Hints from Heloise

Thu., Nov. 2, 2006

The Spokesman-Review

Dear Heloise: I have a 100 percent heavy cotton T-shirt that has turquoise beading on the front. Some stains got onto the white part of the shirt, and I used droppers full of straight bleach on them. The spots came out, but now I have yellow spots where I bleached. How can I get them out? – Lea, via fax

Lea, we checked with our friends at the International Fabricare Institute, and here is what they had to say:

First, it is important to be sure that all of the bleach has been thoroughly rinsed from the fabric. Apply a few drops of white vinegar to the yellow spots, and allow it to remain on the fabric for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

You also could try taking the shirt to your dry cleaner, who might have a professional product that could be more effective in removing the yellow spots. Be sure to point out all the spots, so the dry cleaner can mark them and deal with them appropriately.

– Heloise

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