Whether it's a glass of red knocked over on the carpet or a blob of curry sauce on our best blouse, we've all had that heart-sinking moment when we know we've got a stain to deal with.
But a stain doesn't have to be an emergency. You don't even need a huge arsenal of cleaning products, just the golden rules of stain removal. Our experts are here to break them down...
1. Absorb it
First lift off or soak up as much of the staining substance as possible. Use absorbents such as talcum powder or paper towels.
2. Dissolve it
Residue that can't be absorbed needs to be dissolved. Different substances have differing ways they dissolve.
For example, blackcurrant juice is soluble in water, while the curcumin colouring in turmeric requires an alcohol, such as methylated spirits, for it to dissolve. This means it's important to consider what will work best on a particular stain. You can find most household stains and how to deal with them in our stain directory.
3. Use a detergent
Greasy or fatty stains, such as gravy, will not dissolve in water.
To get rid of the rest of the stain use detergent. Detergents work by changing the surface tension of water so that it can flow more freely into the crevices of a fabric. Molecules in the detergent form a chemical link between the staining particles and the water. When the detergent is rinsed away, the water and stain are taken with it.
4. Use a chemical reaction
If none of the above work you need a chemical reaction. These are chemicals such as bleach and enzymes.
Bleach strips molecules of the electrons that give them colour, therefore making the stain invisible (on fabric of the right colour). Enzymes work by breaking down the bonds that hold the amino acids in proteins together. Separated, the amino acids are more soluble in water, so they can be easily rinsed away and consequently remove the stain. Products such as Vanish Oxi Action Stain Remover contain a bleaching agent so are good if you need some extra oomph.
Must-have stain removers
Bicarbonate Of Soda
Astonish Oxy Active Non Bio Fabric Stain Remover
Dr. Beckmann Cosmetics & Nature Make-Up, Grass & Mud Stain Remover
No Nonsense White Spirit
