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How to Remove Varnish Stains from Linen and Restore its Beauty

Q: How do I test my linen for colorfastness?

Put a drop of rubbing alcohol on a small, inconspicuous area of the item. Blot it with a white cloth; if any color transfers to the cloth, then the item is not colorfast.

Q: What materials can I use to scrub the area?

Use an abrasive material such as baking soda, cornstarch, or talcum powder to scrub the area.

Q: What should I do if the varnish stain still remains?

If the stain still remains after thorough scrubbing and rinsing, it may be necessary to take your item to a professional cleaner who specializes in removing difficult stains.

A varnish stain on your favorite linen item can be a source of worry, but with the right methods and materials, it can be removed with ease.

Updated 21 Jun 2023

By Nishat Asif

Varnish is a clear, hard-drying coating most often used to protect surfaces or seal items for artistic reasons. While attractive, it can present a problem when spilled onto your favorite piece of linen clothing or fabric. Varnish stains are difficult to remove, but by following the steps outlined below, you can restore your linen item to its original beauty.

Step 1: Test for Colorfastness

Before beginning any cleaning process, it is important to check to make sure that your linen is colorfast. To do this, put a drop of rubbing alcohol on a small, inconspicuous area of the item. Blot it with a white cloth; if any color transfers to the cloth, then item is not colorfast and should not be cleaned using these methods.

Step 2: Dissolve the Varnish Stain

Using paint thinner or mineral spirits, gently dab the area of the linen item with the varnish stain. Allow the paint thinner or mineral spirits to stay on the item for several minutes before dabbing it up with a clean cloth. This step helps to dissolve the varnish, making it easier to remove.

Step 3: Apply Detergent

After the paint thinner has been dabbed off, apply a few drops of mild liquid detergent onto the area. Use a damp cloth to gently rub the detergent into the fabric and then rinse area with cold water.

Step 4: Scrub With Abrasive Agent

If the varnish stain still remains after detergent has been applied, use an abrasive material such as baking soda, cornstarch, or talcum powder to scrub area. Apply a small amount of the abrasive directly onto stain and then use a clean cloth to scrub the area gently in a circular motion. After varnish stain has been removed, rinse the area with cold water.

Step 5: Repeat Steps 3 and 4

Repeat steps 3 and 4 if the varnish stain has not completely been removed. If stain still remains after thorough scrubbing and rinsing, it may be necessary to take your item to a professional cleaner who specializes in removing difficult stains.

Conclusion

Removing varnish stains from linen items can be a tedious process, but with right methods, it is possible to restore your favorite linen item to its former glory. Follow the steps outlined above to easily and quickly remove varnish from your linen items.

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