What usually works
- Blotting freshly spilled liquid with paper or a cloth, without rubbing.
- Vacuuming dust and crumbs with a soft brush.
- Dry bicarbonate on the fabric, left for a while and vacuumed, as a help with light odour.
What the risks are
| Product | Risk |
|---|---|
| Washing-up liquid or soap | Leaves residue that hardens and attracts dirt; sets the stain deeper |
| Vinegar | Can discolour or leave a smell; not suitable for all fabrics |
| Bleach | Discolours and damages the fabric |
| Alcohol | Can leave rings and affect dyes |
| Too much water | Rings and moisture in the filling |
| Heat (iron, hairdryer) | Sets stains |
| Rubbing | Spreads the stain and damages the fibre |
When it is better to stop
If you have tried a product and the stain is still there or has spread, don't continue. More product usually makes it worse. Tell us what you used: it helps us choose the treatment.
What to expect from a professional
A professional treatment extracts the residue from the fabric and treats the stain with a suitable product. If residue is already there, the result can be a little lower than on an untouched stain. We don't promise that all of them will come out.
Related
DIY vs professional · Stains · Wine · Coffee