Help!! Stain Removal

[Chef Cindy]

This morning I was watching the Morning Show on CBS and a woman was talking about stain removal. She had many ways to remove stains. I found her very interesting and wondered if anyone caught the name of her book. I only saw the tail end of the interview. One product she endorsed was Zout. I normally use Shout solid and have not found it anywhere lately so I bought some Zout. I have not used it yet. Have any of you had experience with Zout? What are the stain removal tips that you would like to share. I have had some hum-dingers when it comes to stains. Thanks so much.

[ebobbitt]

I am so glad you started this topic because I'm awful at removing stains and I desperately need help.
Elizabeth

[ewatkins]

Zout is great -- you have to be patient and really wait the full ten minutes before you wash. I also use Shout but I'm always in a hurry and just throw the stuff in. My husband had grass stains on a shirt (fresh) and Zout got it right out. (I sound like a dopey housewife on TV.) Also-- it was pretty good on dried fish blood (don't ask) but it did take two tries.
The number one rule is don't let anything go in the dryer until the stain is gone. Check to see if it came out before you put it in the dryer - otherwise, it is much harder to get out!
Also-- the best pre treatment for any greasy stains (oil, butter, etc.) is Dawn dishwashing detergent-much better than Shout.
Finally, it the stain is pretty bad, especially on kid's clothes, just try adding bleach. If it can't be worn with the stain, at least you won't ruin it if the bleach doesn't work.

[misstapioca]

i am a KLUTZ when it comes to red wine and tomato products. I found that DREFT works great to get these stains out. i think its because dreft has enzymes in it to get out baby formula. it works great!

[Peeps]

Zout is great - I used to use it everyday when I was a waitress and my uniform was all white! I would just put some Zout on the stains as soon as I got home and then throw it in the laundry basket and forget about it until laundry day. Everything always came out (grease, ketchup, you name it!) and it never seemed to do any harm by sitting on the clothes for a few days or longer. I haven't found anything else that worked nearly as well.

[foodiedelite]

I'm also a fan of Dreft.

I didn't watch the Morning Show, so unsure of the book mentioned. However, a great book to have for all sorts of cleaning tid bits is "Talking Dirty with the Queen of Clean." It's written by Linda Cobb and published by Pocket Books.

The book was a Christmas gift, I thought I would never use. I've been referring to it
quite a bit though.

[laughsandlaughs]

I don't see anyone else telling you the name of the book...it's Talking Dirty Laundry With the Queen of Clean by Linda C. Cobb. She also has a book about general cleaning.

[Chef Cindy]

Thanks everyone , you are the best! I am very glad to hear that Zout can be left on a few days. I don't do laundry as often as those of you with children. Also thanks so much the title of "The Queen of Clean's" book, she pretty amazing. You name it I have worn it!!

[Vanessa]

I saw the book in Borders seems interesting. Currently I am using GONZO to remove stains. It has been great on rugs. Its good oncarpets, upholstery, clothing & vinyl and its environmentally safe. I got mine at Bed Bath & beyond also they have it at Homeplace. Mine comes in a 8 ounce bottle (plastic)