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Care and Stain Removal by Fabric Content: Cotton

From Mary Marlowe Leverette

Care and Stain Removal by Fabric Content: Cotton

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Fibers in garments each react differently when treated with stain removal products and during laundering. Always read hang tags and labels before attempting to remove a stain.

Cotton

Cotton fibers can be weakened by chlorine bleach. Undiluted bleach should never be applied directly to the fibers. Dilute solutions can be used safely on cotton or cellulosic fibers for stain removal and whitening. However, even dilute solutions will weaken fibers causing them to rip and wear out if used too often.

Extremely high temperatures when ironing can scorch cellulosic fibers. The scorching or yellowing occurs as the fibers begin to burn. Burned fibers cannot be revived.

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