No need to 'makeup' these tips, tricks target tough stains

This week I received a call from a very nice lady by the name of Tina. She said she was having difficulty getting makeup stains out of her blouses and shirts.

Tina, thank you so very much for your kind comments and as promised here is my written response to your inquire.

Makeup stains can prove difficult to remove from fabrics; however, there are some tricks that I've found that work real well in solving the problem.

There is a soap that I've found that works great in addressing the penetration problem found when trying to remove makeup.

Go to the local supermarket and buy some "Fels-Naptha" bar soap.

Dip the fabric in some clean water, then dip the bar of soap into the same water and rub the bar over the stain. With your thumbs rub the stain until it generates a lather, continue the process until the stain is gone.

For foundation, blush, eye shadow and eye liner; wet the stain with cool water, wet a wash cloth and rub some of the above bar soap on the wash cloth. Rub the soap well into the fabric. Once the stain is gone, rinse with cool water then laundry as usual.

Lipstick is totally different than makeup because it is an oil-based product with stain in it. The best way I've found to remove it is to use WD-40 penetrating oil.

Spray the spot and let is set for about and hour, then dab the spot with some ammonia to brake up the penetrating oil residue.

Before you launder, soak the spot with some undiluted shampoo (Cheap Kind) and let it set for about 5 minutes. After the dwell time, toss the item into the washing machine and launder using your standard detergent.

When cleaning with any cleaning product, always wear eye protection and rubber gloves to protect your hands. If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed at NWES (255-2266) or e-mail him at madan@nwees.com or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What would Ed do?  For more information about Ed, and his new Handiman Services, check him out at NWEES.COM.

Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified forensic, fire, flood, mold inspection & remediation/restoration contractor. Ed is the president of Northwest Environmental Services, Inc.