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Last Updated: Jul 2nd, 2008 - 21:15:22 |
(ARA) - Whether you’re making personalized stockings for the chimney or special greeting cards nothing beats a handmade craft, but that personal touch isn’t always neat and tidy. According to the Whirlpool Institute of Fabric Science, this time of year can lead to some of the craftiest of stains driven by hot and trendy holiday projects.
Trend specialists from major craft retailers have stated that this year ornament decorating is topping people’s project lists as well as an increased number of people making their own stockings. “Another way to personalize your annual holiday crafts is by creating handmade cards,” says Susan Atchison, trend development manager for Jo-Ann Fabric Stores. “While hand-stamped cards have been popular for the past couple of years, this year, create cards adorned with yarn, felt or accented with knitted embellishments.”
The Whirlpool Institute of Fabric Science has come up with some tips that are sure to help you remove even the worst crafting catastrophes.
Getting Out Glue
If the glue has already dried, try to remove as much as possible with a dull knife. Soak the glue-stained item in a solution made up of one quart of warm water and one tablespoon of an enzyme presoak product like Axion for 30 minutes. Rinse it well and then proceed with normal laundering. If an enzyme presoak product isn't available use a half teaspoon of liquid dishwashing or laundry detergent instead.
Cleaning Up Crayon
Soak the garment in a solution of non-chlorine bleach using the hottest water safe for the fabric, then launder. If you’ve already sent the item through the dryer and it has melted, the best way to remove the stain is to start with a dull knife to gently scrape away surface wax. Then place the stain between paper towels and press with a warm iron (no steam) from the back of the fabric. This will remove the wax portion of the crayon, but may leave the color, so follow-up by laundering as recommended.
If Markers Make a Mess
First determine if the ink stain is sensitive to water by placing a drop of it on the stain. If the stain runs, rinse it under cold running water to remove as much ink as possible. Gently rub bar soap on the remaining stain and then wash using laundry detergent, hot water and a bleach safe for the fabric. If the stain doesn't run when you add water, place it face down on clean paper towels. Apply a stain remover around the back of the stain before applying it directly. Replace the paper towels under the stain frequently to help prevent it from spreading. Rinse thoroughly and then launder using hot water and color-appropriate bleach for the fabric.
Eliminating Paint
Treat the stain immediately since it may become permanent once the stain has dried. Water-based paint stains that are still wet should be rinsed in cool water to flush out the paint and remove as much of the stain as possible, then laundered immediately using instructions found on the clothing-care label. Oil-based paint stains that are still wet should be flushed with a solvent recommended on the paint container. Then, rinse the stain thoroughly and pre-treat the area with a stain remover or laundry detergent. Rinse again and launder immediately using instructions found on the clothing-care label. Courtesy of ARA Content
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