Removing Stains

• 1). Sprinkle baking soda on spills as soon as possible. This helps absorb most of the liquid before it has a chance to stain the garment. Let the baking soda set for 15 minutes and then brush it off the fabric.
  
  
• 2). Spray white vinegar on the stained area of the garment. If you are tending to a hardened food stain, white vinegar will also work. Allow the vinegar to set for 10 to 20 minutes before rinsing with cool water.
  
  
• 3). Apply a commercial stain removal spray to the garment. Rub the solution into the fabric with your fingers.
  
  
• 4). Wash the garment as you normally would. For best results, follow the care instructions on the garment's inner tag.
  
  

Restoring Color With Fabric Dye

• 1). Refer to the instructions on your container of dye to determine the correct amount for your garment. Most manufacturers list dilution ratios on the back of products for your convenience.
  
  
• 2). Pour the correct amount of dye powder into a small bowl. Add just enough hot water to dissolve the powder and form a syrupy concentrate. Stir it thoroughly to ensure no fragments of powder remain.
  
  
• 3). Fill a bucket or the basin of your washing machine with the recommended amount of water. Most manufacturers suggest that the water be hot, or at least warm, for best results. Add dye concentrate to the water and stir thoroughly.
  
  
• 4). Immerse the discolored garment into the dye, lifting it out periodically to check its progress. The longer you leave it in the dye bath, the deeper the resulting color.
  
  
• 5). Remove the garment and wring it out once the discolored area is sufficiently dyed. Rinse the garment in warm water for several minutes. Run the garment through a warm wash cycle with a mild detergent and dry as you normally would.