Don’t be stubborn with stains

For removal of those unwanted stains there are some simple remedies which will hopefully do the trick.   However for best results act as quickly as possible after the staining occurs.

Red Wine

 For best results, using a paper towel quickly blot, but do not rub when still wet.   In addition try a cloth moistened with soda water or milk to blot the stain or if still wet add talcum powder which should soak up the red wine.

Blood

Rinse in cold water and dab gently without rubbing. Do not wash in warm water as this will fix the stain into the garment.

Grass

Methylated spirits will remove grass stains from clothing.  Before using just test on a small discreet area first to check for colour fastness.

Felt / Ball Point Pen

Place the garment on a clean white cloth and dab the stain with rubbing alcohol.

Mud

Allow to dry, then brush. Remove any traces by rinsing in water mixed with a little vinegar.

Perfume 

Gently rub with hydrogen peroxide, testing for colour fastness first on a less visible part of the garment.

Lipstick

 Apply dilute hydrogen peroxide and gently rub till removed. Continue reading “Maintenance Tips for clothes” »

Some pressing matters

• Before washing a shirt, ensure that all buttons are undone and collar stays removed.

• A shirt is best ironed while still slightly damp from the wash, although a fine spray can be used if the shirt is already dry.

• Lay the shirt about to be pressed on the ironing board and with a dry iron, temperature dial set to cotton press the fabric until dry and crease free.

• Recommended sequence for ironing a shirt is: collar, cuffs, sleeves, yokes (shoulders), front panels and finishing with the back panel.

• With the collar dampen on both sides and start with the back, repeating the procedure with the other side, ironing from the collar point to the centre.    This should minimise unsightly creasing on the collar edge. Try not to use too much pressure when ironing the collar tips as they are more susceptible to wear from ironing. Continue reading “Ironing your shirt” »

Unbuttoning for shirt laundering

• Before washing undo all buttons to lessen the strain on the stitches holding them to the shirt.

• Remove the collar stiffeners before washing as this will avoid uneven wear to the points of the collar. This is also important before sending shirts to the dry-cleaners. More reputable dry-cleaners, when laundering shirts will add new collar stiffeners, and replace broken or missing buttons.

• Avoid starching as this will damage cotton over time.

• Shirts should be turned inside-out to maximise life span. This both protects the mother of pearl buttons from chipping on the steel drum and allows soap suds direct access to underarms and other stains. Continue reading “Washing your shirts” »