From lipstick and foundation to wine, coffee, cola and more, we've got the best money-saving stain removing secrets ever! By CountryDutchess.com
Nothing is more frustrating than slipping into that fabulous new designer top only to realize it's smudged with lipstick or foundation.
Oh, wait, yes there is something more frustrating. It's when your BFF borrows that new fabulous designer top you haven't even had a chance to wear ... and brings it back with a great big old wine stain smack in the middle.
Sigh. Stains ...they're a fact of fashion life. And whether it's an occasional "oops" from lipstick or foundation, or, well, you're just like us and can't seem to back away from the buffet table without dribbling something on yourself, learning how to properly deal with stains can be the difference between clothes that look good season after season ...or, end up on the bottom of your closet after just two wearings.
To help you extend your wardrobe time - and save big bucks in the process - our very good friends at MadamePaulette - the absolute premier dry cleaning center of the fashion universe - have been gracious enough to pass along a few of their priciest private stain-removing trade secrets. (The very same secrets used by all those celebs and their stylists to get out those red carpet/limousine dribbles and drips on awards night! )
Of course treating your duds to a professional dry cleaning on a regular basis is actually the very best way to extend the life - plus keep you looking ultra chic at all times! But in between - or for that immediate stain relief - the glorious Madame Paulette offers these amazing tips.
1.Lipstick Stains:
Use a small dab of clear nail polish remover applied with a cotton swap. To see how the fabric reacts, however, do test a tiny area of the fabric that won't show first - the under turned portion of the hem or an inside seam are great spots. Also remember - you don't want to saturate the stain with nail polish remover- just moisten the swab and dab until you loosen the stain. Traditionally, nail polish remover does not work well on rayon, modal, or some polyester fabrics, so be sure to do the test first. If you fabric doesn't react well, try tip # 4 ( for getting out ink stains).
2. Foundation/Moisturizer Stains:
Remove any excess staining matter from the surface by lifting it off - not rubbing it in . Tip: Use a spoon or even a butter knife to gently scoop it up. Once all the excess is removed, put a white absorbent cloth ( like a towel, or, in a pinch, a sanitary napkin, or for you new moms, a diaper) directly underneath the stained side of the garment, and mix together the following: 2 tablespoons of clear dish washing detergent such as Palmolive Clear, and 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Begin by dabbing the stained area lightly to break down the goo, then flush with warm water to pass the stain through to the cloth you placed underneath. Extra tip: DO NOT RUB. This will only push the stain in deeper. And by the way - this same tip works great on any oily stain, including pizza, french fries, or even butter or ice cream.
3. Wine, Latte, Tea or Cola Stains:
As soon as possible flush it cold water - which will help keep the stain from setting. For more complete removal try the following: Create a solution of 6 ounces of water and 2 ounces of a color-safe detergent ( like Ivory Liquid). Dip a cloth in the solution and apply to the stain - or if you can, soak the area with the stain directly in the solution. After swishing and rinsing several times the stain should be gone. If it's not, try Clorox 2 Color-Safe bleach diluted with 2 ounces of water and keep applying and rinsing until the stain is gone.
4. To clean dirty Uggs ( or any suede shoe, coat or handbag) .
First, avoid chemical stain removers on suede - they can spot and make the dirty area look darker and more noticeable. Instead, try the following "dry" cleaning technique : First, rub the entire surface area with a clean bath towel to gently loosen some dirt and bring up the nap in the suede. To remove a specific dirty mark, or small dried stain, use either a clean pencil eraser, an emery board or a piece of fine sandpaper and rub the soiled area. Finish with a good brushing using a bristle suede brush. Do not listen to Grandma who offers you a metal suede brush . Today's suede is much softer than what was used in the past, and the metal brushes can scratch the surface.
5. Ink & Marker Stains ( also waterproof mascara and eyeliner too!)
The most common of these stains come from oil-based inks usually found in those gel-based pains - and we have to warn you, they can be tough to remove! But that said, begin with a white absorbent cloth directly underneath the stained area. Mix together a solution of 5 ounces of water, 1 ounce of ammonia, 1 oz of hydrogen peroxide and 1 ounce color-safe detergent such as Ivory liquid. Dip a cotton swab into the solution and begin applying it to the stain. Remember - don't rub! Just gently drop small amounts onto the stained area and then dab it . Your goal is to push the stain through the fabric and onto the white cloth below. Remember to keep rotating the cloth underneath so that a clean area is always directly underneath the stain. ( This will help keep the stain from coming back up through the fabric).
In general, however,as we said these stains are difficult to remove at home, so if you can, use a professional stain removal kit ( see below) or bring in to your dry cleaner.
SPECIAL STAIN REMOVING OFFER!
Here at CountryDutchess.com we remain on vigilant stain alert ( especially during our fashion shows) by keeping one of Madame Paulette's Instant Stain Removing Kits on hand at all times. And now you can have one too - at a discount! Just click on the pink link above, and when you check out enter the code 15elle - and receive 15% off!
For round-the-clock fabulous time & money saving beauty and style advice get your FREE CheapChicDiary.com subscrption - or visit us anytime at CountryDutchess.com - Your Source For Fabulous!
Disclosure: No income is made by CountryDutchess.com on the purchase of these stain removing kits.
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