Stain answers

protein

How to remove blood stains

Protein stain. Cold water only — heat sets the proteins permanently, so no hot washes and no tumble drying until the mark has gone.

tannin

How to remove red wine stains

Tannin and pigment combined. Absorb first, dilute second, then treat with an oxygen-based product on colour-safe fabrics.

tannin

How to remove coffee or tea stains

Tannin stain, often with milk fat. Treat the tannin first, then any greasy residue.

oil

How to remove oil or grease stains

Oil needs absorbing then emulsifying — water alone will not shift it.

pigment

How to remove ink or marker stains

Solvent-led. Test first — ink treatments can lift dye from coloured fabric.

pigment

How to remove grass stains

Chlorophyll and plant pigment. Enzyme detergent plus time does most of the work.

combination

How to remove sweat or deodorant stains

Body oils plus aluminium salts build up over time. Treat the build-up, not just the colour.

combination

How to remove make-up stains

Pigment suspended in oil or silicone — the oil has to go before the colour will.

combination

How to remove chocolate stains

Fat plus pigment plus milk protein. Cool first, then degrease.

pigment

How to remove curry or turmeric stains

Curcumin is a strong dye and is stubborn. It often fades in daylight after washing.

adhesive

How to remove chewing gum or wax stains

Change its state before you try to remove it: freeze gum, melt wax.

adhesive

How to remove paint stains

Water-based paint is treatable while wet; solvent-based and dried paint usually is not.

combination

How to remove mould or mildew stains

A living growth plus staining. Kill the growth, then treat the mark.