Soak immediately in cold water. Rub detergent into any remaining stain, then launder in hot water using chlorine bleach. Follow manufacturer’s instructions when using bleach.

Rinse under cold running water to remove as much as possible, then blot stain with denatured alcohol or use a stain remover.

Soak in lukewarm water for 30 minutes. Rub detergent into any remaining stain, then launder as usual. For stubborn stains, apply a few drops of ammonia, then launder again.

Let cool then scrape off wax as much as possible with a blunt knife. Place brown paper on both sides of wax stain. Iron until the wax melts into paper. Treat any residual colour with denatured alcohol. Be sure to hold an absorbent pad under the stain as you apply the alcohol.

Apply ice to harden gum or place in freezer in a plastic bag for one hour. Bend item to crack gum, then scrape off the hardened gum with a dull knife. Sponge wrong side of garment with cleaning fluid to remove any remaining stain.

Allow chocolate to harden, then scrape off any large pieces with a blunt knife. Rinse in lukewarm water with detergent. Let dry. If stain remains, launder in hot water with chlorine bleach. Follow manufacturer’s instructions when using bleach.

For persistent stains used dried tea method (see below).

Rinse with the hottest water possible, soak in hot water with chlorine bleach or soak in laundry borax, rinse. For table linens, rinse immediately in cold water, then soak and launder. For dried tea stains, drape the stained item over bowl or basin. Sprinkle a thick coat of laundry borax over the item until covered. Pour hot water around the stain working toward center. Repeat until stain is gone.

Rub detergent into stain and wash in hot water. If the colour of the garment is damaged, sponging it with ammonia may restore it. Rinse thoroughly.

This type of stain may be impossible to remove. Soak garment immediately in lukewarm water and chlorine bleach. Or sponge with, or soak in hydrogen peroxide solution for 15 minutes.

Soak in enzymatic detergent solution, then launder

Rub detergent into the dampened stain. Rinse. Sponge stain with alcohol diluted with two parts water. If stain remains, launder with chlorine bleach.

Sponge with cleaning fluid, then launder in hot water with chlorine bleach and extra detergent. Some fresh grease stains can be removed by sprinkling with absorbent powder (talcum or cornstarch); however, it may leave a white residue on dark fabrics.

Rub the stain with a little milk or the cut side of half a tomato, then rinse well.

Wash with detergent and chlorine bleach in hot water. If stain remains, sponge with hydrogen peroxide, then rinse and launder. Do not use hydrogen peroxide on nylon fabrics.

Lace: Rub with soap so that film develops. Leave in the sun for several hours, then rinse

Shower curtain: Sponge curtain with either a detergent solution, or weak bleach solution (wear gloves).

Whites: Soak natural fabrics a household bleach solution.

Rinse in tepid water, then launder. Use stain remover if grease mark persists.

Rub between fingers with mild detergent solution, then sponge with ammonia solution.

Use solvent recommended by paint label as thinner, or rub stain with detergent. If stain remains, sponge with turpentine. Rinse and launder. Use commercial stain remover for dried stains.

Rub detergent into stain, then launder in hot water with chlorine bleach. If garment colour has been affected, sponge a fresh stain with ammonia, and an old stain with white vinegar. Rinse and launder.

Pour white wine on stain as soon as occurs. Blot both well and sponge with clear, warm water; pat dry. Rinse with warm water, soak in laundry borax solution/ heavy-duty detergent, then launder. For delicates, bleach stains on white wool or silk with hydrogen peroxide solution, rinse, and then hand wash. For table linen, bleach whites, but soak colours in heavy-duty detergent solution. If stain persists, use dried tea method.

Apply liquid laundry detergent or a paste of granular detergent and water on the stain. Let stand for 30 minutes. Launder.

Hold white absorbent cloth under stain, apply lemon juice from half lemon, and then cover lemon juice with salt. Let dry (preferably in the sun), rinse, then launder.

Rub under cold water using another piece of fabric. Soak in laundry borax solution, then rinse rubbing gently until stain is gone.

Rinse under cold running water, rubbing stain between fingers. Treat with a prewash treatment then launder.

Launder in hot water with extra detergent and chlorine bleach. Rinse and repeat as necessary.

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