Q. I had just finished making a beautiful quilt, cotton, not white, when I got ink on it. Can you tell me how to remove it?

A. I envy people who can create those beautiful quilts—but you definitely have a challenge in getting rid of the ink.

You didn't say what kind or how much ink and that can make a difference. What we need to do is dissolve the ink and transfer it to another item. Too bad it isn't white so we could use some Clorox® Regular-Bleach or Clorox® Bleach Pen Gel to finish the job.

The tough part is finding the right solvent to dissolve the ink and the best method of applying it to minimize any spreading of the stain. Here areHere’s a couple of things to try:
• If the stain is small, try using a Q-Tip and something like Goo Gone or a tar remover for automobiles. Dab gently with the tip, then use a clean one to try and transfer the dissolved ink so it doesn't spread.
• If the stain is large, try the same approach using a couple of old towels. One is used for applying and one is used for transferring. Keep changing the transfer towel surface so you don't end up reapplying the removed ink to another part of the quilt.
• If all else fails, take it to a drycleaner and see what they can do for you.

Q. I have a 92% cotton and 8% spandex top. It had a stain that I forgot about, and I laundered it. I then tried to remove the set-in stain with bleach, and now the top has yellow spots. Do you have any suggestions for getting rid of the yellowing?

A. I'm afraid that I don't have good news for you.

General laundering using liquid bleach on

For the future, I would consider using an oxygen bleach like our Clorox2® Stain Fighter and Color Booster for specific spot pretreatment stain removal.

Q. I have noticed some mildew on an off-white lamp shade. How do I remove it?

A. Mildew loves to grow in damp and warm places, and needs to be removed from your immediate environment.

This one is a little difficult to answer without some more information. The approach will depend on the severity of the problem and the composition and condition of the lamp shade. A bleach solution is the best method for removing the mildew, but if the lampshade is made of fabric or old, it may not be able to handle the bleach solution application. I have had older lampshades disintegrate when I tried to dust them so applying any solution to a portion of the shade may discolor it or cause it to fall apart.
At a minimum, you can:
• Test a "hidden" area to see how it may react to a detergent or bleach solution. Mix a diluted detergent solution (use a clear liquid dishwasher detergent) and dab a drop in an interior area. Wait 2-3 minutes, then rinse with clear water and let it dry. Observe the impact of the detergent solution to determine if it is safe to use on the mildew area. You can then do the quick Bleachability Test (2 tspn. Clorox® Regular- Bleach in 1/4 cup water; apply a drop on a hidden area like inside seam; wait 1 minute and then blot with towel); no color change, etc., means it is safe to use bleach on the item.
• If the lampshade is able to handle either solution, carefully remove any surface mildew using a detergent solution with a sponge or cloth. Rinse with water, then use the bleach solution (3/4 cup Clorox® Regular- Bleach per gallon of warm water), if it passed the Bleachability Test, with the same technique mentioned above. You may need another application if the problem is severe. Also open, ventilate the area where you are working as this will promote drying and evacuate any bothersome fumes.

Q. I've washed and dried my Chapstick inside my pants. Other clothes were also affected. What should I do to remove the oily spots?

A. Not so good news for you here. That solid Chapstick that melted in the dryer is now a "permanent" part of the pants and other items in the same load. The heat liquefies the lip balm and then transfers it to the fabric. While it is liquid it flows into the fibers and then, as the dryer temperatures drops, it solidifies on and in the fiber making total removal extremely unlikely.
A couple of things to try:
• Scrape any surface material away.
• Find a good solvent to apply to the individual spots like Goo Gone, which is usually available in most home or hardware stores.
• Apply and rub the product into the spots, then wash the item in the hottest water recommended on the care label.
• Check for success after washing, but before drying, as you may need to retreat the items.

Q. Do I pour the new Clorox 2 Stain Fighter & Color Booster product into my machine’s bleach dispenser, just as I did the old product?

A. The new Liquid Clorox2® Stain Fighter and Color Booster product is a more concentrated version of the former product, in order to be consistent with the 2X trend in detergents.
So, the usage amount is 1/2 the original product to get the same great results. I would follow the same addition procedure that you were doing before:
• Add at the same time as your detergent in a toploader washer
• Add into your detergent dispenser in your HE machine

Clorox's “Dr. Laundry” Offers Free Holiday Stain Hotline and Instructional Online Videos To Help with Post-Party Clean Up

Don’t let stains and spills spoil your thrills this holiday season, the solutions to your holiday party snafus are only a phone call – or mouse click – away!

Dr. Laundry will once again offer frantic holiday entertainers some much needed relief with the Clorox Holiday Stain Hotline. Callers simply dial 1-877-STAIN-411, select their stain from a list of choices – including gravy and coffee – and are guided through the proper course of treatment.

