In The Penguin Book of Keeping House, Cerentha Harris has no-fuss ways for removing fabric stains quickly and easily. Check out these handy tips on how to get out six of the most stubborn types of stains.
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Rub the spot with lemon juice, leave for one to two hours and then wash as usual.
Rinse in lots of cold water – hot can set the stain. Wash as usual. If the stain remains, try soaking in bleach or treating with a commercial stain-remover.
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Soak natural fibres in two parts methylated spirits to one part cloudy ammonia and three parts hot water. Wash as usual.
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Rub the spot with a cloth that’s been dipped in water and a little cloudy ammonia.
This can discolour fabric, often leaving a brown stain. Treat with glycerine – leave for a few hours and then wash in warm soapy water. Make sure you rinse well.
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Use soda water immediately on clothes to mop up. Repeat until the mark has disappeared, then wash the garment as usual.