Dye Stain

New Zealand Listener, Volume 3, Issue 68, 11 October 1940, Page 38

Dye Stain

Dear Aunt Daisy, Could you tell me how to remove a stain from string-coloured linen? The garment was hung next to something red while on the line, and the stain has been there for over a year? — A.S.L. (Day’s Bay). I am afraid that it is almost impossible to take out the red stain without affecting the pretty string-colour of the linen. However, you can but try, as the dress cannot be worn as it is, I suppose; and if you find that the colour has come out, you will just have to dye the whole thing sore fashionable shade, or send it to a good dyers, when it will come home like an absolutely new dress! I can give you the name of the dyers I rely upon if you send me a stamped and addressed envelope. First try baking soda. Lay the frock in a little water, not quite to cover, with the stained part uppermost, T.hen put on a good "plaster" of baking soda, and leave for sore hours. Wash out in warm suds, and if the mark has become a little weaker, repeat the treatment. Dry the garment first before beginning again, for fear of mildew, Another good idea-perhaps even better, is to get a 10 per cent. solution of hydrochloric acid from the chemist, and soak the stain, afterwards washing as before. This has been known to remove the stain made by a suede belt on a light frock. Please let me know how you get on. Another very good idea is to soak the stained part in equal parts of benzine and methylated spirits. Be careful not to have it anywhere near a flame-it is safer to do it outside, so that the fumes can get away.