Stain Removal Guide: How to Treat Common Stains at Home

Intro: Speed is Everything with Stains

Stains love fresh fabric. The faster you act, the better your chances. Here are the most common (and stubborn) stains—what you can try at home, and when to bring it to Palthe.

Blood

Fresh:

1. Cold water (warm sets it)
2. Gently wring
3. Mild soap solution, wring out
4. Cold water rinse until clean
5. Air dry

Dried:

• Don’t try yourself; risk of fiber damage
• Bring to Palthe

Red Wine

Fresh:

1. Absorb moisture with paper (don’t rub)
2. Sprinkle salt (binds pigment)
3. Let sit 5 minutes
4. Rinse with cold water
5. Soap solution, let soak
6. Rinse until clean

Pro tips:

• Salt or sparkling water really help
• Never hot water
• If salt doesn’t work: Palthe for professional treatment

Oil/Grease

Fresh:

1. Absorb: paper, sawdust, or cornstarch
2. Place blotting paper on both sides of stain
3. Warm iron gently (not too hot!)—light pressing
4. Talcum powder or dry-cleaning solvent
5. Let sit 15 minutes
6. Brush off, wash

If it doesn’t work:

• Home solvent treatments (gloves!)
• Risk of color change
• Palthe has better chemistry

Ink

Ballpoint:

• Cold water + soap, gently wring
• Isopropyl alcohol on cotton swab (test hidden area first)
• Don’t rub; dab carefully

Permanent marker:

• Usually requires professional help
• Bring to Palthe; we have specialized solvents

Chocolate

Fresh:

1. Let dry (don’t touch!)
2. Gently brush off
3. Soap + cold water
4. If dark residue remains: test alcohol
5. Air dry

Dried:

• Soft brush + soap solution
• If stained: consult Palthe

Coffee/Tea

Fresh:

1. Absorb moisture
2. Cold water rinse
3. Soap solution, let soak
4. Rinse thoroughly
5. Air dry

Hours old:

• Cold water + soap still worth trying
• Wine stain approach (salt/soda water) sometimes helps
• Palthe for stubborn stains

Chewing Gum

Don’t touch. Freeze first (ice cube, freezer), then peel off. Careful—fiber damage possible. Palthe recommends professional only.

Pollen/Grass

Pollen:

1. Absorb carefully (don’t rub—spreads)
2. Cold water rinse gently
3. Soap solution
4. Rinse thoroughly
5. Air dry

Grass:

1. Brush first (not water)
2. Alcohol (test first!)
3. Soap + water
4. Rinse
5. Air dry

Chemical Stains (Paint, Makeup, Dyes)

Don’t try yourself—risk of damage. Bring to Palthe; we handle this correctly.

Golden Rules

1. Cold water always first (warm sets most stains)
2. Test hidden area before using chemicals
3. Don’t wring hard (fiber damage)
4. Don’t let stains set (longer = harder)
5. When in doubt: Palthe beats ruining it

When to Call Palthe

• Ink (any type)
• Oil > 24 hours old
• Unknown stains
• Delicate fabrics (silk, wool)
• Color risk (red wine on light)
• Chlorinated textiles

Call 070-3450379 for stain advice.

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150 years of experience = we’ve seen it all.