Secrets to Removing Stains The secret of successfully removing stains from wool articles is speed. Never leave a stain to work its way right into the fibre. Do not apply heat in any form, as this makes some stains more difficult or even impossible to remove. Avoid hard rubbing when removing the stain Apply cleaning agents such as dry cleaning fluid, methylated spirits, eucalyptus oil or mineral turpentine in a well ventilated area and ensure that no flame or lighted cigarette is nearby. When using stain removal chemicals, always check first for colour bleeding or bleaching on an inconspicuous part of the article. Apply the cleaning agent in small quantities to prevent over-wetting. Work from the edge of the stain inwards to prevent spreading. Blot the treated area with clean paper tissue or absorbent cloth. Always use white tissue or cloth. Thoroughly rinse the cleaned area in clean water and dry in the normal way. Ball point pen Treat with methylated spirits, then squeeze gently in mild detergent, and rinse thoroughly. Beer Rinse at once in cold water, then squeeze gently in mild detergent, followed by a thorough rinse in clear water. Diluted white vinegar may help remove stubborn stains. Again, rinse thoroughly. Blood Rinse thoroughly in cold water, then soak the stained section in mild detergent. Do not dry until the stain has been removed. Butter Treat with dry cleaning fluid and allow fluid to evaporate. Rinse area in cold water, then gently work in mild detergent, and rise again. Coffee or Tea Similar to butter. Soak stubborn stains in pure glycerine between treatments. Fruit & fruit juice If treated immediately, nearly all fruit or soft drink stains can be removed with cold water and mild detergent. Grass Treat with clean methylated spirits. Gravy & Sauces Use dry cleaning fluid. Allow fluid to evaporate completely, then work warm mild detergent into the stain, and blot with a clean damp cloth. Repeat this treatment if necessary, and rinse thoroughly in clean water. Grease Same as gravy. Ink Same as beer. Lipstick Treat with dry cleaning fluid. Allow fluid to evaporate completely, then squeeze gently in mild detergent and rinse thoroughly. Milk Same as butter. Oil Same as gravy. Latex Paint Same as butter. Oil-based Paint Treat immediately with mineral turpentine. This treatment is more effective if an equal quantity of dry cleaning fluid is added to the turpentine. Apply to the wrong side of the fabric. Any residual stain will usually be removed by blotting with a weak solution of white vinegar. Rinse thoroughly. Rust Treat with lemon juice or diluted white vinegar. Rinse thoroughly. Scorch marks Gently scrape away burnt fibre ends with white fabric. A very diluted hydrogen peroxide solution may then be used. Rinse thoroughly. Shoe polish Treat with dry cleaning fluid, then squeeze gently in mild detergent and rinse thoroughly. Tar Same as oil-based paint Wine Dab the stained area with clean paper tissue or absorbent cloth with water containing a little ammonia or dust liberally with absorbent powder such as chalk or talc and allow it to sit. Shake off and rinse the area thoroughly with clean water. Salt helps to remove red wine stains. Cover the area immediately with a thick layer of salt, and leave for several hours until all the moisture is absorbed.