We never expect to stain our clothes, but that doesn’t mean we can’t prepare for the worst. When stains occur, we must act swiftly. Leaving a stain untreated too long allows it to set. Same goes for washing and drying stained clothes without the proper attention.

Different stains require different solutions to remove. Find below four pesky stains and how to eradicate them from your clothes.

Pen and Marker Stains

On coarse fabrics, you can use rubbing alcohol or acetone to eliminate marker stains. Dab a paper towel with either solution, then sponge the affected area. Continue to do so until you’ve lifted as much of the ink as possible, then proceed to wash it.

Alternatively, for delicate clothing, use a homemade solution made from vinegar, milk, borax and lemon juice. Follow the same steps above, only let this solution set for 10 minutes. Lemon juice and other citrus juices work on most apparel.

Paint Stains

Water-based paints come out easily with warm water and regular laundry detergent. That said, waterproof paint will resist rinsing so you must use rubbing alcohol to break down its resin. Once soaked, you can use a fingernail or Popsicle stick to scratch off the stain.

Oil-based stains need special removal solutions like white spirits or turpentine. However, some fabrics cannot handle such harsh chemicals, so consult your tags before treating.

Red Wine Stains

Like the other stains above, soak up any excess wine with cotton or paper towel. Immediately afterwards, sprinkle salt over the stain and let sit for five minutes. The salt draws out more liquid. To rinse, use boiling water and pour from at least eight inches above the fabric to flush the stain. You will likely need to run the item through the wash at least once to completely remove the stain.

Makeup and Nail Polish Stains

Surprisingly, makeup is among the easiest stains to treat. It simply requires water and detergent pre-wash to lift the stain and prep it for the cycle. Similarly, you can use ordinary nail polish remover to eliminate fabric stains. That said, always test the nail polish remover on the inside of the fabric to ensure it does not run the colours.