5 Common Stains and How to Remove Them
By MyCleaners Team
From coffee to ink — we've all had that sinking feeling when something spills. Here are proven techniques to tackle the most common stains before they set.
The key to removing any stain is acting quickly and using the right technique for the type of spill. For coffee and tea stains, start by blotting—never rubbing—to lift as much liquid as possible, then rinse the back of the fabric with cold water and pretreat with a liquid detergent before washing.
For oil and grease stains, sprinkle baking soda or talcum powder on the area to absorb the oil, let it sit for a few minutes, then brush it off and pretreat with a degreasing detergent. Ink stains respond well to alcohol‑based solutions: place a paper towel under the fabric and dab gently with rubbing alcohol until the ink transfers.
Red wine and curry can be tougher, so avoid hot water, which can set the stain. Rinse with cold water, apply a stain remover, and launder as soon as possible. If the garment is delicate or very valuable, it’s always safer to bring it to a professional cleaner so the stain can be treated without damaging the fabric.