stains getting me down

[kcandz]

Three preschooler staples are not coming out of DC clothes. Any advice for a desperate mama?

1. tomato sauce: I have tried the "out in the sun" with inconsistent success.

2. oil or butter stains. I have tried Dawn dishwashing detergent but it only works for me if I apply it right after the meal. This is not always possible. And I swear some stains aren't even visible to pre-treat but show up after the shirt comes out of the dryer.

3. chocolate ice cream: this is as stubborn as tomato sauce. Any tips?
Right now I bleach pen if white but can't use it on colors. I read on a frugal website to apply heavy cream before washing. I'm considering it....

Oxyclean is a last resort for me as it fades colors in my experience. Maybe I'm using too heavy a dose.

Thanks.

[egoldber]

I find that Zout gets almost everything out for me.

[hbridge]

We, too are frustrated by the chocolate ice cream stains. I find that if you get it almost immediately it helps. Try pretreating with baby wipes if you are out. Baby wipes have been my stain savior many times.

That being said, I have a few items I just sent to Grandma's...she gave DC the chocolate so I'm going to give her a shot at the stains before the brand new clothes become play clothes.

Good luck.

[zuzu]

We have good luck with Zout or a paste of Borax and water.

When those things fail, or the spot is small to begin with, I use Grandma's Secret Spot Remover. (I know, goofy name. :)) A friend turned me on to the Spot Remover and I was suprised at how well it workes. I've seen it at AC Moore and fabric/craft stores in 2 oz. bottles - a little goes a long way. I've used it to get out all the stains you mention, with no fading. I've even stopped having to use OxyClean.

Melissa, mom to Sarah (5/03)

[kcandz]

Thanks for these recommendations. I am off to try them all...

[deenass]

try GOOP on butter and oil stains - even after clothes have been through the dryer.