Stain removal...how, when, why?

The four rules for effective stain removal are: Promptness, Perseverance, patience, precaution.

Some stains get set with washing (e.g. proteins). Remove the stain as soon as possible, leaving for later increases the possibility that it gets set.

Always start removing the stain with cold water. Always start with gentle procedures that do not damage the fabric (soap and water, if it persists use a stain remover, etc...)

In the case of stubborn stains on printed or stamped fabric, it is advisable to leave them as there is the risk of removing the colour of the fabric.

When removing a stain, it is preferrable to dab with a piece of cloth or cotton putting a towel underneath rather than rub the fabric.

Acids such as vinegar or lemon eliminate rust because they neutralize and alkalis or bases eliminate grease, deodorize and whiten.