DEAR SUN SPOTS: I recently washed a white polyester polo shirt and two white cotton T-shirts, which came out of the wash with orange stain around the collars. I believe the stain is related to the sunscreen I used on my face and neck. What is the best way to get the stain out? — Robert, rlimoges@pivot.net

ANSWER: Sun Spots found several tips online, but some of them disagreed with each other. The one she found most credible included this illuminating bit of information at laundry.about.com:

“… for those who have hard water, most sunscreens contain products that when washed in hard water cause a reaction that creates dark brown stains which are much more difficult to remove. The culprit ingredient is avobenzone. When avobenzone mixes with minerals found in the water in certain parts of the country, it could lead to brown, rust-like stains. The severity of the problem depends on the fiber content of your garment — synthetics hold the stain more than cotton or natural fibers — and the hardness of your water.”

The site then offers the following tips for dealing with the stains:

“If iron content in water is not an issue: pretreat the stain with a heavy duty liquid detergent or make a paste with powder detergent/water and let this set on fabric at least 30 minutes or overnight.Then launder as usual. Check clothing before drying. If stain remains, repeat.

“If the water has a high iron content, use a water softener . Be sure to wash and rinse clothing in warm water treated with a water softener.

“High heat and chlorine bleach can make the problem worse if there is iron in the water.

“If stain is still present, launder with a commercial rust remover. Commercial rust removers are for use only on white or colorfast fabrics.”

Some readers at gardenweb.com suggested using lemon or lime juice (citric acid) to counteract the effect of the iron.

If the stain doesn’t come out, don’t put the clothing in the dryer. The heat may “set” a stain, making it more difficult to remove.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In response to the July 23 letter from someone looking for a piano teacher, please add me to your contact list.

I retired from public school music education after teaching in Greene, Leeds, Turner and Auburn for more than 25 years. During those years I was constantly asked if I would give lessons, but being involved with extracurricular activities and acting as president of the Maine Music Educators Association, I never had the time.

Now that I’m retired, I finally opened my studio in Greene for piano lessons! For more information, those interested may reach me by email or phone. Thank you. — Joan Hamann, rjhamann@aol.com, 375-4883

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I ‘m writing to let you know that there are piano teachers in the area though perhaps not in Turner.

My daughter and I live in Auburn and have been teaching piano and also violin for the past 25 years. We are trained in the traditional as well as the Suzuki Talent Education method and have students ranging in age from 3 to 93!

We would like to be added to your file. Our email address is studio88music@aol.com.

Thank you. — Rachel Eastman Feeley, Studio 88 Music School

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am Steve Tabb’s daughter. He passed away about 10 years ago and was once part of the Steve Tabb Trio, as well as Gab with Tabb. I grew up in Auburn but now live in Florida.

I am searching for any old pictures of my father or recordings of my father’s music or any video anyone may have. I was able to get some recordings from a few old friends of his, but only a few. If there is anyone out there who has any anything, I would be so appreciative! — Lisa Tabb Ruiz, lisaru02@gmail.com

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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