How to Remove Stains

Protein based: Egg, milk, cheese, ice cream and blood - cold water first - hot water may 'cook' the stain - then wash. Soak in cold salted water. Wash in warm water and detergent. Bleach whole garment with suitable bleach (check label) Milk is also good to remove blood I have heard.

Drinks: Tea, coffee, cocoa, wine, juice and soft drinks - Sponge with warm water and detergent - add a bit of vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon to 1 cup. Bleach whole garment. 

Mud: Leave to dry first, brush off teh dust. Wash in water and detergent.

Perspiration: Sponge the stain with warm water and detergent. Wash whole article if possible.

Beetroot: Absord the stain, use salt. When salt turns pink, repeat this. Wash with warm water and detergent. I have heard that this method with red wine also works.

Stains which need special solvent or chemicals.....

Ballpoint pen ink, indeible pencil, grass, transfer marks - Mthylated spirits (meths)

Varnish, shoe polish, oil based paint - Turpentine (turps)

Chewing gum - harden with an ice cube. Scrape off the gum with a flat blade. Use dry solvent to remove the last traces.

Nail polish - Nail polish remover on natural fibres (cotton, linen, wool, silk) Amyl acetate (from chemist) on others.

Scorch - If the fibres are burnt you will have to do a mend or a patch. If the surface is scorched, brush them wash in warm water and detergent and leave in the sun. Bleach with peroxide.

Iron rust - lemon juice or cream of tartar. Spread over wet stain, leave to dry, wash out.

Grease - try absorbing it first with talcum powder or cornflour. Mix dry cleaning fluid with the absorbent, spread over the stain, brush off when dry (this works well for grease on wall paper.

Black grease - eucalyptus - FANTASTIC!!!