How to remove common stains — and the mistakes that set them

Most stains can be saved. Most permanent stains were made permanent at home. Here is the first aid that helps, and the habits that hurt.

Universal rules

• Blot, never rub.
• No heat until the stain is gone — no hot water, no dryer, no iron.
• Do not apply lemon, vinegar, toothpaste or talcum.

By stain

Oil and grease: blot, then leave it — oil needs solvent. Wine, tea, coffee: blot with a dry cloth; cold water on cotton only. Curry and turmeric: do nothing; sunlight and water both set it. Ink: blot; do not wet. Makeup: lift with a dry cloth; no water.

Then send it to stain removal within days and tell us what it is.