The Ultimate Guide to Identifying and Treating Common Stains

If you enjoy outdoor activities or have children who love to play outside, grass stains are probably familiar to you. 

To remove them, start by brushing off any excess dirt and then pre-treating the stain with a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. 

Leave it on for 15 minutes before washing with hot water and detergent.

Whether it's from a morning spill or an accidental brush against a coffee-stained surface, coffee stains are common and can be tricky to remove.

Begin by blotting the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb as much of the liquid as possible. Then, apply a mixture of one tablespoon of liquid detergent and one tablespoon of white vinegar to the stain, and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before washing as usual.

Ink stains are another common nuisance, especially for those who work in offices or have children who love to draw. 

The key to removing them is acting quickly. Blot the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel and then apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes before washing with hot water and detergent.

Accidents happen, and blood stains are one of the most common types of stains people encounter.

The key to removing them is to use cold water - hot water will set the stain permanently. 

Rinse the stain with cold water and then pre-treat with a mixture of one part baking soda.

Red wine stains are a common laundry woe, particularly in South Africa where it is the most common type of stain. 

The key to removing red wine stains is to act fast. Blot the stain with a clean cloth to absorb as much of the wine as possible. Avoid rubbing the stain, as this can push it further into the fabric. 

Apply a stain remover to the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes before washing as usual. For particularly stubborn stains, try soaking the garment in a solution of water and white vinegar before washing.