Ask Mrs. Clean: House Cleaning, Stain Removal and Organizing Tips

[cosplaystains]

Recently, I acquired a Lycra/spandex bodysuit for a costume I'm currently constructing. It is a teal-ocean blue in colour and the construction was going well.

However, I went to go paint it one day, and Black Fabric Paint exploded onto the suit! I threw it off and rushed to find some rubbing alcohol. We didn't have any. So I went for the next best thing; Nail Polish remover.

My nail polish remover is "maximum strength" and contains "vitamin e" for nails and is PURPLE in color, so I don't know if any of these factors contributed to the stain I got.

I scrubbed the black fabric marker away with another, more abraisive fabric covered in the Polish Remover. Most of the black paint came out, but it left these weird yellowish stains on the fabric. They almost look like water stains.
It could be from scrubbing the black paint and diluting the color and spreading it around. It could be from the Nail Polish remover. I'm not sure which of them these stains have come from.

The Real Problem arises when I realized I will not be able to WASH or LAUNDER this bodysuit. I've already covered it in fabric marker, which I'm afraid will bleed or fade in the washing machine. So a spot treatment for the mysterious yellow stains seems best at the moment.

Please help! Getting these stains out is very important!

[mrscleannw]

Hello cosplaystains,

Unfortunately nail polish remover (acetone) may dissolve fabrics like nylon and fade the color. It sounds like what you might have is a bleach type stain left by removing the fabrics color. The remaining yellowish stains are likely permanent.

One thing you can try is using mild dish washing liquid; about ½ tsp per 1 cup warm water, and paper towels.

First off place a paper towel under the stained area you’ll be working on to keep other areas of the fabric clean. Slightly dampen the area where the stain is then dab the area with the dish washing liquid solution, working in from the outer edges of the stains.

Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse with cold water.

If that does not help you might also take it to a dry cleaner and see if they have any suggestions for you. They have specialized methods/chemicals that might help restore the material to its original condition.

Mrs. Clean