Stain Removal

General advice for stain removal:
• If possible, remove stain while it is still wet as this will be easier.
• Pad under the stain and work towards the centre to avoid spreading the stain further.
• Always test an area of the fabric which does not show before using any chemical treatments.
• Avoid washing the clothes in a washing machine in the first instance.
• Advice from a dry cleaner may be sought.

Unfortunately, County Supplies cannot guarantee results. Overalls should be worn whenever possible.

Wet Stains

Dry Stains

Pens
(water-based ink)

Absorb as much as possible with a paper towel or absorbent paper. Use a small amount of water on the ink and again absorb onto paper. Having removed as much ink as possible, follow washing instructions on the garment.

As per wet stains.

Pens
(permanent/spirit 
based ink)

These will be very difficult to remove, but the following method may be tried. Dab with a small amount of white spirit and absorb onto paper.

As per wet stains.

Ballpoint Ink pens

Use Stain Devils or Methylated Spirit. Heavy stains may leave a slight mark.

Use ballpoint pen Stain Devil or dry clean.

Drawing Ink

Place a pad at the back of the fabric and rub with a cloth dampened with water. Then wash with soap and warm water.

May be difficult to remove but follow instructions for wet stains.

Paints
(ready mixed, powder 
paints)

Absorb as much of the paint as possible. Wash with plenty of liquid detergent and warm water (branded makes of washing-up liquid or household soap are particularly effective).

When as much of the stain has been removed as possible, wash in warm water with no further detergent added. Repeat if necessary allowing detergent to rest on clothing if necessary.

Avoid the use of strong detergents, bleach and organic solvents. 

Hand washing can be more effective than machine washing. Do not iron.

Scrub with nail brush, hand wash in warm (not hot) water with liquid detergent and repeat as per wet stains.

It may be necessary to repeat this process several times.

Paints
(acrylic)

Place a pad at the back of the fabric and rub with a cloth dampened with cold water. Then wash with soap and warm water.

May be very difficult to remove. Pick off as much as possible. Rub with methylated spirit (check fabric first). Pad back of fabric to avoid spreading the stain. Dry cleaning may help.

Printing Ink

Wipe the worst of the mark off with White Spirit. Rub detergent into the remaining stained area. Wash as per manufacturer’s instructions. It may be necessary to rub more detergent into the stained area and gently scrub with a nail brush.

As per wet stains.

Adhesives

Remove excess adhesive with a damp cloth. Do not rub. Wash with cold water and liquid detergent (soak if necessary). Branded makes of washing-up liquid or household soap are particularly effective.

When as much of the stain as possible has been removed, wash in warm water with no further detergent added. Repeat if required allowing detergent to rest on clothing if necessary.

Avoid the use of strong detergents, bleach and organic solvents. Hand washing can be more effective than machine washing. Do not iron.

Pick off as much adhesive as possible and then soak in cold water. Avoid the use of strong detergents and bleach. Hand washing is more effective than 
machine washing.

Alternatively, cover the affected area with absorbent paper e.g. paper towel, and apply a hot iron. This will melt the adhesive which will then be absorbed into the paper. Repeat several times with clean paper.

Dry cleaning may help.

Spray Adhesives
(artwork or display 
spray)

Wash immediately in detergent and warm water.

Dry cleaning may help.