The other day I was talking to one of Skyler’s preschool teachers—the true experts in stain removal—and she swears by an old book of tricks called Haley’s Hints.
“I now keep random things like a bottle of hairspray in the laundry room.” Apparently, there are just a few household items that Graham and Rosemary Haley suggest you keep at hand, and with these items you can get anything clean. Haley’s Hints was once a popular Canadian TV show that was aired on PBS before being picked up around the world, so some of you may already be familiar with it.
One of his biggest secrets? Waterless Hand Cleaner! The stuff mechanics keep around to clean off grease. Haley calls it the most versatile cleaning agent he knows.
Do you have any tried-and-true clothing care and stain removal tips?
I’ve always been amazed just how much you can get out with cold water, if you’re patient. I once spilled red wine all over a white skirt, a la Cindy Mancini in Can’t Buy Me Love. After some panicked internet searching, I submerged the whole thing in a bucket of ice water (heat can set a stain) and let it sit overnight. When I came back in the morning, the wine was completely gone! Now I’ll occasionally do the same thing with just the offending mark and a glass of ice water—using a spoon to keep the bit of fabric submerged.
P.S. On signature uniforms and tips for staying productive.
[Image via JCrew]
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