General tips

• For best results, treat stains immediately. Blot excess liquid from the stain with a white paper or cloth towel. Do not rub. Excess solids should be removed by scraping with a nonserrated, dull knife.
  
  If the fabric is dry-clean-only, take it to a dry cleaner within 24 hours.
  
  Hot water may set some stains, so avoid using it. For the same reason, never iron or machine-dry a fabric that's stained.
  
  Always test any product used to remove stains in an inconspicuous spot, to make sure it doesn't ruin the finish or color of the fabric.
  
  

Alcohol

• Alcohol stains are sometimes invisible but turn fabrics brown after sitting. Sponge the stain with warm water. If you can still see a stain, lightly rub glycerin on the spot. Allow to sit for 30 minutes, then rinse with warm water. If the stain persists, allow the fabric to dry, then sponge with a presoak stain remover (found in the grocery store laundry aisle). Rinse in warm water.
  
  

Baby formula

• With a mixture of 1 qt. lukewarm water, ½ tsp. of liquid dishwashing soap, and 1 tbsp. of ammonia, soak for about 15 minutes. Rub lightly and soak an additional 15 minutes. Rinse in warm water.
  
  

Butter and fats

• Wash in warm water as soon as possible. For fabrics that can't be washed, sponge with a presoak stain remover.
  
  

Chocolate

• Remove as much of the chocolate as possible without rubbing the fabric. Wash immediately in warm water. If any stain persists, soak in a sanitizer (often sold for washing diapers) that has sodium percarbonate, then rinse in warm water.
  
  

Egg

• Scrape off, then sponge in lukewarm water. If the stain persists, mix some cream of tartar (found in the baking aisle of the grocery store) with some water and a crushed aspirin. Allow to sit for about a half-hour. Rinse in warm water.
  
  

Fruit or berry juice

• Treat immediately, or stains are extremely difficult to remove. Wash in cool water. If needed, soak in chlorinated bleach or a sanitizer with sodium percarbonate. Treat persistent stains with 1 tbsp. of borax (also called sodium borate, and found in the laundry aisle of the grocery store) and 1 cup of water, or with cream of tartar and warm water. Allow to sit for 30 minutes, then rinse.
  
  

Tea and coffee

• Rinse immediately in warm water. If any stain persists, use a sanitizer with sodium percarbonate. Or remove tea stains with 1 tbsp. borax and 1 cup of warm water.
  
  Coffee or tea on silk or wool may be removed by sponging with lukewarm water, then rubbing gently with glycerin. Allow to stand for 30 minutes, then rinse with warm water.