The short version
Three rules save most stains: act fast, cold not hot (heat fixes many stains) and work from the outside in. Grease and protein stains are treated differently, the rest is choosing the right agent.
A stain is no drama once you know what removes it. The catch: what works on red wine is exactly wrong for grease. So it pays to look at the type of stain before you start.
Two trusty helpers keep coming up: curd soap for quick pre-treatment and ox gall soap for the stubborn cases, plus the home-remedy staples from the kitchen. Here is what works on what.
The stain table
Identify the stain first, then the agent. Always test on a hidden spot first.
| Stain | With what | How |
|---|---|---|
| Grease & oil | Ox gall soap or dish soap | dab on, let it act, wash out cold |
| Red wine | Salt, then cold | sprinkle salt, let it absorb, rinse cold, not hot |
| Coffee & tea | Ox gall soap, cold water | rinse cold at once, then ox gall soap |
| Grass | Ox gall or curd soap | rub in, let it act, wash as usual |
| Blood | Cold water | cold only, never hot, or the protein sets and fixes |
| Fruit & berries | Cold water, then ox gall soap | rinse fresh, treat the rest with ox gall soap |
| Collar grime & sweat | Curd or ox gall soap | dampen, rub in, let it act, wash |
| Make-up & ballpoint | Ox gall soap | apply, let it act, wash out carefully |
The golden rules against any stain
- Be quick: fresh stains almost always come out more easily than dried ones.
- Cold not hot: heat fixes many stains, especially protein like blood and egg.
- Work from the outside in, so the stain does not spread.
- Dab, do not rub, or you work the stain into the fabric.
- Always test on a hidden spot first, especially with colour and delicate fabrics.
The stain kit
With two or three classics you are ready for almost any stain. What to look for:
- Ox gall soap for grease, protein and stubborn cases
- Curd soap for quick pre-treatment
- A supply of baking soda for odour and gentle scouring
Frequently asked
Why should I wash stains out cold?
What helps against grease stains?
Ox gall soap or curd soap, which is better?
What about dried-in stains?
The right agent for every problem
From stains to limescale to mould, we say honestly what helps.
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