Taking The Strain Out Of Treating Stains (NAPSA)—Anyseason can bring its ownset of stains and challenges for the family laundry basket. For example, holiday stains can range from red wine on your white winter sweater to gravy on your best table cloth. No matter the stain—orthe season—the most important part of getting it out is timing. Stains are more easily removed when treated promptly. Once they dry andset, they are moredifficult to remove. The experts at Rit, the maker of a variety of laundry care products, share these tips for taking care of the toughest stains. Before treating any stained item, always refer to the care label instructions on the garment—including the water temperature and wash cycle—first. Check the pockets of all garments before washing and drying. That can help avoid creating more stains. Is the garment being treated colorfast? Check prior to treating by testing on a hidden area of the item. Wash like colors together to avoid running and staining. Make sure the stain is completely removed before drying the item. If after washing thestain is still visible, treat it again immediately. Allowing the item to dry naturally, or in the dryer, can cause the stain to set permanently. To remove grease and oilbased stains, such as butterorlip- Before treating any stained item, always refer to the care label instructions on the garment. stick, start by scraping or blotting excess residueoff with a dull knife or paper towel. Then, treat the stain with a product such as Rit Super Stain Remover. Follow this by washingthe item in the hottest water safe for the product. A similar product, Rit Rust Remover, can be used to remove soil stains such as red clay, mud or dirt from white fabrics. Start by scraping off excess stain material. Then, pretreat the garment in the washer with the rust-removing product. Finish by washing the product with detergent in the hottest water safe for the fabric. Rit has been a leading producer of home dyes and laundry treatments for more than 80 years. To learn more, visit the Web site at www.ritdye.com.
