How to get rid of 10 common clothing stains

2. Red, red wine

Red wine is the top stain we panic about, but if you’re looking for wine stain tips, don’t worry if you catch it quick this stain can be beaten!

• As soon as the spill happens, shake salt over the stain until it’s covered. As it works its magic, you’ll see the salt turn pink as it absorbs the wine
• Soak the garment in cold water overnight
• If the stain’s still showing, cover in salt again

3. The green, green grass

It goes without saying that if you’ve got kids, you’ll have seen your fair share of grass stains. Their green clothes can be saved though! Here’s how:

• Mix a little stain remover with water to make a paste then cover the stained area
• Gently rub the fabric together to work the paste into the stain
• Chuck it in the wash on your usual cycle with the paste still on

4. Oil and grease

Oil and grease are the worst stains to tackle, but all is not lost if you get to them quickly:

• Rinse the stain with cold water straight away, then add a blob of washing-up liquid directly onto the oil or grease
• Grab an old toothbrush and give it a scrub (careful not to damage the clothing as you go)
• Rinse and repeat if the stain’s still showing
• When you’re happy, create a paste with water and stain remover and rub into the stain
• Wash the clothing on the highest temperature the fabric will allow

5. Ink stains

If you’ve got any budding artists at home, you're bound to get inky clothes from time to time. Looking for ways to remove an ink stain? Erase the mess with these top tips:

• Apply some rubbing alcohol to a cotton pad
• Dab directly onto the stain, being careful not to spread the ink
• Leave to soak for around 30 minutes
• Wash the clothing on the highest temperature the fabric will allow

6. Pesky paint

No matter how careful you are, when you’re decorating you always end up with paint on your clothes, whether from drips or an accidental brush against a wet wall. The good news is paint stains are easy to treat if you act quickly.

• Carefully dab at the paint with some paint thinner as soon as possible. Take care not to damage clothing
• Mix some stain remover with hot water and soak your clothes in it. Leave to soak overnight
• Wring out any excess water then wash the clothing on the highest temperature the fabric will allow

7. Tea and coffee

We all love a morning cuppa, but a tea or coffee stain on your top right before you’re heading out of the door is less welcome! Looking for to remove tea and coffee stains? Here’s how to tackle it:

• Rinse your clothes under cold water straight away. Rinse from behind the stain rather than the front to wash it out so you’re not pushing it all the way through the fabric
• Mix water and a little stain remover together to make a paste. Rub into the stain and leave for five minutes
• Chuck it in the wash and pop on your normal cycle

If the stain’s already dry, soak it for 30 minutes in a warm water and stain remover mix before you wash it.

Top tip: For stubborn tea or coffee stains, try sprinkling baking soda on the stain before you wash it. The soda helps to draw the stain from the fabric.

8. Dirty, grimy collars

If the collar of your favourite shirt is looking a funny shade of white, it’s time to tackle the dirt and grime. Looking for ways to remove collar stains? Try this top tip to get it looking as good as new:

• Rub a little shampoo over the collar. Fold the collar and use the fabric to really work the shampoo into the grime
• Leave to soak for around 30 minutes then give it a good rinse
• Chuck it in the wash and pop on your normal cycle

9. Milk and dairy stains

Milk and other dairy stains such as yoghurt are a common sight for anyone with kids, leaving you in desperate need to remove milk stains! It’s a little tougher to remove these stains, though, as you can often ‘cook’ the stain when trying to get rid of it! These steps should help you get the stain sorted:

• Gently scrape off any crusted parts of the stain
• Soak in cold water mixed with stain remover for around 30 minutes
• If the stain’s still there repeat until you’re happy
• Chuck it in the wash and pop on your normal cycle

10. Sweat

If your favourite top’s starting to suffer from sweat stains that just won’t budge, this tried-and-tested method should help:

• Mix warm water with some stain remover and soak the clothing for 20 minutes
• Wring out to get rid of excess water, then spread out onto a towel
• Coat the stain with some more stain remover and leave for another 20 minutes
• Chuck it in the wash and pop on your normal cycle with your usual laundry detergent or washing powder

Top tip: For stubborn sweat stains, crush up 2 aspirin tablets and mix with a little hot water. Soak in the solution before washing with your normal cycle.