The stain mistakes that make things worse (2024)

Spills and stains are a part of daily life, especially for those of us with children and pets! Whether its felt tip pen stains on the wall or grass stains on clothes, the last thing you want is to accidentally make the problem worse while you try to lessen the damage.

Here at the Good Housekeeping, we know a thing or two about stain removal, so we asked our experts for the top 10 mistakes you should avoid making.

1. Using hot or warm water

Flushing a fresh stain with hot water may seem obvious, but it can have the opposite effect. Hot water can permanently set some stains, particularly those that are protein-based, like blood. Instead, always use cold water.

2. Rubbing

Frantically rubbing a stain can make it spread further and also damage the weave of the fabric. Try gently dabbing the stain away first.

3. Using too much stain remover

It can be tempting to think more is better when it comes to stain removers, but go easy. Using too much can make the area harder to rinse or dry, especially on carpets and upholstery. Light, repeated applications of a remover work much better than flooding a stain.

4. Working soap into fresh stains

Bar soap, soap flakes and detergents containing soap can set stains, particularly pigment-based ones like coffee, red wine and tea. Start by rinsing with cold water.

5. Putting salt on red wine

A common misconception is that salt can help to remove red wine stains, but this is a myth. Salt will set the stain permanently. The same is true for coffee, tea and cola stains.

Instead, we'd recommend rinsing with cold water and following up with a stain remover like Wine No More!.

6. Mixing stain removal products

It’s generally a bad idea to mix chemicals. If they react together, there can be very unpleasant consequences – particularly with chlorine bleach and ammonia, which will create a lethal cloud of chlorine gas!

7. Using enzyme-based products on silk and wool

Enzymes break down protein fibres, so if used on fabrics such as silk and wool, it could potentially ruin your favourite item of clothing. Instead, look out for non-enzyme products and detergents specifically designed for delicates.

8. Putting chlorine bleach on silk and wool

These fabrics are too delicate to withstand the harsh effects of bleach. There are some synthetics that won’t cope either, so always check the label. Instead, use a different stain remover to refresh your wool and silk.

9. Trying to remove stains from antique fabrics

Antique fabric is particularly delicate, so you’re better off getting an expert to fix it. Take it to a professional for peace of mind.

10. Don't give up!

Some stains respond slowly, so you may need to repeat procedures several times before they disappear. Persevere and you’ll often see the result you want.