Act fast, but carefully

Most stains are easiest to treat before they set. Blot — don't rub — fresh stains with a clean cloth to lift as much as possible before it soaks deeper into the fabric.

• Blot liquids immediately instead of wiping them across the fabric.
• Scrape off solids like food gently before treating the area.
• Avoid hot water on unknown stains — heat can set some in permanently.

Match the treatment to the stain

Oil, food, ink, and sweat all respond differently. Treating a stain the wrong way can spread it or set it further.

• Oil and grease: pre-treat with a small amount of dish soap before washing.
• Ink: dab (don't rub) with rubbing alcohol on a cloth, working from the outside in.
• Sweat and deodorant marks: soak in a mix of water and white vinegar before washing.

When to leave it to the professionals

Some stains — old set-in marks, delicate fabrics, or anything on dry-clean-only garments — are best left to professional treatment rather than home remedies that risk damaging the fabric.

If you're not sure, send it our way. We pre-treat stains as part of our wash & fold and dry cleaning services, so you don't have to guess.