Dry Cleaning Yarn (before its knitted) stains....?

Question

Hi there,
I am hoping someone who knows a little bit about yarn can help me out.
I have a project that I have been working on forever with dry clean only fancy schmancy yarn. Last night I spilled red kool-aid on in while I was asleep. (I am a restless sleeper, and always thirsty) I totally forgot to move the yarn to a safe place before I went to bed.

Where I am not done knitting some of the yarn (read: most of it) is there any way to have it dry cleaned BEFORE I knit it, to get the kool-aid out?

If not, I am open to all suggestions about how to get the stain out!!! It was kind of expensive yarn, and I really really want to make sure it doesnt stain!

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

For one thing, whoever pointed out that Kool-Aid is used as a dye is correct. What's the fiber content of the yarn? If it's cotton or other plant fiber or acrylic (not likely if it is indeed a dry-clean only fiber, and I can offer you no help with rayon and the like), there may be a chance that it will come out after washing or cleaning. If it is an animal fiber (angora, mohair, wool, cashmere, llama, quiviut, etc.) you are likely out of luck and cannot remove the Kool-Aid stain. However (!) most animal fiber yarns can be hand washed (read dyed...) if you are careful not to felt them. Would you mind if the whole project were red? If you have an animal fiber such as wool, it is likely possible to fix the stain by "staining" the whole thing.
Also, with this sort of question, you might have luck over at the Knitter's Review Forums (www.knittersreview.com/forum), where at least one of the friendly members usually seems to have relevant knowledge.

P.S.: I personally do not advocate dry cleaning yarns. Also, I am not affliated with Knitter's Review, although I do enjoy their forums.

Answer 2

If the yarn is wool, I'm afraid you are out of luck. One popular way to dye wool yarn (and about anything else) is Kool-aid. Ask a dry cleaner first before doing any more work on your project. I think it would be safer to clean it after you knit it. If it is wool you don't want to take the chance of felting the yarn. Good luck.

Answer 3

how far are you from finishing the project, if you still have a way to go then what you can do is put your stitches on a scrap piece of yarn and tie both ends of the yarn together. cut the yarn that is still attached to the projects and temporarly secure it. then go and get the piece dry cleaned. the lable of the yarn will tell you how it should be dry cleaned.

take a look at this link if you cant figure out the symbols. dry cleaning symbols are at the bottom.
http://www.worldknit.com/howto/yarncare.html

theres a chance that the cool aid will just come right out. good luck

Answer 4

Make a paste of oxyclean and water and apply to the stain. Leave for a few hours then check. If the stain has not gone, repeat the process. When the stain is no longer visible gently wash the whole garment in a wool detergent and cool/warm water. Rinse well in water to which you have added half a cup of white vinegar. Lay the garment flat on a towel and gently pull into shape. Allow to dry naturally.

Answer 5

I think you're stuck. People actually use kool-aid as a dye.
.