I’m a laundry pro and a rare stain on your clothes can be permanent – but worse, it’s a sign you may be in danger
A LAUNDRY expert has revealed the one stain you don’t want to ignore.
The cleaning pro explained that a certain mark on your clothes could be a sign of danger in your home.
In a Reddit post, Mary Gagliardi, also known as Dr. Laundry, recalled one of the “weirdest stains” she has ever encountered.
The laundry professional works at Clorox, where she originally worked in research and development.
Combining that experience with her degree in textiles, she now focuses on answering people’s laundry questions online.
One such prompt has stuck with the expert throughout her years in the industry.
“A woman was told by her dry cleaner that stains on the shoulders and collar of her garments were from gas exposure and were permanent,” she explained.
She recalled the writer’s original disbelief at the information before learning the serious risk.
“[She] was surprised to learn that there really is such a thing as fume fading,” the expert said.
Fume fading refers to the change in color of textiles when exposed to certain pollutants in the air.
Dr. Laundry revealed the dry cleaner was right about the source of the stains.
“Given that the stains only appeared on the parts of her garments that would have been exposed to the air in her closet, it was actually pretty likely,” she wrote.
The expert offered her professional opinion, but it extended way beyond caring for clothes.
“I suggested she have her furnace checked,” Dr. Laundry explained in her post.
“Sure enough, she had a bigger problem than fume fading, her furnace was actually malfunctioning.
“She had gas leaking into her home.”
Dr. Laundry recalled how relieved the woman was to have caught the problem early.
What is fume fading?
The experts at Dry Cleaning and Laundry Institute International broke down the science behind fume fading.
Also known as gas fading, the problem develops when “air comes into contact with heated surfaces and forms nitrogen oxide gases.”
“These gases then react with certain dyes, usually those found on acetate and nylon, and cause them to change color,” the professionals said.
Fume fading usually occurs on both sides of the fabric and often sees blue fabrics turn red.
“She was so grateful, she thanked me over and over for saving her life,” she said.
The expert described the interaction as the best advice she has ever given.
“Wow, good thing she didn’t ignore them completely,” wrote one Reddit user.
Other signs of gas leaks may include a rotten egg smell, hissing or whistling noises, a cloud of mist, bubbles in your water, and dead houseplants.
If you suspect a gas leak in your home, evacuate immediately and call 911.