Conference moira::parenting_v3

    OK here's my method of "desperate" stains....first, and I've found most
    important is to, as soon as is physically possible, drop the clothes
    into a strong laundry soap solution just to soak.  What I usually do is
    put a full washer's amount in and only fill the water to the "low"
    mark.  So what you're actually getting is something like a 2-3 times
    stronger solution of soap, then whenever you get around to normal
    laundry just drop in the rest of the load and fill it full, you've got
    normal soap ratio in a full tub of water, of course I also add powdered
    bleach here too like clorox 2.  I've used Arm & Hammer both
    liquid and powder for years, with great results plus it's low in
    phosphates. (sounds like a soap commercial doesn't it?)  
    
    Now if you're daring, (or desperate) I will add a *very light* clorine 
    	blesoltion to the soap.  Usually for me it's 1/2 cup to a full load of
    laundry.  I figure if the thing is going to be ruined by a stain, I
    have nothing to loose by adding just a little real bleach to the wash,
    and in most cases I am pleasantly surprised by a clean load and minimal
    fading.
    
    Funny I should happen on this note as I was sitting here with an
    extremely gooey chocolate jimmy donut.  Seems dad took AJ to the store
    and bought his favorite kind of donut Sunday while mom did another
    errand.  While I was out doing errands I too hit the same store and
    bought MY favorite, filled croissants.  Well guess who got the last
    croissant for breakfast leaving mom with this runny chocolate mess
    behind the terminal???   Oh but was it good!!
    
    Lyn 

Oooooops .... too late ....

The big problem with chocolate is that it is a grease that takes the
stain into the fabric, and thus when you wash the grease out, you leave
the pigment behind ...  at that stage it is lots and lots of washing!

What you could try ... before the stains set in is one of the lanolin
type hand cleansers (without grit) like Swarfega (if you can get it)
that painters, or mechanics use.  Avoid washing in hot water as
that will set the stain --- use cool.

You might also try it on a set stain ... but it is likely that it is
there for the duration, but will probably fade.

Stuart

    Here's what I do; Scrape any chocolate off and then rub some dynamo 2
    or even dish liquid into it and let it sit for a few minutes. I then
    wash as usual. Most of the time the stain comes out completely or at
    least to where it isn't real noticable.
    
    Trudy

    Gee........ I never knew it stained!!  We're forever dripping/smearing
    chocolate, and I've never noticed anything that didn't come out in the
    wash.  We use Surf powdered detergent.
    
    BTW - if grease is the problem, then cool water will set it, not hot.
    
    Patty

    	CHOCOLATE?  The only way to handle chocolate is to SUCK it out
    	of the fabric so as not to waste any of it!  
    
    	:^)
    
    	Joe Oppelt

    re: .5
    
    Hahahahahahahaha!  That's definately the best way I could think of to
    remove the stain.  Heheheheheh!
    
    Lori B.

    RE: sucking out chocolate stains...
    
    Actually, that method works great for blood stains.  
    There apparently is an enzyme in saliva that helps
    break down blood.  I've used this method on small
    stains only and it worked great.  I don't think I'd
    like to try it on anything larger than a small spot
    though. Yuk.
    
    Jodi-
    

    Lestoil ... it takes out ANYTHING!  Seriously, I have 3 kids and
    I've been through all sorts of stains ... from blood to spaghetti
    sauce.  I've tried all the stain removers and honestly Lestoil takes
    out anything.  It doesn't smell that great alone, but when used
    along with detergent... it's fine.  The key to getting out any stain
    is applying the stain remover asap.  Don't bother trying to get
    out a stain that's already been through the dryer cycle.  For some
    reason, I found that Lestoil has properties that no other stain
    remover has.  I've even used it on fine silk and it's worked great.
    The best thing to do is to rub Lestoil into the stain and let it
    sit for a least 10 minutes, before throwing it in the washer.  Warm
    water works best.  I guarentee this stuff works!
    
    Karen

    RE: Lestoil...
    
    Where do you buy this stuff?
    
    Jodi-who's located on California, by the way.
    

    re -.1
    
    Lestoil should be in any grocery store shelf.  Near all the other
    household cleaners
    
    -.2  Think it would be good for diapers as well (I have that all-in-1
    kind of diaper - one piece shaped like a disposable)
    
    Kath

    Lestoil is only avail on the East Coast?  Thats news to me. 
    Incidentally Lestoil has KEROSENE as a main ingredient in it.
    
    Jeff