How to ‘unshrink’ a wool blouse

Q. Hi! I have a wool blouse with laundry care instructions that say "hand-washable and dry flat." I accidentally put it in the dryer and it shrank. Do you have any tips for unshrinking wool? – Charina "Ching" Cornejo

A. I’m afraid not, especially if it has shrunk several sizes smaller than its original size. The only thing that could possibly "stretch" the wool a bit is to soak the blouse in cold water and drip-dry on a sturdy body hanger (to keep its shape). This will hopefully "stretch" the knit enough to fit your size once again. Other than that, I’m afraid you’ll have to learn your lesson the hard way and never again forget to read care label instructions carefully before laundering your garments.

* * * Keeping White Sneakers Squeaky Clean

Q. How do you clean white canvas shoes (Keds) so that they do not turn beige or dirty white? I really want to maintain them so that they always look like they are still new. Thanks! – Karissa Gonzales

Q. Hi! How do you wash rubber shoes or sneakers (white or light-colored) so that they won’t dry up with those yellowish stains on the area where the fabric meets the rubber sole? Does this also happen with dark-colored sneakers? – Candice Villegas

A. The swelling or seeping out of the adhesive material (as in glue) that keeps the rubber and canvas together most probably causes the yellowish stains to appear on your white canvas sneakers. Limit the use of hot water to wash your sneakers and try using a hard-bristled brush that’s been dipped in a soapy detergent (with a little bleach to keep it bright white!) instead of soaking and wetting the entire shoe. Good luck!

* * * Getting Rid Of Paint Stains

Q. Dear Bon, I am an avid reader of your column in the lifestyle section of The Philippine Star. I have a shirt stain problem. My favorite shirt has a paint stain. What can I do to remove it? I’ve tried a lot of laundry soaps like Ariel and Tide but the stain is still present. I hope you can help me with my problem. You can reach me at my e-mail address. Thanks in advance! More power! – Jam

A. Paint on textile can only be removed through the use of paint thinner, turpentine or some type of commercial solvent that will "erase" the oil-based stain when it is dabbed on and lightly rubbed with a toothbrush. Detergent won’t do the trick, so try the solvent (ask your friendly hardware store for a little tin can!) first before laundering. You didn’t mention what material your shirt is, so test the solvent on an inconspicuous place on the shirt (inside sleeve or seam) before going full blast on your stain removal procedure.

* * * I’ve Got Paint On My Shoes!

Q. How do you remove paint from shoes (leather)? Actually, they’re just spots of white paint but they’re still quite noticeable on my black shoes. Thanks!– Leah B.

A. Since there is a danger that using a commercial paint solvent on leather may destroy the hide, try using a less potent liquid like acetone to remove the paint stain. Again, it’s always good to test any chemical on an inconspicuous place prior to thorough use. Good luck!

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