Easy tricks to save clothes from stains

Clothing stains are no cause for alarm if you follow a few simple rules. Here's how you can get rid of nasty clothing stains before they ruin your outfit.

Treating a spot immediately is the best way to make sure it doesn't become permanent. Here's how to get ahead of the problem:

• First, lift off the spill as much as you can.
• If the spot is still wet, try to absorb it by pressing a paper towel or cloth against it on both sides.
• If the stain's soaked in, throw the item in cool water and blot it with a paper towel or clean cloth.
• Another way to treat a stain is with a commercial product that absorbs the soil. Then brush it off.

Sometimes knowing what to avoid is as important as knowing what to do. These are a few basic rules for dealing with any stain:

1. Keep it cool. Many stains, particularly those that are food-based, will set when heat is applied. Though you may need to wash the item in hot water eventually, pre-treating it right is vital.
2. Oil and water don't mix. For oily stains, such as lipstick or grease, avoid treating with water, which can loosen colour dyes or make a stain spread. Use a solvent to deal with this kind of stain.
3. Read care labels carefully and follow directions. If a garment says "Do not dry clean," take the manufacturer at its word.
4. Certain fabrics, particularly vinyl, leather and synthetics, can be ruined with the use of solvents.

The secrets of stain removal are promptness, patience and persistence. The next time you get a stain, follow these tips and you could make even the most tenacious stain history.