|
|
|
 |
 Q: My kids love their coloring books, so crayon stains
seem to be a fact of life in our house. How can I remove them from their clothes?
A: One solution is to invest in washable crayons. They're specially
formulated to wash off most walls and children's clothing, and nonporous
household surfaces. However, they come in a limited color range, which may not
satisfy your young Picassos. So here's how to remove stains caused by the
standard wax-based crayons:
- If the stain is in the form of a blob of soft crayon, freeze the fabric to harden
the crayon and then scrape off the excess.
- Place the stained area between two white paper towels and press with a warm iron,
transferring the stain to the towels. Continue to do this, changing the paper
towels frequently, until the stain is no longer absorbed onto the towels. Changing
the paper towels often will also help prevent transferring the stain to other
places on the fabric.
- Pretreat with a prewash stain remover and launder in the hottest water that's
safe for the fabric.
- If the stain remains, launder again, using chlorine bleach, if safe for the fabric,
or oxygen bleach.
Q: What are some ideas for helping my little ones get
into the habit of washing their hands?
A: Start by making sure that they have easy access to sink, soap and towels,
preferably disposable paper ones. A small, sturdy stepstool may be required to
get them to sink-friendly height. Keep your eye out for an unbreakable, refillable
soap dispenser with bright graphics that will appeal to your child. Or, consider
soaps that are especially designed for kids, such as foaming soaps that come
in fun colors and scents, and dispense a single dose; or soaps that have "built-in" timers
for optimal washing time, such as vegetable dye that disappears after 20 seconds
of washing or a pump that flashes for 20 seconds after the soap is dispensed.
Finally, be aware that the best way kids learn is by example. Be sure to wash
your own hands at the appropriate times, including before and after food preparation,
after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and playing with pets.
– Nancy Bock is Vice President of Education at The Soap and Detergent Association
Email Us
 |
Cleaning Matters is compiled by The Soap and Detergent
Association and is not copyrighted. Such information is offered solely
to aid the reader. The Soap and Detergent Association and its member
companies do not make any guarantees or warranties, expressed or
implied, with respect to the information contained in Cleaning Matters and assume no responsibility for the use of this information. |
|
|
