To Get Rid of…
Coffee / Dark Beverages
Soak with water ASAP. If the stain sets, make a mild solution of cold, soapy water and a capful of white vinegar to gently scrub the area.
Red Wine
Blot out what you can with a thick napkin. Quickly coat the stain in salt or another dry, powdery substance like baking soda and let it sit for a few minutes to pull out as much of the wine as possible. Gently brush off the salt. If the stain is still visible, pour very hot or boiling water over the salt treatment and repeat as needed. If the stain persists, spoon small amounts of white vinegar onto the area and flush it through the fabric with cold water under the tap, or use an oxy cleaner if you have one.
Oil / Grease / Cosmetics
Use a butter knife to scrape off anything on the surface, then apply a layer of baking soda and let it sit for 10 minutes. Scrub the area with a clean toothbrush. When the baking soda turns a brownish color, scrape it off and repeat the process until it no longer turns brown. Squeeze a small amount of dish soap over the stain and let it sit for 15 minutes. Wash in the hottest water allowed for the fabric. Be sure to check the stain before putting the garment in the dryer.
Chocolate
A moment on the lips, a lifetime on your favorite blouse. Chocolate stains are complicated because there’s so much variety in ingredients. Milk chocolate contains proteins and fats that will bind to clothes fast and cook in with heat, while dark chocolate contains tannins which can stain worse than some red wines. A dependable process is to scrape off any surface solids with a knife, being careful not to spread or smear any chocolate bits deeper into the cloth. Next, run the garment under cold water to dissolve what you can. Once wet, coat the affected area in laundry detergent and let it sit for about 10 minutes before submerging the stain in a container of cold water and attempting to rub it out. Allow it to air dry. With chocolate stains, persistence is key. Expect to go over the stain a few times for full removal.
Blood
Accidents happen. For this one in particular, keep away from heat! Anything hot can actually cook the proteins in body fluid stains and bake them into your clothes and furniture. Cover the stain in baking soda and add some white vinegar, a capful at a time, to make a paste on top of the stain. The chemical reaction will take you back to your elementary school science days, but in a few strokes of a clean toothbrush, your stain will be history. Rinse and repeat as necessary.
Ink
Ink stains can be beat with a little whitening toothpaste and elbow grease. Squeeze some toothpaste along the length of the ink stain and rub with a rag or toothbrush. If the stain is stubborn, try adding a few drops of rubbing alcohol.
