Spilled red wine, a grease splash while cooking, or an ink stain from a leaking pen — stains happen to everyone. How you react in the first few minutes often decides whether they disappear completely or become a permanent mark.
Acting fast is half the battle
The longer a stain sets, the deeper the dye or grease works into the fibers. Gently blot the stain with a clean cloth — don't rub, as that pushes the stain further into the fabric. For liquids like wine or coffee, rinsing the spot with cold water before trying anything else helps a lot.
Not every stain needs the same approach
- Grease and oil: sprinkle on some talcum powder or cornstarch to absorb the fat before washing.
- Red wine: cold water with a little salt can dilute the stain, but avoid hot water — it "bakes" the stain in permanently.
- Ink: dabbing with alcohol often works, but it's risky on coloured or delicate fabrics.
- Blood: always use cold water, never hot, since heat sets the proteins in blood and makes the stain harder to remove.
When is it better not to experiment yourself?
For valuable clothing, silk, wool, or lined suits, DIY treatment is risky: the wrong product can damage the fabric or make the stain permanent. If in doubt, leave the stain alone and bring the garment to a professional cleaner as soon as possible.
Professional help for stubborn stains
At City Stomerij Depot we treat stains with specialist products and know-how for different fabric types, so even older or stubborn stains can often still be removed. Not sure if a stain can be saved? Drop your garment off in Venray or Sittard or use our free pickup and delivery service.
Also check out our dry cleaning services for a full overview of what we can do for you.