Guide · 4-minute read
Red wine, grease, coffee: what to do about stains?
In brief: Blot rather than rub, use cold rather than hot water, and avoid home treatment on delicate fabrics. The fresher the stain, the better the chances.
The three key rules
Act quickly
A fresh stain is much easier to remove than a dried one. Absorb as much as possible immediately.
Blot, do not rub
Rubbing pushes the stain deeper into the fibres and spreads it. Blot from the outside in using a clean, light-coloured cloth or kitchen paper.
Cold, not hot
Hot water, a hairdryer or an iron can set a stain permanently. If using water, keep it cold.
First aid by stain type
Red wine
Blot with kitchen paper, then rinse with cold water from the back of the fabric. Do not try anything further on silk, wool or suits.
Grease and oil
Do not start with water. Gently absorb excess grease with kitchen paper without rubbing. On washable fabrics, a little washing-up liquid can help afterwards.
Coffee and tea
Rinse immediately with cold water. Do not use hot water for coffee with milk.
Blood
Use cold water only. Warm water coagulates the protein and sets the stain.
Make-up and lipstick
Do not rub or wet the area, as this spreads the colour. It is best to bring it to us untreated.
Candle wax
Let it harden, then gently lift it off. Do not use an iron on delicate fabrics.
Sweat stains
No bleach or hot water, as these can yellow the fabric. Rinse fresh stains with cold water.
What to avoid
Rubbing and brushing
This damages the surface, especially on wool, silk and velvet.
Untested home remedies
Salt, baking powder and stain pens can damage colour and fabric. If used at all, test on a hidden area first.
Tumble dryer and iron
Heat sets stains. Only put the item in the dryer once the stain is completely gone.
When to bring it to us
Delicate fabrics
Silk, wool, cashmere, leather, suits, evening and wedding dresses.
Old or unidentified stains
Dried stains and stains whose cause you cannot identify.
When the label says “do not wash”
Professional cleaning is then often the safer option.
From the workshop
Previously
AfterwardA stained shirt collar
A real job from our shop: before and after cleaning, not yet ironed.
How REGIO can help
We treat stains at no separate extra charge, at your explicit request. When dropping off the item, tell us what caused the stain, when it happened and what you have already tried. We cannot guarantee complete removal, but the sooner you come, the better.
