Removing Stains: Guidelines

Removing Stains

Act quickly! Use the correct method for each stain:

Stain	Household Method
Blood	Dab with hydrogen peroxide. Soak in cold water, then wash.
Chewing gum	Freeze, then scrape off.
Grass	Dab with methylated spirits, then wash.
Lipstick	Dab with baby wipes or vinegar.

Methods of Stain Removal

To remove stains effectively, act quickly and use the correct method for each stain:

Stain	Household Method	Chemical Remover
Blood (protein stains)	Soak in cold water, then wash.	Use enzyme (biological) detergent.
Chewing gum	Freeze to harden, then scrape off gently.	Specialist solvent (e.g., Stain Devil).
Lipstick	Dab with baby wipes or white vinegar.	Specialist stain remover.
Grass	Dab with methylated spirits, then wash.	Specialist stain remover.
Tea/Coffee	Dab with white vinegar, then wash.	Soak in warm water with enzyme detergent.
Red wine	Dab with white vinegar or sprinkle with salt, then wash.	Specialist stain remover.
Perspiration	Sponge area with lemon juice, then wash.	Soak in warm water with enzyme detergent.
Chocolate	Dab with glycerine, then wash in hot water.	Specialist stain remover.
Grease/Oil	Rub with baking soda or dab with washing-up liquid.	Grease solvent, then wash.
Ink	Dab with methylated spirits or toothpaste.	Specialist stain remover.
Mildew	Wash whites with bleach solution. Colours: treat with hydrogen peroxide.

Tips for Stain Removal

• Always test stain removers on an unseen part of the fabric first.
• Avoid rubbing stains – blot gently to prevent spreading.
• Use cold water for protein stains (e.g., blood) to avoid setting the stain.
• For stubborn stains, repeat the process or seek professional cleaning.