The dogi stain removal way of knowledge

or misogi no dogi

by digger



Disclaimer :
This is for white gi's.
Those of you that wear black, unbleached natural tan or other colored gi's are welcome to try, but some of these techniques use agents (like bleach, white vinegar or nail polish remover) that will permanently discolor your gi and make it look less respectful than it already does. Certain stains are permanent. Other stains await your creativity. Most stains on a cotton black gi, for instance, if they show up at all, can be hidden well by rubbing some black shoe polish into the fabric vigorously. If your black gi is faded it'll look darker in that area. the choice is yours. If you're gi is blue, yellow, red, day-glo orange, checker patterned, off-fuschia, Hawaiain Flower print, or some other multichromatic eyesore, good luck.

I get email from folks asking "How did you ever get crayon/autogrease/lipstick/etc on your gi?" I'll leave that to your imagination. If you must know, email me.

So you've managed to get a stain on your gi that a simple clorox wash in scalding hot water didn't remove. If you haven't stuck it in a dryer yet - DON'T. Take it home and try these techniques out. This page is dedicated to Brian-sensei who told me "You gotta get yer ass to the laundromat." And an anonymous Aikidoka who said "You've got to be kidding."



Blue Ballpoint Pen Ink

Try dabbing the affected area with Milk. No lie. The Milk Fat supposedly dissolves the ink. My Aunt Mary swears by it. If that doesn't work try putting some solvent (hair spray, rubbing alchohol, nail polish remover or turpentine for those weapons-grade stains) on a cloth and dabbing the area. If/when the stain comes out, wash the area in cold water so any residual stain doesn't set. Don't put the solvent DIRECTLY on the surface or you'll destroy the fabric.

Blood (human)

If it's fresh blood, try dabbing the area with Club Soda or cold water as soon as you can. That's always worked for me.
If the blood is dried and has already set, try peroxide. My old neighbor in Oakland, Allison the nurse, said they use peroxide in the hospital and it works like a charm.

or


1.Mix one teaspoon of detergent (a mild non alkaline non bleaching detergent like Woolite, Arm and Hammer, or Surf) with a cup of ice cold water and blot the stain.
2.Then mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half cup of ice cold water and blot the stain again.
3.Rinse the stain with clean, cold water.

Blood (other)

Hopefully not coming soon.

Beer

1.Mix one teaspoon of detergent (a mild non alkaline non bleaching detergent like Woolite, Arm and Hammer, or Surf) with a cup of lukewarm water and blot the stain.
2.Mix one part white vinegar with two parts water and blot it on the stain.
3. Rinse and let dry

Bubble Gum

Peanut Butter. I know - GROSS! But it works, and then use the grease removal procedure to remove the Peanut butter stain. Rubbing the area with a very cold object (like your ice pack) with solidify the gum and then you can scrape it off with a blade or edge of some sort. But if you do that, gum will still be in the fabric.

Coffee

1.Mix one teaspoon of detergent (a mild non alkaline non bleaching detergent like Woolite, Arm and Hammer, or Surf) with a cup of lukewarm water and blot the stain.
2.Mix one part white vinegar with two parts water and blot the area again.
3.Rinse it well with clean, cold water

Dirt

So you haven't washed yor gi in weeks. The ring around your tub is smaller than the ring around your collar. Your training partners say you're powerful, and it's not becasue of your "ki". The "rollspots" on your gi are starting to connect the dots down your back. Time to scrub the dirt outta that gi.
I've used Stain sticks applied soon after the stain happens and a hot wash in clorox with much success. Other than that try :
1.Mix one teaspoon of detergent (a mild non alkaline non bleaching detergent like Woolite, Arm and Hammer or Surf) with a cup of lukewarm water and blot it.
2.Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half cup of water and blot it again
3.Blot it with the detergent solution like step 1 to get the bleach out of the fabric.
4. Rinse it with clean, cold water

Feces (human and other)

1.Mix one teaspoon of detergent (a mild non alkaline non bleaching detergent like Woolite, Arm and Hammer, or Surf) with a cup of lukewarm water and blot the stain.
2.Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half cup of water and blot the stain again.
3.Mix one teaspoon of a mild pH balanced detergent (see above) with a cup of lukewarm water and blot it yet again.
4. Mix one part white vinegar with two parts water and blot it again. (labor intensive, isn't it?)
5.Rinse it with clean cold water

Auto Grease and Car Grime

From http://www.doityourself.com...
Grease is a petroleum-derivative, water-resistance substance which can be removed only through solvent type or high alkaline type cleaners. Solvent cleaners dissolve the grease in the same way that turpentine "dissolves" solvent based paints from a paint brush. The high alkaline cleaners convert the grease into miscible soaps which are able to be rinsed away with water. However, high alkaline carpet cleaners may harm the carpet fiber if applied improperly.

