How to remove stains from fabric, carpets and upholster including Paint, perfume, perspiration, wine and Sticky marks

The advice on these pages is given in good faith but it is made clear these remedies are undertaken at your own risk. No responsibility can be taken as regards their results or any consequences relating to their use. Please read notes at beginning of this section.

If you place the stained area on a soft absorbent cloth, or rolled up ball of kitchen paper, and use a circular motion from the outside in towards the centre, this will avoid making a ring mark.
Do not rub the remover onto the stain as this can damage the fabric and cause the stain to spread, always use a dabbing motion.
If the damaged item is washable, rinse NON GREASY stains away with water.
If the stain is greasy, sprinkle talc on the mark to absorb it.

FOR OTHER VITAL INFORMATION PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO LOOK AT "REMEMBER" AND "PRODUCTS".

PAINT TO STICKY MARKS

ADHESIVE - BLOOD # CANDLE WAX - CURRY # DEODORANT - GREASE

HAIR LACQUER - LIPSTICK # METAL POLISH - OIL # TAR - WINES/SPIRITS

Paint – Emulsion	Fabrics	It is imperative these stains are treated immediately whilst still damp. Sponge with cold water and wash immediately.
Paint – Oil base	Fabrics	It is imperative these stains are treated immediately whilst still damp. Dab with white spirit then wash as usual in detergent.
Perfume	Fabrics	Rinse immediately. Soften dried stains with glycerine solution (1 part to 2 parts water) before washing.
There is a more detailed article on dealing with personal stains such as perfume, perspiration and deodorant here
Perspiration	Fabrics	Fresh stains can be treated with a solution of ammonia (1 part to 3 parts water), then rinse. Alternatively, dab with white vinegar solution (15ml/3 teaspoons vinegar to 250ml/1/2 pint water), and leave for 5 minutes then soak in a biological detergent and wash in the normal manner. These stains can be difficult to remove completely. For non-washable items, dab gently with the above vinegar solution to clear stain and freshen the area. Soluble Aspirin dissolved in a glass of water will apparently remove underarm perspiration stains on shirts and blouses. Sent in by Jane.
Red Wine	Fabrics/Carpet	Sponge immediately with White Wine to remove the red stain. If stain has dried soften with glycerine (1 part to 2 parts water) before washing. Rinse in warm water, sponge with borax solution (1 tablespoons to 1 pint water) if necessary. Wash in the usual manner. If you rub salt into the stain immediately after the spillage has occurred this will counteract the stain. Leave for a minute or two then rinse with warm water. Thanks to Emma Crowest for this one. Baby wipes can be used to remove stain. Contribution from David Barns Shaving foam also gets red wine out of clothing and carpets/upholstery. Joanna Sullivan (although I am not sure whether they would leave a stain of their own).
	Cotton	Soak in cold water overnight. Simple but effective. Thanks to Annie Speyer.
	Wool Carpet	Immediately pour a pile of salt onto the freshly spilt wine. The salt absorbs the wine. If left to absorb overnight the salt may be vacuumed the next day. Thanks to an anonymous visitor for this tip.
Rust	Fabrics	Cover stain with salt and then squeeze lemon juice onto the salt. Leave for about an hour then rinse well and repeat if necessary. Wash in the normal manner. Proprietary rust removers can be used on some fabrics. Alternatively, pour lemon juice directly onto the rust stain and lay it out in the direct sunlight. The stain disappears within 10 to 15 minutes. This works well on whites as well as coloured fabrics and is completely safe. Thank you Bev.
Scorch marks	Fabrics	Feint marks can be rubbed gently under cold running water, then soaked in a warm borax solution (15ml/1 tablespoon to 500ml/1 pint of warm water). Rinse well, then wash in the normal way. As a last resort, white non-nylon fabric can be bleached by using a solution of hydrogen peroxide (20 volume strength 1 part to 4 parts water), then washed in the usual manner. However, if the heat has damaged the fabric there is no remedy.
Scratches/Dents	Furniture	If small these can be disguised with iodine, shoe polish or a commercial product. Polish regularly. Dents may respond if a warm iron is used carefully over a damp cloth.
Shoe polish	Fabrics	Remove any excess then dab with white spirit or a stain remover. Any remaining colour can be treated by soaking for one hour is a glycerine solution (1 part to 2 parts water) or, alternatively, with methylated spirits, however, test for suitability before proceeding. Sponge or wash in detergent, as appropriate.
Soiled underwear	Fabrics	Remove surface deposits, rinse under cold running water. Soak in cold water and a biological detergent, then wash in a strong detergent. Alternatively, sponge with a vinegar solution (1 tablespoon/15ml to 1 pint/500ml cold water).
Soot	Fabrics	Vacuum or shake off excess. If washable use water as hot as fabric will withstand. Large areas should be professionally cleaned.
Spirits	Fabrics	Rinse in clear warm water, then wash in heavy duty detergent at the highest temperature for the fabric type.
Sticky marks	Furniture	Soak a cloth in a solution of vinegar and warm water, ring out well and rub over the offending marks.

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STAIN REMOVAL