How to Remove Chili Stains from a Bathrobe.
How to Remove Chili Stains from a Bathrobe.
ON FIRE! That’s my mouth at a chili cook off at the county fair. Every chili I try seems to be hot than the one before and when I’m done my shirt has sampled more than I.
Chili is a complex stain. There are as many different ingredients in chili as there are people in this world. Just look on Hormel’s website, Stagg’s website, or google chili ingredients to see a huge variety of recipes. So let’s break it down to the basics: water, protein of some sort (meat, beans), tomato, onion and spices.
It is always best to remove the stain as soon as it happens. While the stain is wet it is much easier to remove. The longer you wait the more difficult it will become and eventually the stain will set to become impossible to remove.
We are going to use a three step process to remove the chili stain. First step will remove the stain from the surface.
Step two will eliminate residual protein matter in the fibers. The third step will lift the natural dye from the spices that are embedded in the fibers.
First: Create a spotting solution with Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent, Heinz Distilled White Vinegar, and Water.
- · Create a spotting solution of 1 part Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent, 5 parts Heinz Distilled White Vinegar, and 5 parts water.
- · Apply this solution directly to the chili stain.
- · Tamp with a brush.
- · Let the solution penetrate the chili stain for a few minutes.
- · Apply clean water to a white towel and blot stained area followed by a dry towel.
Second: Apply an Enzyme Stain Remover such as BioKleen’s Bac-Out or Earth Friendly Product’s Everyday Stain & Odor Remover.
- · Apply the Enzyme Stain Remover directly to the chili stain. Or for a large stained area soak the entire garment in the Enzyme Stain Remover
- · Let the enzyme stain remove rest or soak for several hours or overnight.
- · Blot area with a wet white towel followed by a dry white towel or rinse with clean water.
- · Repeat these steps again if ne cessary.
Third: Create a soaking solution made with a non chlorine bleach – Sodium Carbonate and Sodium Percarbonate (OxoBright or OxiyClean).
- · Following the directions on the container, mix a soaking solution in a bucket to soak the entire garment.
- · Soak the garment for several hours.
- · Check for any reminisces of the stain.
FINISHING UP!
When done removing the stain always finish by cleaning the entire item per manufacture care instructions. Even benign spotting agents such as these will oxidize and yellow over time.
Seek professional help if necessary. If you have a good relationship with your green dry cleaners they will be more than happy to help you with stain removal and cleaning questions.
Karl Huie
Pacific Heights Cleaners in San Francisco and Sausalito is your non toxic alternative, proudly leading the way in garment care today and into a healthy future.
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The First Dry Cleaners to be Green Business Certified by San Francisco Environment and Bay Area Green Business Program Marin County. We use the Wet Clean dry cleaning system that is safe for you and the environment.
Other Articles of Interest:
How to Remove Caffe Mocha Stains.
How to Remove Cat Urine Stains from a Bedspread. How to Remove Chocolate Milk Stains from a Bathrobe.
