1. No Hot Water!

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Never use hot water on a stain, as this will cause the stain to set, which will make it much harder to get out!

2. Colour-fast

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Always test to see if an item is color-fast. It’s amazing how many times I forget this! Use a small, hidden bit of fabric to test, and if colour comes off, take it to the professionals!

3. Material

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Likewise, see what material the fabric is. If its rare, or can’t be hand-washed, its usually not suitable for the toughness of home detergents. Leave it to the professionals unless it’s really not important!

4. Stain

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Work from the outside of the stain inwards to the middle. Usually, the outsides are easier to remove if you get to them fast, and will drastically reduce the size of the stain.

5. Heat

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Tackle the stain before you add any heat, such as ironing, as again this might set the stain into the fabric, and make it impossible to remove.

6. Absorbent

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If you need an absorbent in a hurry, add some talcum powder to water and stir until it forms a paste. Then apply to the stain and leave for twelve hours. A quick and cheap absorbent!

7. Temperature

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Most stains will be removed by washing on the highest temperature allowed for the fabric. Check the care label, and give this a try. You’d be surprised how much will come out!

8. Know Your Bleach

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Try to use hydrogen peroxide over household bleaches, which usually contain chlorine. HP is much milder, and kinder to the fabric.

9. Time

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Act fast, as soon as possible after you notice the stain. Leaving it to dry isn’t advisable unless you are certain it will come out easily in the wash.

10. Don’t Fret!

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The first time I found a stain, I added every stain removal product I could and threw it in the wash on 60 a few times. Needless to say the item was ruined! Being calm and taking your time will bring much better results!

Being equipped to fight stains has doubled the size of my wardrobe, and I stress much less when eating messy foods, too! Even hard stains like blackcurrant or tomato sauce are easy and effortless to remove… which is amazing when you are as clumsy as me! Have you got a stain removal tip? Please let me know!

Top Photo Credit: laurenlemon