What to do
Choose a pre-treatment for the stain and washable fabric, test colorfastness in an inconspicuous place, then follow the product and garment labels before the main wash. No single spray is appropriate for every stain or fabric.
Step-by-step
Read the garment care label
Check whether the item is washable and note its fabric, color, and washing limits. Separate special-care pieces from routine loads.
Identify and blot the stain
Record the stain type if known. Blot excess material rather than rubbing it deeper into the fabric.
Test the pre-treatment
Follow the product label and test an inconspicuous seam for colorfastness before treating the visible stain.
Wash and inspect
Wash the whole item according to its care label and the detergent instructions. Inspect the result before completing the drying process.