How to Remove Common Stains: Tea, Turmeric, Oil, Ink and More

Chai, curry, oil and ink are part of life. What you do in the first few minutes decides whether the stain washes out or stays forever.

Rules for every stain

• Act fast. Fresh stains come out far more easily.
• Blot, do not rub. Rubbing pushes the stain deeper and damages fibres.
• Test any method on a hidden spot first.
• Do not iron or tumble dry a stain. Heat can set it permanently.

Tea and coffee

Rinse from the back with cold water, then wash with detergent. For stubborn marks, soak briefly in a mix of detergent and water before washing.

Turmeric and curry

Dab off excess, then rub a little liquid detergent into the mark and rinse. Turmeric fades in sunlight, so drying a washed garment in sun helps. Avoid soap bars and hot water at first, which can set the yellow.

Oil and grease

Blot, then cover with talcum powder or cornflour to draw out the oil. Leave for a while, brush off, then wash with dish-soap-strength detergent.

Ink

Dab (do not rub) with a cloth dampened in rubbing alcohol on sturdy cotton, working from the outside in, then wash. Test first, as alcohol can affect some dyes.

When not to DIY

Silk, wool, embellished outfits and anything marked dry clean only should not be treated at home. Bring them to us quickly and tell us what caused the stain, so we can choose the right treatment. See dry cleaning.

Frequently asked questions

Does hot water remove stains?

Often no. Hot water can set many stains, including protein and some dye stains. Start with cold water unless the label or stain type says otherwise.

Should I rub a stain to remove it?

No. Blot gently instead. Rubbing spreads the stain and damages the fabric.