Try rubbing the stain with Gojo hand cleaner (the grimy, citrus based stuff).

From the Michigan State Universtiy Extension :
1.As a first step, use the solvent/detergent combo method. Take isopropyl rubbing alcohol and apply onto affected areas just dabbing them with a clean sponge.
2.Blot, never rub, with a clean towel. The solvency of the alcohol hopefully will 'break up' the grease content of the stain. It is the no detergency (which avoids leaving residue) and the alcohol (for the quick dry and grease cutting solvency) which should work
3.If stain persists, mix 1 part dishwashing detergent to 10 to15 parts water. Be careful not to overdo it or else you'll leave a soap film (stain) on the affected surface. Agitate surface with a fingernail brush or old toothbrush. Move brush in one direction with the stain and another direction against the stain. Rinse and neutralize areas with a "white vinegar" mix consisting of 1 part white vinegar to 10 parts water. In all of these procedures, apply solutions sparingly and try not to OVER WET the surface. Blot area again with dry, white towel. Allow to dry for 15 minutes. Then, re-blot with towel again. Allow to dry completely.

If stain still persists, as a last resort you may have to "bleach" out stain (at this point you have nothing to lose.)
1.Dilute one part hydrogen peroxide with three parts water, using same blotting procedure as above.
2.Finally, you can use a synthetic bleach like "Clorox II" trying it at different strengths (obviously the weakest first like a 1:15 mixture with water to the strongest 1:1 with water). Apply carefully onto stain only with an eyedropper and wait 15 minutes before blotting or attempting a higher strength.

In short, wear something else besides your gi when changing your oil.

Mold and Mildew

From http://www.doityourself.com...
Mold, fungus, and mildew are vegetative growths which are caused by spores in the air. They thrive in warm, damp, dark poorly ventilated environments such as a shower area in a bathroom. In order to eliminate mildew you cannot just clean it away. Instead, you must kill it like a weed on your front lawn. A disinfectant cleaner with mold and mildew claims will kill these fungi when used according to label directions. The amount of time on a surface increases the effectiveness of these products.

This one's easy ... BLEACH IT! If you're still worried about it, try other, more weapons-grade products like X-14 or Tilex.

If you're greener than that, or you don't like inhaling the fumes of toxic chemicals known to cause cancer, try Gojo citrus hand cleaner (yeah, the gritty stuff. You'll smell like your mechanic, but it works). Or try H2Orange2®. It contains 3 ingredients: citrus oil penetrates and breaks down soils; Surfactants (like in laundry detergent) dissolve and suspend soils; and peroxide which OXIDIZES MOLD AND MILDEW, and acts as a brightener. Ever peroxided bleach your hair blonde? Same idea.

Salsa

It's a tomato based food. See Ketchup:
1.Mix one teaspoon of detergent (a mild non alkaline non bleaching detergent like Woolite, Arm and Hammer or Surf) with a cup of lukewarm water and blot it.
2.Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half cup of water and blot it again
3.Blot it with the detergent solution like step 1 to get the bleach out of the fabric.
4. Rinse it with clean, cold water.

Tea

1.Mix one teaspoon of detergent (a mild non alkaline non bleaching detergent like Woolite, Arm and Hammer, or Surf) with a cup of lukewarm water and blot it.
2.Mix one part white vinegar with two parts water and blot it onto the stain again.
3. Blot the dteregent solution on again (tedious, I know).
4. Rinse it out with clean cold water.

Wood Ash

Soot, a carbonized deposit, can stain very quickly if liquefied through liquid chemical removal. So remove as much as you can through a dry method - like brushing off your gi. India ink, a permanent dye, is nothing more than carbon black mixed into a solvent medium. For real.

Try rubbing it out (gently) with a citrus cleaner like gojo. Watch out for Gojo's gritty abrasives. If the soot is still a problem, a hot wash with lots of bleach.

