How can I remove this chenical stain from a whhite cotton t-shirt. I'm talking about the blue liquid product that's used to brighten whites, but a couple of drops fell on the t-shirt and bleach won't get them out. HELP, please:confused:

This happened to me once before and I called the company and all they were able to tell me was that the stain would fade over time after repeated washes. They ended up sending me some coupons/concessions for my trouble. Depending on the exact product, I'd recommend calling the toll-free number on the package to ask because they know exactly what's in the product and can best tell you how to counter it.

If you're looking for a chemical reaction, and if that stain is due to copper sulphate, you can try adding aqueous zinc solution to it. The zinc will displace the sulphate, and you'll have a reddish brown residue (solid) that you can remove, that's copper metal.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Unknown008

if that stain is due to copper sulphate, you can try adding aqueous zinc solution to it.

---

Also, if it's copper sulfate (or sulphate, if you prefer), ammonia will form a very soluble amine complex with copper. You can easily wash it out (it will turn deep blue after it forms, but that won't bother anything). However, I doubt that bluing agents, in general, contain copper. I think they're typically organic chemicals that absorb the yellow. However, since bleach won't get it out, it's definitely possible that it's an inorganic salt.

Ah OK. For the sulfate... I always have the tendency to use ph instead of f. I know it will no longer be in use for my exams, but I always forget... :(

::hits head on the desk::

Nothing wrong with sulphate instead of sulfate -- unless you're some sort of purist. I still occasionally write sulphuric acid.

I just have to have that habit of writing sulfate for my next year's exams... :(

Anyway, I'll try my best. Sometimes I get it, but at other times I don't...

Sorry for the hijacking ellevestar.