Also, those stumped by stains can view Dr. Laundry’s newest stain savior, a series of online instructional videos. In the “Season’s Eating’s” video, Dr. Laundry demonstrates the step-by-step process for removing the most stubborn of holiday stains such as eggnog, cranberry sauce and red wine. Also featured are additional videos demonstrating the ins and outs of using bleach.

Dr. Laundry's Holiday Stain Hotline and online instructional videos will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Need help with a mysterious stain not offered on the Holiday Stain Hotline or shown in the online videos? What about answers to your other laundry questions? Seek advice directly from Dr. Laundry by emailing questions to dr.laundry@clorox.com.

Q. Could you please tell me how to lighten a pair of medium-colored Levi blue jeans?

A. There are several approaches that could work to lighten the color in your jeans. It depends on the "look" you are after. I am assuming you want kind of a uniform color. For that, a bleach soak is your best option.
• For a bleach soak, you'll need the following supplies:
o A large container in which the jeans can move around freely during the presoak
o Clorox® Regular-Bleach
o Latex gloves
o Sponge
o Clorox® Bleach Pen Gel
• Fill the large container using a ratio of approximately ¾-to-1 cup of Clorox® Regular-Bleach per gallon of warm water. Mix the solution using your gloved hands, then add the jeans and swirl to ensure they are fully submerged. Think ahead, and be careful not to get the bleach solution on the clothes you are wearing as they will also be bleached.
• Soak for 5-7 minutes, changing/repositioning the jeans every couple of minutes to avoid extended exposure of any one area. Check for color change as you reposition. When you're getting close, stop the process.
• You may want to apply the bleach solution to seams, pocket and hemlines by dabbing them with the sponge. This helps avoid darker colors in these thicker areas.
• Now think about where you can hang the jeans to dry. DO NOT do this over carpet or wood floors or any other floor surface that cannot be bleached. A drying rack placed over some old towels or newspapers is a good solution. Move the soak container to your drying area. Pull the jeans from the solution and gently place them on the rack. Change the towels or newspapers if they get too wet.
• After drying, check the color and repeat if not light enough.
• You can wash them before wearing. I would do this as a separate load to avoid any dye bleeding/transfer.
If you want to lighten certain areas only, then use the Clorox® Bleach Pen. The fine point tip and scrubber tip offer two different applicators for designs and coverage.
• Simply put some newspapers on the floor and start drawing your favorite designs.
• Let them dry 20-30 minutes then use a wet paper towel to remove any excess bleach gel.
• Rinse the bleached areas well in the sink to remove any excess bleach.
• Dry and repeat on the backside of the jeans.

Q. I was cleaning in the bathroom when a few drops of Clorox splashed onto my black Cotton pants. Is there a way to remove the orange stains?

A. I'm afraid I don't have good news for you. Black cotton dyes are among the most susceptible to bleaching and once it has happened, there is no way to reverse the reaction/color change. For the future, when using bleach to clean, be aware of the clothes you are wearing and consider light colored cottons.

Hope this note finds everyone happy and stain-free. I wanted to direct your attention to some new instructional videos we’ve added to the blog that I think you will find very useful. Starring yours truly, I created 4 videos to help readers learn more about the ins and outs of using bleach. Videos 1 through 3 are excellent resources for learning all about bleach – including what it is, how to use it, and how to select the right formula for you and your family.

Also, with the holidays rapidly approaching, I created a video called “Season’s Eatings”, which is all about treating those inevitable holiday stains such as eggnog, red wine and cranberry sauce.

Simply click on the link that says “View All Dr. Laundry Videos” on the toolbar to your left, and begin watching now. Enjoy, and happy holidays (a bit early)!

Q. I scorched a jacket that I just finished making. The fabric is cotton, soft, not really brushed but it has that look. It is bright blue. I scorched the back just below the top of the shoulder. I tried lightly washing it using Clorox 2® Stain Fighter & Color Booster, but still have the line – the scorch line looks almost white. Is there a way to bring the color back to that area?

A. Wow, a seamstress! I am in awe of people who can make special garments.

Usually for light iron scorch-marks, the recommendation is to rewash in the hottest water recommended on the care label using detergent and a liquid bleach like Clorox® Regular-Bleach, if appropriate. I have also seen recommendations for following the washing with sun drying/bleaching for 1-2 days.

It gets a little trickier with colored items as the scorch can affect the color, making a recovery nearly impossible. The only other approach that I have seen for colors is either using hydrogen peroxide (which you have basically done with the Clorox 2) or trying to use an emery board to brush the area around the mark to help it better blend into the garment appearance.