Cleaning Tough Stains

Part of The Underway Gourmet by Suzy O'Keefe

There's a powerful cleaner you probably already have on board. It's "Waterless Hand Cleaner". Yep, that can you have rolling around in the trunk of your car for when you have to clean up after changing your tire. It's great for spot removal on clothing, canvas, upholstered interior cushions, etc. I've used it on fish blood stains, oily stains, misc. food stains, and even bottom paint. The key is to use it "waterless" first just like the can says; brushing it into the fabric or working it in with your fingernail. You'll start to notice the stain disappearing, but don't despair if there is still some stain left after this step. Allow the Waterless Hand Cleaner to remain on the material and, this time, soak the stained area in a bucket of water for a couple of hours. You should find that this removes the rest of the stain.

If the material is a little dirty all over, you may want to lightly brush the entire piece with the hand cleaner before soaking. This soaking process will help prevent the "clean spot" effect often caused by spot cleaning.

You'll want to rinse well after your done to get all the WHC out. It has a smell you won't like left in the material.