When trying to remove a stubborn stain, first establish what has caused it and what treatment the fabric allows. Apply a suitable stain product according to its own instructions, then finish the job in line with the garment's care requirements. Do not treat a temperature the fabric cannot take, a long soak or mixing different cleaners as a stronger method.
First check: the stain, the fabric and any earlier treatment
Before choosing a product, make three short notes: what the stain might be, when it happened and what has already been applied. The first treatment for grease, coffee and ink stains may differ. Nor should a stain that has already been washed or dried be judged the same way as one that has just been spilt.
Read the care label for a garment, and the manufacturer's cleaning information for a sofa or carpet. Do not apply a spray to a textile that does not allow wet treatment at home. Testing a small hidden area on a delicate fabric is a good preliminary check; it does not guarantee the result over the whole surface.
How the type of stain changes the first step
The ACI stain guide recommends acting early and doing the final wash according to the fabric's instructions. But the first step is not the same for every stain. The examples below should be considered only for textiles suitable for washing with water, within the fabric's own limits.
| Stain | First approach |
|---|---|
| Fresh blood | Do not use hot water at the outset; choose a suitable treatment with cold water. |
| Chocolate | Gently lift off the excess; then consider a pre-treatment suited to the fabric. |
| Coffee or tea | Check the suitability of treatment with cool water and the pre-wash option. |
| Grease | Choose a pre-treatment product suited to textiles; do not transfer a hard-surface degreaser onto a garment. |
| Dried mud | Remove the dry excess and plan a wash for the mark that remains. |
The age of the stain and the structure of the fabric can affect the result as much as the product used. Do not assume that every product will definitively remove all of these stains.
Spot sprays and pre-wash treatment
150 ml Fast Stain Remover Spray is offered for spot application to stains on clothing and household textiles. 500 ml Stain Remover is used for targeted stain treatment on textiles such as clothes, carpets, upholstery, curtains and tablecloths. With both products, the application depends on the fabric's own care requirements.
With the spray head you can apply the product directly to the stained area. When choosing a pack size, think about whether you are dealing with a single small stain or with more frequent applications on household textiles. A small bottle does not mean a guaranteed result in one minute or use without rinsing; read the application steps regardless of pack size.
- On delicate clothing such as silk, and on carpets, test a small corner first.
- Spray the product directly onto the stained area.
- Wait a few minutes; follow the current timing and application information on your packaging.
- Wipe with a cloth or brush suited to the area. If you are pre-treating a garment that will be washed, then complete the wash in line with the care label.
When a powder product differs on white laundry
Washing Power comes in a 510 g powder format for white laundry. It is not used on coloureds, wool, silk or leather. In the machine, one scoop is used alongside normal detergent; for soaking, follow the separate measure and timing below. Also check the instructions of the detergent used with it.
For soaking, dissolve one scoop thoroughly in four litres of water. The water temperature must be at most 40°C and the soaking time at most six hours. Six hours is not a target; it is the upper limit. Afterwards, wash in the machine or rinse thoroughly with clean water. If the garment has a lower temperature limit, keep to that as well; do not convert the scoop into a kitchen spoon or an estimated weight in grams.
Check the result when the treatment is finished
Look at the state of the stain before putting a washed garment in the tumble dryer. The ACI recommends reassessing the appropriate treatment before moving to the dryer if a stain remains. Rather than trying one product after another, stop the treatment if you see a change in the colour or texture of the fabric. On valuable and delicate textiles, get support from the manufacturer or a professional cleaner.
Frequently asked questions
Does the longest dwell time give a better result?
The dwell time is set by the product's instructions. Do not stretch the spray's few minutes into hours; and do not exceed the six-hour limit for Washing Power.
Can the 500 ml product be applied to a whole carpet?
The product is intended for targeted stain treatment. Check the carpet manufacturer's care instructions and test on a discreet area; do not use it as a general carpet-cleaning recipe.
Can I use Washing Power on coloured clothing?
No. This product is for whites only. For coloured clothing, choose another method suited to the textile, according to the product and garment instructions.
Will the stain come out completely?
No definitive result can be promised for every combination of stain and fabric. The type and age of the stain and any earlier treatment change the picture.