Keeping stains and smudges at bay

HAVE you dropped your latte all over your lap? Spilled a deliciously yummy, supremely runny fried egg sandwich all over your shirt?

When the worst happens, Murphy’s law usually kicks in to ensure you’ve stained your best or favourite wardrobe item.

Check out these tips to try to rescue the situation.

> First, if it’s something you can take off ( a sofa cushion cover or other item) then look carefully before resting it on a surface.

Some surfaces like wood or plastic can absorb the stain, causing more trouble. Others may release chemicals that mix in with your stain, making it worse. The best surface to work on is glass.

> Second, try and remove as much of the problem as you can. Blot liquid with tissues or a clean cloth.

Scrape solid or viscous items with a spoon or chopstick. Whatever you do, don’t rub as rubbing will spread the stain and may push it deeper into fabrics.

> Third, try to rinse the blot out. Generally, water is the best as it is neutral. Using vinegar, white wine and other liquids may work, but they may also react with the stain or material and make things worse.

For example, vinegar will bleach cotton while alcohol reacts with acrylic. Always use cold water as hot water will set the stain.

> Fourth, either wash immediately and spray with a stain remover before you put it in the washing machine.

If using a remover, be careful as some can bleach or are made specifically for a certain type of material.

Read the instructions and follow closely. If you have never used the spray on the material before, test it by spraying a bit on an inside seam.