Inorganic and non-oxidisable stains 

The amount of members we have joining for non-nappy-related cleaning has grown faster than we can create content for. We are still building out this section of the website.

An inorganic or non-oxidisable stain cannot be removed with chlorine bleach or a laundry booster (oxygen bleach). Common non-oxidisable stains are colour run, ink from pens or whiteboard markers, paint and silicone. 

Different stains require different solvents 

Useful solvents that you might already have in your household are acetone (nail polish remover), isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohols), and Goo Dissolver.

Products containing high alcohol percentages like hand sanitiser, hairspray, and vodka are also useful for treating non-oxidisable stains. Methylated spirits can be used as rubbing alcohol when diluted down to about 65-70%

Some solvents can damage fabric. If you are unsure how the fabric will react, test a small inconspicuous area first.

Methylated spirits is useful for removing acrylic paint, and mineral turpentine for oil-based paints.

Do not mix chlorine bleach with solvents or other cleaning products

At Clean Cloth Nappies we are not afraid of chlorine bleach for stain removal. Unfortunately, it has a limited effect on inorganic and non-biological stains.

If using chlorine bleach, treat it with care and do not mix with other cleaning products.

Do not mix chlorine bleach with acids, or ammonia. Mixing bleach with common cleaning products can create toxic fumes or corrosive products. Always read the product label before using a cleaning product.

• Chlorine bleach + vinegar = chlorine gas. This can lead to coughing, breathing problems, burning and watery eyes. Chlorine gas and water also combine to make hydrochloric and hypochlorous acids.
• Chlorine bleach + ammonia = chloramine. This can cause shortness of breath and chest pain.
• Chlorine bleach + isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) = chloroform. This is another highly toxic combination!!

Polyquaterniums stains

Some commercial bubble mixes, hair care and personal care products contain a conditioning ingredient called polyquaternium-7 (polyquart-7). It is a cationic conditioning polymer.

Cationic polymers have a positive charge, while dirt, dust and dye are usually negatively charged. In the wash cycle, the dirt, dust or dye particles are attracted to the positive charge.

The result is a stain that is nearly impossible to remove. We have found that a 1:1 ratio of chlorine bleach to water is the only way to remove them.

Removing ink

Ink is a non-oxidisable stain and requires a solvent to remove it. Start with isopropyl alcohol.

1. Place a paper towel or clean white cloth inside the item to stop colour transfer to the back.
2. Dab the stain with the alcohol.
   • Be careful to dab, not rub, so you don’t spread the ink as it lifts.
3. Blot at the stains with a clean, white cloth to absorb loosened pigment.
4. Repeat till all marks are gone.

If the alcohol does not work, there are specific products available for ink removal. They are available in the laundry aisle of the supermarket and fabric supply stores (for example, Spotlight).

Follow up the process with a long, warm wash (40ºC) with a good quality detergent. 

Removing whiteboard marker from textiles

Member often ask us how to remove whiteboard marker from clothing, especially school uniforms. Whiteboard marker contains color pigment, a solvent and an oily silicone polymer.

Mineral turpentine (turps) is used to remove silicone and resin in different applications. It contains both oil and alcohol. Whiteboard markers often contain silicone or resin, and as a result turps removes whiteboard marker stains from textiles.

It is important to spot-treat the item. Do not soak items in turps as it is messy and smelly and difficult to remove.

1. Do this outside. Please wear gloves.
2. Place a paper towel or clean white cloth inside the item to stop colour transfer to the back.
3. Drip some turps onto the stains.
4. Gently scrub the stains using a soft bristle brush.
   • an old toothbrush or nailbrush works well
5. Blot at the stains with a clean, white cloth to absorb loosened pigment.
6. Repeat till all marks are gone.
7. Hand wash the items with hot water and dishwashing liquid. When the bubbles are all gone, dump water and repeat with fresh hot water
   • This may take a few goes as turps is oily by nature.
8. Hang outside to dissipate the fumes.
9. When it no longer stinks, put it on a long 40°C or 60°C wash with plenty of detergent.
   • Check for suds during the wash, add more detergent if you do not see suds on-third (⅓) of the way into the cycle.