Two rules cover almost everything: treat it fast (fresh stains lift far more easily than old ones), and never tumble-dry a stain you're not sure is gone — heat bakes it in permanently.

Blot, don't rub

Rubbing spreads the stain and pushes it deeper into the fibres. Blot from the outside in with a clean cloth.

Stain quick-reference

  • Coffee / tea — rinse cold water through the back, then a little dish soap.
  • Red wine — blot, cover in salt to absorb, rinse cold. Skip the myth about white wine.
  • Grease / oil — dish soap or a sprinkle of cornflour to draw it out.
  • Blood — cold water only. Hot water sets it.
  • Sweat / deodorant — white vinegar or a baking-soda paste.
  • Ink — dab with rubbing alcohol from behind the fabric.
⛔

The one that ruins clothes

Don't put a stained item in the dryer until you've confirmed the stain is gone. Air-dry and check first.