From red wine to pollen, our experts at the GHI know a thing or two about removing a stain. Bicarbonate of soda, methylated spirits and good ol' washing up liquid can save you after a spill – but sometimes, it's just as simple as popping your garment in the washing machine.
What to read next
Our experts applied a variety of common stains to different fabrics, left them to dry and then tackled them at their worst to create this definitive guide. Here are the stains your washing machine will blitz...
How to tackle 15 common stains:
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Stain removal first aid tips
- Always act immediately – the quicker you tackle a stain, the more chance you have of removing it.
- Scrape off residues with a blunt knife or a teaspoon.
- Flush a fresh stain with cold water – not warm or hot, as you might set it permanently.
- For oil-based stains, like butter, instead of flushing with water, rub in some washing up liquid. Machine wash when you get home.
- Dab the stain gently – rubbing furiously will only spread it.
- Soap is not the answer. This could set the stain permanently, too.
- Salt will set a red wine stain, so avoid it. If you have an evening-out emergency, flush the affected area with sparkling water – the bubbles in the water will help push the stain out of the fabric. Machine wash once you get home (if the care label allows).
- Mixing different stain-removal products is never a good idea – chemicals can react together and make matters worse.
- Always test stain removal products on a hidden area first.
- When it comes to detergents, biological detergent is your best bet for stain removal, but don’t use it on wool or silk.
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
