STAIN REMOVAL

The advice on these pages is given in good faith but it is made clear these remedies are undertaken at your own risk. No responsibility can be taken as regards their results or any consequences relating to their use. Please read notes at beginning of this section.

• If you place the stained area on a soft absorbent cloth, or rolled up ball of kitchen paper, and use a circular motion from the outside in towards the centre, this will avoid making a ring mark.
• Do not rub the remover onto thestain as this can damage the fabric and cause the stain to spread, always use a dabbing motion.
• If the damaged item is washable, rinse NON GREASYstains away with water.
• If the stain is greasy, sprinkle talc on the markto absorb it.

Paint–Emulsion

Fabrics

It is imperative these stains are treated immediately whilst still damp. Sponge with cold water and wash immediately.

Paint – Oil base

Fabrics

It is imperative these stains are treated immediately whilst still damp. Dab with white spirit then wash as usual in detergent.

Perfume

Fabrics

Rinse immediately. Soften dried stains with glycerine solution (1 part to 2 parts water) before washing.

There is a more detailed article on dealing with personal stains such as perfume, perspiration and deodorant here

Perspiration

Fabrics

Fresh stains can be treated with a solution of ammonia (1 part to 3 parts water), then rinse.

Alternatively, dab with white vinegar solution (15ml/3 teaspoons vinegar to 250ml/1/2 pint water), and leave for 5 minutes then soak in a biological detergent and wash in the normal manner. These stains can be difficult to remove completely.

For non-washable items, dab gently with the above vinegar solution to clear stain and freshen the area.

Soluble Aspirin dissolved in a glass of water will apparently remove underarm perspiration stains on shirts and blouses.

Sent in by Jane.

Red Wine

Fabrics/Carpet

Sponge immediately with White Wine to remove the red stain.

If stain has dried soften with glycerine (1 part to 2 parts water) before washing.

Rinse in warm water, sponge with borax solution (1 tablespoons to 1 pint water) if necessary. Wash in the usual manner.

If you rub salt into the stain immediately after the spillage has occurred this will counteract the stain.  Leave for a minute or two then rinse with warm water.

Thanks to Emma Crowest for this one.

Baby wipes can be used to remove stain.

Contribution from David Barns

Shaving foam also gets red wine out of clothing and carpets/upholstery.

Joanna Sullivan

(although I am not sure whether they would leave a stain of their own).