Removing stains may be one of the most challenging everyday tasks we can encounter. Once you accidentally drop that dollop of ketchup on your favorite polo shirt or spills coffee on your trousers, better get to action.

Remember, when it comes to stains, the rule of the thumb is: it is easier to remove new stains than older ones. In the middle of the worsening crisis, every possible way of saving and stretching the value of your money should be practiced, including the proper care of your clothes. Once you stain your clothes, you don’t have to throw or put it away yet.

Here are the general procedures on how to remove that stain that you should keep in mind:

1. Solid stains like mud are easier to remove when dry so remove excess liquid with a paper towel or cloth. Then gently scrape with a dull knife or metal spatula.
2. As heat will set most stains, avoid ironing or pressing stained fabrics.
3. Don’t rub the affected area with a dark-colored or linty terry cloth.
4. To avoid staining other clothes, wash the stained items separately.
5. Some stains set with soap so avoid rubbing bar soap on a new stain.
6. Stained clothes are either washable or for dry cleaning only. But before handing out your item to the cleaners, it is best to identify the fiber content of the clothing and type of stain for them.
7. Before drying your clothes, check if the stains have been removed. And do not put the fabric in the dryer if the stains are still there.
8. Don’t pour hot water on egg, blood, milk, and other stains of unknown origin. Hot water can set protein stains.
9. Better entrust your suede, leather, and fur to professional cleaners.
10. To make sure removal agents do not affect the color or finish of the fabric, test it first on the seam or concealed area.
11. Unless the fabric is durable and tough, excessive rubbing can damage the fiber, color, and finish of the fabric aside from spreading the stain.