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Spot Cleaning
Save the day by learning how to spot clean with Soak!
A speck of dirt, a dribble of soup, or a splash of coffee always seems to happen at the most inopportune time or in the most inconvenient places—like a sofa without slipcovers. Learning how to spot clean with Soak can save you from an embarrassing mishap, a return home to change, or a trip to professional cleaners.
Act quickly
Get to the dirt or stain as soon as possible after it happens. Not letting dirt sit on clothing is always the first line of defense for removal. Splash coffee on your favourite white dress shirt? Try to get to a sink ASAP. The faster you act the more chance you have of complete removal.
Though Soak is not officially a stain remover (think grass stains, coffee, lipstick), we have had success, even with some of these stubborn stains, when we get to the item fast enough.
Clean gently
Put some Soak on a cotton swab, gently pat or rub the stain, then rinse with water.
When possible, work from the back of the item to push the dirt out of the front of the item on to another cloth or paper towel (vs. pushing it further in when working from the front). Start with the edges of the stain and work in to the centre, so the stain area does not grow.
Repeat if necessary
Some dirt or stains take a few passes of spot cleaning to fully remove them. Repeat step 2 as needed.
Pro tips
→ If you haven’t used Soak on the item before, test first in an inconspicuous spot.
→ While spot cleaning is always great in a pinch; it’s often a good idea to do a thorough hand or machine-washing as soon as you are able.
→ Avoid direct heat when drying. Be sure the dirt / stain in your item is out before putting it in the dryer. Direct heat will further set a stain. If you need to do multiple washings to remove a stain, air dry until the stain is completely out.
→ For stains with volume (think spilling a drink on the carpet, food on your dress, etc.) remove as much of the excess as you can before spot cleaning. This may mean blotting with paper towel or rinsing the item from the back, so that the excess falls off the front. Whatever method can help you get the excess off and prevent further embedding of dirt into the item.
To find out how to hand—or machine-wash with Soak, or get the scoop on some pro-tips for caring for your favourite lingerie, cashmere, etc. etc., keep on learning at Soak School!