Uniform Care
In pursuit of a spotless performance. A clean uniform goes a long way toward projecting a professional appearance. So if the job throws a few of these common stains your way, keep these tips and tricks in mind. DIESEL FUEL Here, you’re dealing as much with the smell as the stain. When the unexpected (and inevitable) splash occurs, hang the soiled garment outside to avoid having the odors spread. If there’s a significant amount of fuel, hose the garment off, wring it out (wearing rubber gloves), and let it hang outside for at least 24 hours. Once the smell is gone, it’s safe to put it in the washing machine. Set the machine for the largest possible load and use the hottest water the garment will tolerate. Add 1/4 cup of ammonia and a little extra laundry detergent and wash as usual. Only after the smell and stain are completely gone is it safe to put the garment in the dryer.
TIP: You could also use 2 cups of vinegar to help eliminate the odor.
OIL & GREASE Challenging stains require creative solutions. Try dusting the stained area with cornstarch and letting it sit for between 30 minutes and an hour. Then wash it with a heavy-duty detergent. Another approach is to spray some WD-40 on the stain and let it sit for about 30 minutes. Then rub a little dish soap on the area and wash it as normal. BLOOD Job one is to make sure everyone is okay. Then tackle a fresh stain by rinsing it under a lot of cold water while rubbing the fabric against itself. After that, wash as normal. If it’s an older stain, drench it in cold water, then soak it in a bucket with water and an enzyme-based stain remover like OxiClean. COFFEE & SODA Keeping your energy up shouldn’t bring your spirits down. Presoak the garment in a solution of liquid laundry detergent and cool water (about 2 tablespoons of detergent to 1 gallon of water) for at least 30 minutes. Then launder in warm or hot water. After soaking it for another 10 minutes or so, wash as normal in cold water.
36
Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter