advice page!


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