Sometimes it is possible to scrape or wipe much of the adhering grease irom a stained material.

One of the following agents should be used in removing grease spots:

1. Warm water and soap, as in ordinary laundering. Grease spots usually can be removed from washable materials in this way, provided care is taken to rub the particular spot thoroughly. Soaps containing naphtha or kerosene are efficient.

2. Absorbent substances - blotting paper, fuller's earth, brown paper, French chalk, powdered magnesia, or white talcum powder, for fine materials; cornmeal or salt, for carpets, rugs, and other coarse materials. The use of absorbents generally is effective only on spots of grease or oil unmixed with particles of dirt or metal. The advantages of using them are that the fabric is not wet and there is no danger of leaving a ring, as in the case of grease solvents. In using an absorbent, such as a clean blotter or a piece of unglazed brown paper, lay it on each side of the stain and apply a warm iron. The grease is melted and is absorbed by the paper. To use the absorbent powders, lay the stained fabric upon a flat surface and spread a layer of the absorbent over the stain and work it around gently so as not to pull the fibers. As soon as it becomes gummy, shake or brush it off and repeat the process until the bulk of the stain is removed. Then apply another layer of the absorbent and allow it to remain overnight, or longer if necessary. This removes all traces of the stain, and in the case of slight stains the preliminary treatment is unnecessary. Then dust or brush off the absorbent thoroughly. If it is not convenient to let the stain stand overnight, place a layer of cloth or brown paper over the absorbent and apply a warm (not hot) iron for several minutes. In the case of stains made by solid fats, which must be melted before they can be absorbed, the use of the warm iron is necessary.

3. Organic solvents. Chloroform, ether, and gasoline or naphtha. The first is the safest to use, since it is not inflammable. It is a better solvent of tarry substances than is ether or gasoline, and therefore more satisfactory for general use. Gasoline and naphtha are obtained easily and are comparatively inexpensive, but they are very inflammable and likely to contain impurities and to leave an odor in the cleaned fabric. Ether is expensive and inflammable, but it is clean, and usually it leaves no odor. The greatest care should be taken in using inflammable solvents. It is best to use them in a shady place out of doors, and if in the house by an open window and away from all flames. Place a pad of clean cloth or a white blotter beneath the stain and change it as soon as it becomes soiled. Sponge the stain with a clean cloth, preferably a piece like the stained material, moistened with the solvent. To prevent the spreading of the grease and solvent, it is best to use small amounts of the solvent at a time and to work from the outside of the spot toward the center. It is well also to surround the stain with a ring of French chalk or any of the absorbents mentioned in No. 2, and to rub the stain with a clean cloth until it is thoroughly dry.

In removing grease spots which contain dirt or fine particles of metal, more rubbing and a freer use of the solvent are necessary. It is best to apply the solvent from the wrong side of the material, so that the particles will be washed mechanically from the fibers onto the pad of cloth placed underneath. If the spot does not yield to this treatment, immerse it in a small bowl of the solvent and brush it gently with a small, soft brush. The brushing serves to loosen the insoluble particles, which then fall to the bottom of the bowl.

In general, when the stained place must be dipped in the solvent, it is more satisfactory to immerse the whole article finally in clean solvent, which prevents the formation of rings. If sufficient solvent is not at hand for this, the ring usually can be removed by careful and patient sponging with small quantities of fresh solvent, taking clean cloths, pads, or blotters, as suggested above, and working from the wrong side of the material.

4. An absorbent (see No. 2) mixed with a solvent (see No. 3) in the form of a thick paste. The white absorbents (French chalk or magnesia) are most satisfactory. Spread the paste over the spot, leave it until thoroughly dry, and brush it off. Repeat this treatment if necessary. The spreading of the solvent and the formation of a ring will be avoided to a considerable extent in this way. The method is especially useful for cleaning light-colored unwashable materials, laces, and the like.