Clothing Care, Stain Removal, and Laundry Guidelines

Vocabulary terms and operational definitions covering fabric sorting, stain removal rules, washing, drying, fabric-specific ironing, pressing, and targeted pretreatment techniques.

Stain

An unwanted discoloration usually caused by an accident.

Soaking

The process of immersing clothes or fabrics in water (sometimes with detergent or stain remover) for a period of time to loosen dirt, stains, or grime before washing.

Sponging

A technique involving the use of a damp sponge or piece of absorbent fabric such as a towel to remove soil from fabric.

Colourfast clothing

In the sorting guidelines, clothing categorized as items that bleed.

Non colourfast clothing

In the sorting guidelines, clothing categorized as items that do not bleed.

Acetone precaution

A chemical (nail polish remover) that should never be used on acetate rayons.

Bloodstain washing guideline

Hot water must never be used on bloodstains because heat will set the stain.

Stain ring prevention

A technique where the stained fabric is placed face down onto an absorbent pad and worked from the wrong side of the stain from the inside towards the outside.

Water temperature guideline for washing

Whites should be washed in hot water, while colours should be washed in cold or warm water to preserve them.

Cotton ironing guideline

Use high heat with steam, and iron while the fabric is slightly damp for best results.

Linen ironing guideline

Use high heat with steam, and iron while the fabric is still damp or spray it with water.

Silk ironing guideline

Use low heat on the reverse side of the fabric to avoid shiny marks, and use no steam.

Wool ironing guideline

Use medium heat and steam, pressing with a pressing cloth to avoid direct contact between the fabric and the iron.

Synthetic fabrics ironing guideline

Use low heat to prevent melting (e.g., polyester, nylon), and iron on the reverse side if necessary.

Denim ironing guideline

Use high heat with steam to remove wrinkles, and iron on the reverse side to protect colour.

Velvet ironing guideline

Iron on the reverse side with low heat, or use a steam setting without direct contact.

Cashmere ironing guideline

Use low heat and steam carefully, or steam from a distance to avoid crushing the fibres.

Pressing

A fabric care technique where you press down and lift the iron rather than sliding it, preventing the fabric from stretching.

Oil/Grease pretreatment

Apply dish soap or liquid laundry detergent directly to the stain, gently rub the fabric together, let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, and wash with warm water.

Food stains pretreatment

Apply stain remover or a baking soda and water paste, let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, and wash with cold or lukewarm water.

Ink pretreatment

Dab rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer onto the stain with a cotton ball or cloth, blot gently without rubbing, then rinse and wash as usual.

Blood pretreatment

Rinse fresh stains with cold water; for older stains, apply hydrogen peroxide directly (on whites) and let it bubble, then wash in cold water.

Grass stains pretreatment

Mix equal parts vinegar and dish soap, apply to the stain, let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, and wash with cold water.

Makeup pretreatment

Apply makeup remover or liquid dish soap directly to the stain, gently blot with a clean cloth, and wash according to care instructions.

Mud pretreatment

Allow the mud to dry completely, brush off the excess, pre-treat with stain remover, and wash with cold water.