Stain removal is easier when it happens early and with the right method. The wrong approach can set a stain permanently, especially when heat is involved.
Use this cheat sheet to choose a safe first step for common household stains. When in doubt, test on an inside seam and avoid the dryer until the stain is fully gone.
First rules: what to do before any stain treatment
- Act fast: the longer a stain sits, the harder it is to remove.
- Blot, do not rub: rubbing can push the stain deeper.
- Cold water first for most stains: hot water can set protein stains.
- Test on an inside seam: especially for delicates and dyed fabrics.
- Avoid the dryer until the stain is gone: heat sets what remains.
After these basics, match the method to the stain type below.
Coffee or tea
- Rinse from the back of the fabric with cold water.
- Apply a small amount of detergent or stain remover and let sit.
- Wash on the normal cycle. Air dry and check before using heat.
If the stain is older, repeat pre-treatment before drying.
Red wine
- Blot with a clean cloth to remove excess.
- Rinse with cold water from the back if possible.
- Apply stain remover and wash. Repeat before drying if needed.
Do not add heat until the colour is fully removed.
Grease and oil
- Blot excess oil with a paper towel.
- Apply washing-up liquid or degreasing dish soap to the spot.
- Work it in gently, wait 10 minutes, then wash warm if fabric allows.
Grease often needs two rounds of treatment. Check before drying.
Tomato sauce
- Scrape off excess without smearing.
- Rinse cold from the back.
- Pre-treat with detergent and wash. Avoid heat until clear.
For stubborn stains, repeat pre-treatment and rewash.
Chocolate
- Let it harden if possible, then scrape gently.
- Rinse cold and pre-treat with detergent.
- Wash and check before drying.
Chocolate is a mix of protein and fat, so cold water first helps.
Blood
- Use cold water only.
- Soak in cold water, then apply detergent.
- Wash cold and air dry to confirm removal.
Hot water can set blood stains into fibres.
Deodorant marks
- For white residue: rub gently with a clean dry cloth.
- For build-up: use a small amount of detergent, then wash.
- Avoid heavy heat which can set marks into fabric fibres.
Reduce future marks by letting deodorant dry before dressing.
Ink
- Blot with a clean cloth, do not rub.
- Dab with rubbing alcohol on a cloth, working from outside in.
- Rinse and wash. Repeat if needed before drying.
Keep the stain area supported by an absorbent cloth underneath.
Makeup foundation
- Lift excess with a spoon edge.
- Pre-treat with detergent or dish soap and cold water.
- Wash and check before drying.
Foundation can cling to fibres, so pre-treatment time helps.
Grass
- Pre-treat with detergent and let sit.
- Wash warm if fabric allows.
- For stubborn marks, repeat treatment before drying.
Check colourfastness on bright fabrics before aggressive treatment.
Checklist: stain removal routine
- Blot and scrape excess, no rubbing
- Rinse cold from the back when possible
- Pre-treat with the right product for the stain type
- Wait 10 minutes, then wash
- Air dry and re-check before using a dryer
Consistency matters more than special products. Early treatment is the biggest advantage.
When to stop and use a professional cleaner
- Delicate fabrics labelled dry clean only
- Large oil stains on structured items like suits
- Dye transfer that spreads across a garment
- Stains on items with special finishes or coatings
Next steps
Build a small stain kit today: dish soap, a basic stain remover, rubbing alcohol, and a clean cloth. Print this cheat sheet and keep it near the laundry area so the right steps happen before the next wash.