Q&A with Lynda, Rick, and Jordan: is club soda a miracle worker?

Happy Friday, Readers!

Welcome to the another session of reader questions, answered with care and expertise by Lynda, Rick, and Jordan. Today, our reader wants to know if an age-old tip really works:

Question: "I am going to a lot of formal parties and events this season, so I am breaking out some of my favorite dresses. I love the holidays, but it seems as though whenever I wear a great piece to a party I spill on it. What's the best way to handle this? I have heard of dabbing club soda on the stain, but is there another solution I should be using?"--Karyn {Chicago, IL}

Answer:  

Well-meaning friends generally reach for the club soda bottle and a napkin on the way to the aid of wine- or makeup-stained dresses, but our overwhelming response is absolutely do not use club soda.  In fact, the safest answer to your question is do not put anything at all on the stain.

Why?  Well, essentially there are two types of stains, those that can be broken down with water (known professionally as water soluble stains) and those that can only be broken down with chemical solutions (known professionally as solvent soluble stains). Lipstick and most make-up stains can only be removed by chemical solutions, so the only result of applying club soda to that type of stain is creating two stains: the original make-up stain and a second problem--the dreaded club soda stain ring.

I guess you are now thinking that since a wine stain would be classified as water soluble, you can successfully utilize the club soda to remove wine.  Our answer is NO once again.  Even though wine stains can be broken down by water, applying club soda on a wine stain would most likely only serve to spread the original wine stain and once again leave the dreaded club soda ring.  

Applying the club soda can also cause another problem. Typically, the group of good Samaritans surrounding the dress wait with baited breath as the “fabricare doctor” guest begins rubbing the fabric in the affected area with a damp cloth, while continuing to pour the club soda on the stain.  Unfortunately the doctor unintentionally has more than likely permanently damaged the finish of the fabric and possibly caused color loss.  

What to do?  Usually by the time stains occur at the party, you're halfway into the night.  Blot (do not rub) your stains with a white cotton napkin, and enjoy every remaining moment of the evening. As soon as you can, take the dress to a trusted professional. 

Wishing you and your loved ones good health and happiness always…

Special thanks to Lynda, Rick, and Jordan for stopping by and helping out! And don't forget to email, tweet, or Facebook us any questions you may have. We'll pick the best to feature right here.