Out, Out D*mn Spot

So you've got a whole bunch of baby clothes with nasty staining on them? Christening Gowns, cloth diapers, bibs, dingy socks? Boy have I got a recipe for you!

Many years ago, I came across a recipe from a lady who restored antique garments - wedding and christening gowns. It came just in the nick of time. I was expecting my third baby and was going through my old baby clothes to see what I could salvage. I had thrown away newborn clothes before because of those nasty dark mystery stains. I decided to have a go with this recipe that claimed it could take the spots off a leopard.

Nissa's Guaranteed-to-Take-the-Spots-Off-a-Leopard Stain Treatment:

Clorox 2 Powder
Ivory Liquid Dish Soap

In a *glass or pyrex* bowl, mix sufficient quantities of Clorox2 and Ivory to make a paste. I would use a disposable plastic spoon. The mixture will get HOT. Spread the paste onto the stain and allow to sit about an hour (or more if you have a particularly nasty stain). Soak in the hottest water your fabric will stand (you can pour boiling water over some fabrics). Let stand for at least another hour - even over night. Wash as usual in the hottest water your fabric will stand, dumping any remaining stain treatment in with the wash. I've only ever had to re-treat a few garments over the 10 years I've been using the formula. **If you are cleaning a load of socks, make a nice big batch of the treatment, fill a sink with super hot water and soak overnight at least... Another option is to plop the lot into a great big heatproof mixing bowl (I do mean HUGE), cover w/ foil and keep in a warm oven over night to keep the treatment hot until you wash as usual in the morning. Oh stop giggling - it works!

There is nothing quite as satisfying than saving your laundry from the tip. I hope it will work as well for you as it has for me!

Now, with our 6th baby due in 2 weeks, I have a lovely full roll-away bin of baby clothes that were saved from the rag bag. All bright and beautiful as new!


On another note: I'm so woefully behind on my blog schedule - and after only a week... I'll try to get caught up!