Laundry tricks for common stains

Act fast and blot, don't rub. Always check the care label, and test on a hidden spot first.

• Coffee and tea: rinse from the back with cold water, then rub in a little washing-up liquid.
• Grease and oil: cover with washing-up liquid, leave 10 minutes, wash as hot as the fabric allows.
• Red wine: blot, then cover with salt to draw it out, or rinse with cold sparkling water.
• Blood: cold water only. Hot water sets it.
• Grass: a bit of white vinegar or a stain remover, then wash.
• Sweat marks on white shirts: a paste of baking soda and water, leave 30 minutes, then wash.

Don't put a stained item in the dryer until the stain is gone. Heat makes most stains permanent.