Treat stains immediately before they set

Address stains within the first few minutes whenever possible. Blot liquid spills with a clean cloth and scrape off solids with a spoon or dull knife. Flush the stain with cold water from the back of the fabric.

Why It Works

Fresh stains sit on the fabric surface and have not yet bonded with fibers. As stains dry, chemical bonds form between the stain compound and the fabric — proteins denature and coagulate, oils oxidize, and tannins polymerize. Once set, these bonds require much stronger treatments to break.

Tips

• Always blot, never rub — rubbing pushes the stain deeper into fibers
• Cold water for protein stains (blood, egg, dairy); warm for oily stains
• Keep a stain stick or spray in your bag for on-the-go treatment