QUICK REMOVALS & OUR TIPS
Tips
Blot Spots!
Do not try to rub or scrub a stain as this will damage the fibers within the fabric. Place a clean cloth on the back side of the fabric and blot gently at the stain.
No Pressure!
Never try to iron clothes or fabrics that are stained. The heat will set stains and make them impossible to any removal.
Beautify then Dry!
Body care products (perfumes, deodorants, lotions, makeup, etc.) need time to dry before you get dressed. You may not notice any discoloration right away, however these products usually contain ingredients that greatly affect dyes and fabrics.
Matching? Batch it!
It is important to keep matching fabrics together (think curtains and bedspreads) when getting them cleaned. This warrants that any loss of color will be uniform and they will continue to match.
Let them breathe!
Natural fabrics, such as linen, cotton and wool need plenty of air. If they are stored in plastic bags they will become damaged.
Friendly Cleaners also wants to remind our customers that when you bring a garment or fabric in, to point out any stains, even the light-colored ones. Most of the time, these can be something such as white wine or likewise that contain sugars. If those stains remain on the clean garment, they will caramelize and discolor the fabric. To be sure about getting a stain out, please consider wet cleaning as the best results will come from it!
BLOOD
If fresh: soak in cold water and then launder. If dried: pretreat or soak in warm water with a product that contains enzymes and then launder. If the stain remains, rewash using a bleach safe for fabric.
BUTTER
Pretreat with a prewash stain remover and launder, using the hottest water that is safe for the fabric.
CANDLE WAX
Scrape off the surface wax with a dull knife. Please the stain in between clean paper towels or paper bags and press with a warm iron. Make sure to replace the paper towels frequently to absorb more wax and avoid transferring stains. Place the stain facedown on clean paper towels. Sponge the remaining stain with a prewash stain remover or cleaning fluid; blot with paper towels and let dry. Launder the fabric.
DEODORANTS/ANTIPERSPIRANTS
If light: Pretreat with a liquid laundry detergent and launder. If heavy: Pretreat with a prewash stain remover and allow to stand for 5-10 minutes. Then, launder using an oxygen bleach.
FUZZ BALLS
Sometimes called pilling on fabric. Use a clean shaving razor and gently glide it down the fabric.
GRASS
Pretreat or soak in a product containing enzymes. If the stain persists, launder using an oxygen bleach.
SHOULDER HORNS
Sometimes called hanger bumps. Rub an ice cube over the bumps. The wet fibers will mold to your shoulders once they dry. Prevention is key here, if you must hang your sweaters take a tip from us and fold the sweaters in half and drape them over the bottom of the hanger.
WATERMELON
Yes, watermelon. These stains are called “invisible stains”, as when it dries it seems to disappear. However, if the stain is left over time, it will oxidize into a pale yellow or even brown. To prevent this, launder the item in the hottest water that is safe for the fabric.