Thoroughly rinse and air dry garments treated with dry cleaning fluid before laundering, Johnson said. Combination stains such as meat gravy, ice cream and ketchup need twice the treatment since they contain both oil and water. Combination stains containing protein, such as blood, collar soils and salad dressing usually need treatment with an enzyme-based product for removal. They are kind to most fabrics and colors and can be left on tough stains for up to a week without damaging the fabric. Treat grass stains, another combination stain, with enzyme stain sticks or gels.
Special stains come from unusual substances and require individual treatment.
Mildew is a common special summer stain. It is best removed with chlorine bleach for bleachable fabrics. For non-bleachable fabrics, sponge the mildew stain with hydrogen peroxide, and then launder or soak in an all fabric bleach solution for 30 minutes or more. If the location of the stain doesn't provide any clues to the source, treat the stain as a dry stain first, and then as a wet stain if needed. Test stain removal products on an inconspicuous area of a garment before using, and follow its care label instructions.