More Help Dealing With Clothing Crises

It’s a lot easier to deal with a minor grooming or dress crisis at work if you are somewhat prepared. Here is a guide for mopping up spills and stains, along with some other advice.

With spills and stains, time is the critical factor. The faster you react, the better your chances of preventing a spill or stain from becoming permanent.

The first step is to blot the spill with a dry paper towel or napkin, or with an absorbent agent such as talcum powder or cornstarch, said Jane Rising, a spokeswoman for the International Fabricare Institute.

“But be gentle. Do not rub,” Rising said.

Rubbing may spread the stain, she explained. It certainly will force it deeper into the fabric, making it more difficult to remove. And it may damage the fabric.

After blotting, place a dry towel under the stain to soak up excess moisture, and sponge the discoloration with a little cool water. Then leave well enough alone.

“Once you get home, you can treat the stain with the appropriate product, then wash it thoroughly - if the garment is washable. If not, get it to the dry cleaners as soon as possible, because the longer a stain remains untreated, the more difficult it is to remove,” Rising said.

Always tell your dry cleaner what caused the stain and what removal methods you have tried.

Ballpoint ink. Rinse in cold water, sponge in mixture of detergent and water, blotting frequently to prevent stain from spreading. It may help to tamp with bristles of a brush or press with bowl of a spoon. If stain persists, sponge with dry-cleaning solvent. Take non-washable clothing to dry cleaner as soon as possible.

Pencil. Rub gently with soft eraser. If it persists, rub with liquid detergent, sponge with warm water.

Coffee, tea. If the coffee or tea is without milk, soak in cool water, blot dry. If with milk, sponge with cool water, work in a few drops of liquid dishwashing detergent, rinse with warm water, blot dry.

Ketchup, chili sauce. Gently blot with paper towels or apply absorbent such as cornstarch or talcum powder. Then if fabric is washable, rub with detergent and water, rinse, blot. If nonwashable, sponge with dry-cleaning solvent.

Cream soups and sauces. If fabric is washable, blot gently, rub with heavy-duty detergent and water, rinse in warm water. If non-washable, sponge with warm water, dry, sponge with grease solvent.

Gravy. Blot with absorbent powder or paper towels. For washable fabrics, sponge with cold water. For nonwashables, sponge with dry-cleaning solvent.

Fruit. Sponge with cool water. Once stain has dried, dab with white vinegar.

Chocolate. Sponge washable fabrics with cool water, work in detergent, rinse, dry. Sponge nonwashable fabrics with cool water, let dry, sponge with grease solvent.

Cosmetics. On washable fabrics, apply liquid detergent, rinse with warm water. On nonwashables, sponge with cleaning solvent.

Blood. Soak or blot washable fabrics with cold water, changing water frequently. Sponge with detergent solution, rinse in cold water. For nonwashables, sponge with cold water with a pinch of salt added to prevent colors from bleeding.

Emergency supply kit

Be prepared for minor grooming disasters by keeping emergency supplies on hand at the office. The more personal items, such as cosmetics and spare hosiery, you will want to keep in your own drawer or locker. Items of more general use, such as spot remover and safety pins, could be kept in a drawer or closet accessible to everyone in the office. Here is a list of suggested supplies:

For spills and stains: liquid detergent, paper towels, sponge, Q-tips.

For rips and runs: safety pins, needle and thread, small scissors, quick-drying glue, duct tape, clear nail polish, spare pantyhose.

For cosmetic calamities: makeup remover, tinted acne medication, concealer, foundation, powder, lipstick, comb, petroleum jelly, adhesive bandages.

This article concludes a two-part series.

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