Some Common Sources of Stains

Bleach and other household cleaners can wreak havoc on clothing, but did you know that deodorant and toothpaste cause stains and fade colors?  The following are some common household items that could spell disaster for clothing, unless handled with care.

• Products containing alcohol, such as hairspray, perfumes, colognes, skin fresheners, aftershave and some medicines, are among those that stain or fade colors on clothing most frequently.  In some instances, the alcohol solution contains oils or some color that will mask the color loss by producing a stain.  The dye disturbance may not appear until after cleaning when the stain is removed.

• Certain types of nail polish and polish removers contain a chemical called acetone that acts as a de-colorant and can permanently damage clothing.  If you have a nail polish stain on clothing, it’s best to bring it to us for removal as soon as possible.

• Chlorinated pool water contains chlorine bleach!   Any item with bleach, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide or whiteners, such as household cleaners and toothpaste, can cause permanent damage to your clothing.  Ammonia is particularly damaging to silk as it dissolves the color in the fabric.  If ammonia comes into contact with your clothing, it is imperative to have it removed before it dries. 

• Candle wax can cause permanent discoloration on clothing in the form of a fat stain caused by the stearin in the candle.  Remove as much of the wax as possible by peeling very gently.  Residual wax can be removed by applying blotting paper to the affected fabric and ironing it on a light setting. Then bring it in to have us remove the fat stain.

• Many solutions that contain acidic substances can also cause fabrics to change color.  These include many hair products, perspiration, antiperspirant and juice drinks.  Acid color changes are not always immediately visible but can develop gradually over time so any perspiration or staining spillage should be removed as soon as possible.  If you notice a discoloration, bring it to us immediately, as we can sometimes neutralize this discoloration depending on the length of time the staining substance has been on the fabric.

For more information or to find the DELIA'S location nearest you, please visit our web site at:  www.deliascleaners.com.