Stain Removal Guide
What to do first for the stains Mira Road homes see most: oil, haldi, tea, ink, sweat and more.
First move for common stains
Test any home method on a hidden seam first. For silk, wool, suits and dry clean only items, skip home treatment.
| Stain | First step | Avoid | More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oil, ghee, greasy curry | Blot, then cover with powder to absorb | Rubbing; hot water straight away | Guide |
| Turmeric (haldi) | Rinse in cool water, then detergent | Soap and hot water on silk | Guide |
| Tea and coffee | Rinse from the back with cool water | Hot water on milk-based stains | Guide |
| Ballpoint ink | Dab with alcohol on a pad, outside in | Rubbing, which spreads the ink | Guide |
| Lipstick and makeup | Dab with detergent or micellar water | Water alone at first | Guide |
| Sweat and underarm yellowing | Rinse cool, pre-treat with detergent | Chlorine bleach; ironing over the stain | Guide |
| Mud | Let it dry, brush off, then wash | Rubbing it in while wet | Guide |
| Colour run from another garment | Re-wash immediately in cool water | Drying the garment | Guide |
Stain guides
How to Remove Common Stains: Tea, Turmeric, Oil, Ink and More
Quick first-aid for common clothing stains in Indian homes, including what to do first and what never to do.
How to Remove Sweat Stains and Yellow Underarms from Shirts
Why shirts yellow at the underarms in humid weather and how to treat sweat stains on cotton and white shirts without damaging the fabric.
How to Remove Oil, Curry and Haldi Stains from Clothes
Practical steps to treat oil, curry, turmeric (haldi) and sauce stains on cotton, kurtas and sarees before they set.
How to Remove Tea, Coffee, Ink and Lipstick Stains
Simple first steps for tea, coffee, ballpoint ink, lipstick and makeup stains on everyday clothes, plus what to avoid.
Stain questions
What is the first thing to do when a stain happens?
Blot gently with a clean cloth. Do not rub, and do not use hot water or a hot iron until you know the stain type.
Do stains get harder to remove over time?
Yes. Stains that dry and get heat-set by washing, ironing or sun are much harder to remove, so treat them early.
Should I treat stains on silk or wedding wear at home?
No. Blot, keep the garment flat and bring it to a dry cleaner, telling them what caused the stain.