Children's clothes, table linens, towels, etc., should be thoroughly
examined before wetting, as soap-suds, washing-fluids, etc., will fix
almost any stain past removal. Many stains will pass away by being
simply washed in pure, soft water; or alcohol will remove, before the
article has been in soap-suds, many stains; iron mold, mildew, or
almost any similar spot, can be taken out by dipping in diluted citric
acid; then cover with salt and lay in the bright sun till the stain
disappears. If of long standing, it may be necessary to repeat the
wetting and the sunlight. Be careful to rinse in several waters as
soon as the stain is no longer visible. Ink, fruit, wine, and mildew
stains must first be washed in clear, cold water, removing as much of
the spots as can be, then mix one teaspoonful of oxalic acid and a
half pint of rain-water. Dip the stain in this and wipe off in clear
water. Wash at once, if a fabric that will bear washing. A
tablespoonful of white currant juice, if any can be had, is even
better than lemon. This preparation may be used on the most delicate
articles without injury. Shake it up before using it. Mark it
"poison," and put it where it will not be meddled with.