Effective Ways to Remove Laundry Stains

Some people are able to gracefully avoid stains. Others are magnets for stains and can't eat a simple snack without dripping spicy salsa or globs of chocolate ice cream down their shirtfronts.

SIMPLE SOLUTION: If you are a stain magnet, or live with one, you need stain-removing help!

This should help at removing spots, from chocolate and grass to mildew and ink. I don’t put much faith in all those miracle (and often toxic) potions you can buy at the supermarket.

A lot of those stain-removing products you can buy at the supermarket leave spots on clothes. Some stain removers contain highly toxic solvents, or chorine bleach, both unfriendly to the environment.

I believe in two things: A bar of Ivory soap and a scrub brush. The key to preventing a spot from becoming a permanent stain is treating it before it bakes in the dryer.

Also, remember:

• Check your clothes for stains before washing them.
• Double-check before drying.
• When in doubt, soak spots in cold water.

THE IVORY SOAP METHOD
Ivory soap works well for stains because it's mild (with an almost-neutral pH) and it doesn't contain moisturizers, deodorants, and other unnecessary additives. Other mild white bar soaps will work, too, but save those colorful, moisture-laden or highly perfumed soaps for unwinding in the bathtub. For stain removal, plain old soap works wonders.

1. Wet the stained garment with cold water.

2. Rub a bar of Ivory soap directly into the stain, then rinse.

3. If that doesn't remove the stain, rub Ivory soap on the stain again, and then soak the fabric for 30 minutes or so in cold water with a bit of powdered detergent dissolved in it. (If you forget and leave stuff soaking longer, it doesn't really matter; you won't hurt the fabric.) Rinse.

4. If that still doesn't work, rub more bar soap into the stain, scrub it with a scrub brush (taking care not to damage the fabric), and rinse.

5. If a second scrubbing attempt doesn't remove the stain, blot it gently with some color-safe bleach (oxygen-bleach, not chlorine bleach) diluted with water, then rinse with clean water to remove all of the bleach.

6. If all else fails, be prepared to live with the stain.

EXCEPTIONS TO THE IVORY SOAP RULE
Like most rules, there are exceptions. Certain stains require different methods of attack.

Coffee: Coffee isn't hard to get out if you get to it with soap and water right away.

Fruit: I always put lemon on the stain first. If that doesn't work, then use bar soap.

Mildew: Wash the garment in warm or hot water with oxygen bleach, depending on the fabric, and line dry or dry flat in direct sunlight.

Oil and grease: Sprinkle some cornstarch or baking soda on the stain, then place the garment, stain side down, on a large rag on top of an ironing board. Iron with a hot iron on the wrong side of the stain. Most oil and grease stains will come right out. (This trick works only for oil and grease, which need heat to dissolve.)

Rust: Soak fabric spotted with brown rust stains (which sometimes come from hard water) in a solution of 1 part lemon juice and 1 part water for at least 30 minutes. Do not use chlorine bleach on rust stains.

Tea stains: These are hard to get out, but I soak tea stains in cool water and apply bar soap anyway.

Sweat stains: Line-dry the shirts outside. The combination of sunlight's natural bleaching properties and drying at lower temperatures than in a dryer keeps sweat stains from turning yellow. It's the heat of the dryer that sets the stains and makes them difficult to get out.

Key Beauty Tips That Every Woman Should Know

Key Beauty Tips That Every Woman Should Know

The thing about beauty tips is there are so many. There are tips that promise a healthier complexion, healthier looking hair, shiny locks, rosy cheeks, and plump lips. So, which tip do you try? Has there been anyone who's tried these advices before? You'll find everything you need to know about tips and advice that are tried and true (or tried and false!).

Exfoliation
It is definitely safe to exfoliate everyday. However, exfoliation is not safe for everyday when it's harsh and abrasive. Exfoliate using gentle items such as a washcloth or a buffing pad that doesn't feel "hard" when you touch it. Exfoliating isn't painful, but shouldn't be done if you experience any irritation. A good way to start is to try a free sample of the Olay� Total Effects Daily Cleansing Treatment dual-textured cloths.

Facials
Getting a facial before a party is a great idea to help your complexion glow! However, if your facial normally consists of any extractions (squeezing pores), a facial shouldn't be done within 6 hours of your party. This could leave your complexion less than stellar, with a red, irritated appearance. Instead, opt for a more gentle approach by requesting a mild scrub to get rid of dry, dulling skin. Then, before primping for the night, apply a glow enhancing lotion that will ensure your complexion will be on its best behavior.

Winter Skin
Skin that is normally oily can be painfully dry and flaky during the winter months. Winter is extremely hard on skin because of the huge difference in temperatures. Paired with the dry, frigid weather outside, and dry, sometimes over-heated temperatures inside, can cause your mug to be severely dry and flaky. You would think applying an oil-based moisturizer would give your skin the moisture it needs to stay flake-free. On the contrary, this gives your skin just what it needs for a new breakout. Instead, try using exfoliation just once a week and use only fragrance-free nondrying cleansers. Never use hot water on your face. Hot water strips your skin of natural moisture. Pat, never rub your face dry and use an oil-free moisturizer on only the dry areas of your face to prevent further breakouts.

Using Soap
Using soap on your face is a major no-no. Think about it. The same soap that your significant other uses to get rid of the dirt and muck they would be safe for the delicate skin on your face? You want the oil on your face removed, not the skin itself. When looking for a facial cleanser, make sure it says just that - "Facial Cleanser." Regardless of which one you choose, it should fit your skin type and moisture needs.

Zit 101
You're red-hot excited about red-hot date but your complexion got a bit more excited than normal. Don't freak out because added stress can cause more. Simply look for an over-night pimple gel. There are many varieties out there. Any should do, but remember, you get what you pay for so to speak. One of the best is Biore Blemish products. You wake in the morning, and alas, the little creature is still there. Again, don't freak out. Use a green-toned concealer, rather than pink-toned which could amplify it, following with pressed powder.

The best tips for anyone are always use a gentle exfoliation system, never leave home without your sun block and listen to your skin. Only your skin can tell you what suits its needs!