Stain Removing?

Question

For my science fair, I have to figure out if Shout, Dreft, Simple Green, OxiClean, Resolve, or Publix will work the best. Can anyone give me the names of books that I can order that tell me about the chemicals in these stain removers and how they remove stains, because I need atleast 5 book sources for my bibliography. Websites are also appreciated. I know they have a Stain Removing for Dummies, but will that help tell me how they remove stains?? Thanks

Lol well yes, I know its my project, but why do you think Im asking?? I think I've been to every book store and library in my town and found basically nothing. So now Im resorting to ordering books, or just looking harder. Maybe consumer reports would have some articles.

Answer 1

aw, come on, it's your science project!

Contact your Extension Service homemaker agent. Each county has one......or a neighboring larger county. Do a Google for (your state) Cooperative Extension Service. It will probably take you to your state university site and from there you can dig down and find your agent. Or you can look in the phone book under state or county...varies from listing to listing. The agent is a master degree or higher in home ec type questions and if he/she can't answer they can direct you further. Dummies is a good start.......do they offer references in the back?? Also do a Google.......there were some interesting sites there......but I'll let you read them. Afterall, it is your project.

Answer 2

You've already gotten good advice, but here's my 2 cents worth.

I don't know how your project got defined, but I think it might be interesting to add(?) some older basic cleaners like lye soap, and maybe something very "green" (all natural, organic) to your list. That will at least serve to expand your book possibilities by quite a lot, because in the old days, people relied upon these books more, and now, green is hot. Check eBay for books and publications, because when you need something fairly specific but obscure, it's the best. You might try a web site like Hints by Heloise, too. and I notice that Yahoo answers puts up some ads right on this question page lol.

I would check with someone in charge of the science fair rules to see if you can reference something less immense than books, because 5 is a lot for your focus.

Have fun. Good luck.

Oh, one more thing. I deal in old linens, and this is one of the methods recommended for stain removal. Simply hang the item in sunshine out on a clothesline for a few days! Yup, it works, expecially after your best shot at laundering and without going thru the auto. dryer. I have also seen advice to lay the items out flat on the grass, but I have dogs and cats, so I'm not going there. :-)

Answer 3

Where accidents happen, follow these tried and tested steps towards fast and easy stain removal:
http://www.washing-machine-wizard.com/stain-removal-advice.html

1. Always test your chosen potion on an inconspicuous area of your upholstery before applying to your stain, and analyze the result.

2. Act fast: as a rule of thumb, the longer a stain sits, the harder it is to remove so fast action is definitely a step in the right direction.

3. Wet stains - blot a white cloth on the area to absorb any excess moisture. Do not rub.

4. Thick stains - leave the stain to dry and brush offthe residue.

5. For non-protein based fabrics (ie. “W” or “WS” fabrics: acetate, herculon, nylon, olefin and polyester), rinse the stain in pure water, blot with a white cloth, rinse, blot, rinse, until the stain disappears. For more stubborn stains rub in a mild, water soluable detergent into the area in a circular fashion, and then continue the rinse, blot, rinse cycle again until the stain lifts.

6. For protein based fabrics (ie. “S” fabrics: cotton, linen, rayon, silk and wool) apply water free solvents or dry cleaning products (to avoid water stains) to the area and gently rub, rinse and blot.

7. Blood: mix 2 tablespoons of table salt with 1 quart of water and apply the rinse, blot, rinse technique. If the stain persists, try applying a diluted solution of hydrogen peroxide.

8. Organic dye stains like juice, wine, mustard: spot clean with water-based cleaner ie. Stain magic, or dab with a mixture of 1 part vinegar and three parts water.

9. Red Wine: mix equal parts of soap detergent and hydrogen peroxide and rub, or dash or spray over your stain. Keep in mind that they hydrogen peroxide could well lighten some dyes so test this method first.

10. Ink: spray hairspray on the area and wash as usual.

Another site:-

http://www.wisebread.com/secret-homemade-stain-removers-that-kick-butt

Good Luck!!

Answer 4

Try going to the websites of these cleaning companies. By law, they have to keep "Hazard Sheets" on all chemicals and products they sell. These hazard sheets may explain how they work.