Lilies have large anthers in the heart of their flowers that look like tiny sticks covered with dusty reddish-gold pollen. While quite pretty, the powdery pollen can cause stains if it brushes or blows off and sticks on clothing, tablecloths and upholstery. For this reason, some people clip the anthers from cut lilies. Others think that flowers without anthers look unnatural and prefer to leave them in place and deal with the pollen.
In fact, if treated quickly and correctly, pollen is quite easy to remove from fabrics, according to floral experts at the Netherlands Flower Bulb Information Center. Here’s their advice:
• Do not brush the pollen away with your hands; oils from your skin will set the stain. Also, do not use water or a wet cloth; this will spread and set the stain.
• Let the pollen “dry,” then carefully brush it away with a dry, soft brush or facial tissue. Sticky tape also works well; gently dab pieces of tape on the fabric to lift the pollen off.
• If some pollen remains after completing these procedures, place the item in direct sunlight for a few hours; the stain should “magically” disappear.
• Pollen stains can often be removed from washable fabrics by pre-treating them with an enzymatic detergent.
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