How To Remove Combination Stains (Greasy & Non-Greasy)

Combination stains are partially water-soluble, and part greasy/oily (not water-soluble).  These steps are particularly useful for foods that have combination oily/non-oily ingredients, like cake frosting, cheese, mayo, milk and salad dressing.

For Both Washables/Nonwashables:
  • Place a plain paper towel or disposable unbleached muslin on the stain.
  • From the underside of the stain, drip dry cleaning fluid through the spot from the back of the fabric, allowing it to soak the pad.  Use the dry cleaning fluid sparingly.  It will evaporate quickly (similar to rubbing alcohol).
  • Using a second pad that's damp with dry cleaning fluid, blot the stain and repeat when dry cleaning fluid fluid evaporates.
  • If stain remains, repeat this again, but with a combination of 1 part mineral oil & 8 parts dry cleaning fluid. The mineral oil is a lubricant that helps move stubborn stains by making them slippery.  Once blotted, flush out excess mineral oil with only dry cleaning fluid.  Allow to dry.

After this, if washable:

  • Place a clean paper towel or unbleached muslin on the mark & turn it over to expose the back of the fabric. Blot with water, and drip a small amount of liquid detergent and then ammonia from the back of the fabric. Replace the pad with a fresh one as stain is absorbed.
  • Rinse well.
  • If stain remains, use an enzyme soak (like Shout) for a maximum of 30 minutes, and rinse well.

After this, if nonwashable:

  • Mix 1/2 tsp enzyme soak (like Shout) with 1/2 cup water, and drip this onto stain enough to make damp.
  • Cover the stain with a clean pad that has also been dampened with the enzyme soak/water mixture. Let sit for 30 minutes, adding drops to keep moist but not wet, dabbing if necessary.
  • Flush with drops of water using eyedropper. Repeat if necessary.


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