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Hints And Tips Page Stains Remove ballpoint ink by rubbing with either a paste of baking soda & milk, methylated spirit or white toothpaste, rinse, then wash normally. Remove chewing gum from washable fabrics by applying egg whites while the gum is still soft, picking off as much as possible, then washing as usual. Remove grease stains from clothing by applying talcum powder or cornflour immediately, leave for 5 minutes, then brush off. Ironmould stains can be removed from linen by covering the stain thickly with salt and moistening with lemon juice. Leave for an hour, then wash as normal. To remove beetroot stains, place over a bowl immediately and pour boiling water on it from a height. Alternatively, soak a piece of bread in water and dab on both sides of the stain. Soak milk stains in warm water with glycerine added. Brush lightly and wash as normal. Remove rust stains by covering with salt, moistening with lemon juice. Leave for 30 minutes, then wash in a weak solution of ammonia before washing as normal. Apply white vinegar to a perspiration stain, then rinse before washing as normal. Apply chalk to a shirt collar and cuffs, leave overnight, then wash as normal. Cover grease stains with brown paper and press with a hot iron. To remove shine from garments, sponge with a little ammonia added to warm water. Press, using a damp cloth and warm iron until dry. To remove grass stains treat with methylated spirits, then rinse well in warm water. To remove grass stains from nylon, rub with glycerine, leave for an hour, then wash out.
Sewing Keep a supply of paper clips in your sewing box. They are easier than pins for marking up hems on some fabrics. Sew a paper clip under the zero on your measuring tape. It can then be clipped onto your work for accurate measurements. To sharpen a machine needle, sew through a piece of sandpaper. After oiling, place blotting paper under the needle and sew through to blot up excess oil. Keep a piece of chalk next to your machine to rub on any oil spots on fabric. Leave for a few minutes, then brush off. For zips that tend to unfasten, sew a dress hook above and hook the zip tab onto it. For zips that tend to stick, rub with a pencil. Old mascara brushes make great cleaning brushes for sewing machines. If you have problems threading a needle, spray a little hair lacquer on the end of the thread or make a needle threader by bending a small piece of fuse wire into a loop.
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