Tips on stains.

All items require regular cleaning to keep them in the best possible condition for the longest possible time. Cleaning helps prevent dirt getting into the fabric and causing wear.

Stains should be laundered or dry cleaned immediately as they also damage the fabric. Stains also set with age making them difficult or impossible to remove.

If you have to take immediate remedial action:

DO NOT - Rub a stain, although you may not see it, this can cause irreparable damage to the fabric that may become visible after dry cleaning.

DO - Blot the stain with absorbent tissue, do it from the edges in so you don't spread the stain and gently so you don't drive it into the fabric.

DO NOT - Rub with hot water or soak in hot water, this can set the stain forever.

DO - Dab with cold water or soak in cold water if it is a water based stain.

DO NOT - Apply salt to soak up the stain, salt can damage the fabric.

DO NOT - Iron over a stain, again this could permanently set the stain.

Prevention is better than cure:

DO - Protect your garments from perspiration as it can discolour some dyes and damage some fabrics.

DO - Apply fragrances, lotions, antiperspirants and other toiletries carefully or before dressing, they often contain alcohol that can stain permanently, can discolour some dyes and weaken or rot the fabric.

DO - Use the napkin.

Remember, whatever action you have taken:

DO - Still clean or launder the item as soon as possible.

DO - Tell what the stain was and what action you took.