Avocados

Avo-whats? Avocados ... you find them in Mexican food. Must be a California thing. If you're reading this, you know what I mean. It's a greasy vegetable that doesn't always respond to bleach. Try the Ketchup method :
1.Mix one teaspoon of detergent (a mild non alkaline non bleaching detergent like Woolite, Arm and Hammer or Surf) with a cup of lukewarm water and blot it.
2.Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half cup of water and blot it again
3.Blot it with the detergent solution like step 1 to get the bleach out of the fabric.
4. Rinse it with clean, cold water.

Chocolate

1.Mix one teaspoon of detergent (a mild non alkaline non bleaching detergent like Woolite, Arm and Hammer, or Surf) with a cup of lukewarm water and blot it onto the stain.
2.Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half cup of water and blot it onto the stain again.
3.Repeat step one
4. Sponge the stain and rinse with clean cold water.

Cola and Soda (pop)

1.Mix one teaspoon of detergent (a mild non alkaline non bleaching detergent like Woolite, Arm and Hammer, or Surf) with a cup of lukewarm water and blot it onto the stain.
2.Mix one part white vinegar with two parts water and blot.
3.Sponge with clean water and rinse

Crayon

Crayons are resistant to water and any water soluble cleaner. In fact, water tends to spread crayon stains making the condition even worse. Therefore, other means, such as "mechanical" or "solvency" must be used to remove the crayon. Immediate heat, or "wet" solvency treatment may spread and set these stains.

Okay, remember the ice cube Bubble Gum trick? Good we're gonna try the scraping solid waza first. Carefully scrape up (with an edge or knife) or lift off as much solid "crayon" as possible. Be careful not to spread the stain with this physical removal. Next, place a tray full of ice cubes into a zipper type freezer bag and rest it over an affected area for several minutes. As the cold makes the crayon more brittle, use the butter knife once again to scrape off any further residue. If the area is larger than ice bag, you really oughta ask the gods for a new gi. This is gonna take A WHILE) then use the same procedure.

Then, when you can't possible scrape off another shred, use a hair dryer (on "HI") to soften and melt the crayon. Once again, carefully scrape up (with the edge of a butter knife or piece of cardboard) as much solid "crayon" as possible OR place a very absorbent material, such as a "thick" paper towel or napkin over affect area. Take a 'warm-hot' iron and apply over this covering. Hopefully the crayon will either melt so you can repeat the whole process or it'll liquefy the crayon so it melts into your gi.

Pre-Soak the stain in isopropyl rubbing alcohol. Allow to stand about 30 minutes. Scrub the stain gently with a tooth brush or scrub brush. THen rinse it thoroughly with COLD water. Once satisfied with results, run it through a hot wash with lots of bleach.

Fruit

First, wipe up all the liquid.
Then use the "Cola and Soda (pop)" method :
1.Mix one teaspoon of detergent (a mild non alkaline non bleaching detergent like Woolite, Arm and Hammer or Surf) with a cup of lukewarm water and blot it onto the stain.
2.Mix one part white vinegar with two parts water and blot.
3.Sponge with clean water and rinse.

Ice Cream

Yuck, I know. If it's a fresh spill wipe up as much as you can, then use the chocolate method :
1.Mix one teaspoon of detergent (a mild non alkaline non bleaching detergent like Woolite, Arm and Hammer, or Surf) with a cup of lukewarm water and blot it onto the stain.
2.Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half cup of water and blot it onto the stain again.
3.Repeat step one
4. Sponge the stain and rinse with clean cold water.

Juice

First, wipe up all the liquid. Then it's the same as fruit, Cola or Soda (pop) or any other sugar saturated mess :
1.Mix one teaspoon of detergent (a mild non alkaline non bleaching detergent like Woolite, Arm and Hammer, or Surf) with a cup of lukewarm water and blot it onto the stain.
2.Mix one part white vinegar with two parts water and blot.
3.Sponge with clean water and rinse.

Ketchup

1.Mix one teaspoon of detergent (a mild non alkaline non bleaching detergent like Woolite, Arm and Hammer or Surf) with a cup of lukewarm water and blot it.
2.Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half cup of water and blot it again
3.Blot it with the detergent solution like step 1 to get the bleach out of the fabric.
4. Rinse it with clean, cold water.

