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I stitched a Precious Moments piece for a charity quilt. I put it away in a plastic storage case that I know was clean, wrapped in acid free tissue paper to await the finish of the silly cow so I could mail them together.

Well the cow is done so I pulled out the PM piece and it is dirty! It wasn't when I put it away. But near the top of the girl's head it is darker, I'm guessing finger oils or something that I didn't see before. I've already washed it three times, but it won't come out. I've used Tide Free and Shout (to ensure no color running since a quilt will be washed many times).



For some reason my scanner put a shadow in. The dirty rows (its a few stitches on two rows) are within the black circle.

Anyone have any ideas beyond ripping it and re-stitching the head?

Raven

If you do think that maybe it was oil based have you considered a couple drops of dawn dish soap in luke warm water let it set for a few minutes, give it a couple good swishes and then rinse? I don't really see that much of a difference in the area that you circled. Are you sure it is not just the way that the thread is laying??

Maybe it's just the photo, but I can't really see it either. I hope you can solve it.

Can you attach a tiny ribbon to her hair at that point?

I swear by oxi wash/clean. That's all I use to clean my samplers. Never had a problem. I've removed pen marks from a pen ink that somehow got on the fabric, I've removed chocolate stains, yes I eat while stitching, I've removed grease ( I work in a body shop as an office manager and stitch every chance I get), and many other foreign substances with oxi.

I tried the dawn and it did not work, so now I have it soaking in Oxyclean and it appears to be working!

Thank you so very much!!!!!



Raven

I use Shout for any stains but I've never had an issue with my projects, dishsoap has always worked for them. I hope you get it out.

i can't tell..but then again.it is a photo..hmm i've always used oxyclean or dawn dish soap

I couldn't get the photo to show it. It's just basically a dark shadowing on those couple of lines, and its on the threads that form the first leg of the stitches, lighter on the top legs.

The Oxyclean worked!! The piece is now rinsing happily on delicate in my machine.

Thank you all so so much!! I felt so bad because it is a charity piece and I want to get them in the mail.

everyone! and of course we can't be without our sugary treats and chocolate goodness

Raven

Wo0!!! Good to hear!

I must invest in some of this so called Oxyclean Is it avaliable in the UK? (I was lazy I admit and just sorta... left this small chocolate smudge on my needlecase... maybe I should be punished with more chocolate? )

I dont know if it is in the UK.

But, bad girl, bad girl

I wonder if Vanish does the same thing? I use White Wizard (but not on threads).

i think oxyclean is a asda brand

edit: just checked the stuff im thinking of is whizz oxi ultra plus, just looked in the cupboard!

Oxi clean here in the states is found with the laundry supplies. It's added to your clothing to brighten and remove the toughest stains. It is extremely gentle on your clothing. It is also put in many cleaning supplies now. It is also used on carpeting to clean stains.

Sounds like Vanish to me. think pink.

Alright, I called Oxi Clean's 800 # and received the following info:

Oxi Clean is a oxigenated bleach (spelling?), the 2 main ingredients are Sodium Carbonate and Sodium Per Carbonate (sp?). If Vanish contains these 2 ingredients, then it is most definately the same. Usually anything that says Oxi is considered an oxigenated bleach.

Hope this helps.

That was really kind of you. Thank you.

I used vanish on my Igloo to try to get rid of a rust mark, it changed the colour of the threads it came into contact with

Then Vanish is most defiantely not like Oxi Clean.
Does it contain the 2 oxi ingredients?? I wonder what else is in it? If anyone feels like posting the ingredients I'll look at the oxi and see what the difference is. Though it may be later tonight or tomorrow morning, USA time. Going to the drag strip today.

ok I just got the vanish out of the cupboard, i must have grabbed the wrong one in the supermarket, it is for carpets and upholstery so it may be too strong for clothes.
Does anyone else have the normal clothes one to find out what's in it
I think I had a lucky escape with mild fading