Lipstick

Why wear cosmetics during practice? Leave the makeup off and just get out there on the mat. You look attractive enough in your gi. Really. Leave the cosmetics at home. Should you still find lipstick on your gi...
Lipstick is a dye in an oily base. It's nasty. A solvent based remover can remove it. Water based cleaners will only spread the stain and set it.
** Keep in mind a little lipstick contains a lot of dye - even a small speck.
1.Rub in vegetable or mineral oil onto the affected areas and allow it to soak for 15 minutes.
2.Blot excess oils with an absorbent paper towel or terry cloth rags.
3.Then sponge in a solution of 50% ammonia with water.
4.Rinse thoroughly with cool water and wring out.
5.Sponge remaining affected areas liberally with isopropyl rubbing alcohol.
6.Wash it in bleach and a hot water wash.

Makeup

Why would you wear makeup to practice? Or to any situation where you know you're gonna sweat? Perhaps makeup all over your gi is karmic retribution. Still :
1.Sponge the stain with a small amount of cleaning solvent like nail polish remover or turpentine (for the really oily stuff). let it sit for a bit - like 10 minutes.
2.Blot the mess up
3.Mix one teaspoon of detergent (a mild non alkaline non bleaching detergent like Woolite, Arm and Hammer or Surf) with a cup of lukewarm water and blot the stain.
4.Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half cup of water and blot it again
5.Blot it with the detergent solution like step 3 to get the bleach out of the fabric.
6.Sponge the spot with clean, cold water

Mascara

Someone told me some stuff called "dry cleaning solvent" works, but I've never seen the stuff. So try rubbing alchohol or turpentine for those hazmat-level spills. Personally, like Makeup and Lipstick - Mascara is not something you need to wear to practice. For Real. Flying through the air covered in sweat, nobody's gonna see that mascara... at least not for long if you're doing the techniques properly. And when you go back to sit down you'll look like Alice Cooper. Get over yourself and leave the cosmetics at home.
1.Sponge with a small amount of solvent. and blot up the solvent
2.Mix one teaspoon of detergent (a mild non alkaline non bleaching detergent like Woolite,Arm and Hammer, or Surf) with a cup of lukewarm water and blot that up.
3.Sponge with clean water and rinse it.

Soy Sauce

It's the same as Ice Cream or Ketchup...
1.Mix one teaspoon of detergent (a mild non alkaline non bleaching detergent like Woolite, Arm and Hammer, or Surf) with a cup of lukewarm water and blot it onto the stain.
2.Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half cup of water and blot it onto the stain again.
3.Repeat step one
4. Sponge the stain and rinse with clean cold water.

Tomato Sauce

Another Tomato food. See "Ketchup" above :
1.Mix one teaspoon of detergent (a mild non alkaline non bleaching detergent like Woolite, Arm and Hammer, or Surf) with a cup of lukewarm water and blot it.
2.Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half cup of water and blot it again
3.Blot it with the detergent solution like step 1 to get the bleach out of the fabric.
4. Rinse it with clean, cold water.

Urine (human or other)

I'm assuming it isn't a fresh stain. If it is, put your fear aside and get yourself to safety first. Then blot it up, wipe it over with ammonia/water mix and then wipe THAT over with detergent/water mix. After that sponge it clean with water. If it's dried :
1.Mix one teaspoon of detergent (a mild non alkaline non bleaching detergent like Woolite, Arm and Hammer, or Surf) with a cup of lukewarm water and Blot that up.
2. Then mix one part white vinegar with two parts water and blot it onto the stain.
3. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half cup of water and blot that onto the stain.
4. Repeat step 1.
5. Sponge with whole thing with clean cold water.

Wine

At it's most basic, Wine is a juice. So use the Juice method above :
First, wipe up all the liquid. Then
1.Mix one teaspoon of detergent (a mild non alkaline non bleaching detergent like Woolite, Arm and Hammer, or Surf) with a cup of lukewarm water and blot it onto the stain.
2.Mix one part white vinegar with two parts water and blot.
3.Sponge with clean water and rinse.

Grass

Kjartan has perhaps the most Aiki solution to grass stains - Dye your gi Grass-colored green. However, if that's less than an option, Laura Hague has suggested the following for when Bleach just won't do it :
1. Make a paste with your favorite laundry detergent and water.
2. Rub it into the stain on your gi
3. Let it sit for 15 Minutes or so.
4. Wash it like you normally would

She also suggested this stuff called RIT Whitener, but I've yet to try or even find it.

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