First Aid Kit for stains

Domestic accidents, unplanned tasks? Don't panic! Armed with our stain first aid kit, you'll be ready for any eventuality. From the urgency of acting quickly to the importance of choosing the right product, discover proven strategies to regain the sparkle of your textiles. Follow our advice to act with confidence and efficiency at the first signs of a stain with the ultimate guide to removing stains, co-created with Pascale Allaert, Linen and Textile Care Expert - Meilleur Ouvrier de France Nettoyeur Primereur Teinturerie.

1. Act quickly
• Treat the stain as soon as possible to prevent it from becoming embedded in the fabric fibres.
2. Identify the task
• Determine the type of stain (grease, red wine, ink etc.) to use the proper cleaning method.
• Learn about the different types of stains in the next section.
3. Avoid rubbing
• Gently dab the stain with a clean cloth to absorb excess liquid.
4. Prefer cold water
• Always use cold water to treat stains. The heat fixes the spots.
5. Use natural products
• First of all, opt for natural cleaning products such as white vinegar, lemon, Marseille soap with olive oil and Aleppo soap, mild washing-up liquid etc.
6. Test beforehand
• Test the cleaning solution on a small, hidden area of the fabric to avoid damaging the material.
7. Treating from the outside in
• Apply the cleaning solution from the outside to the inside of the stain to avoid spreading it.
• You can also make a circle of sunflower oil around the stain so that it doesn't spread during treatment.
8. Rinse thoroughly
• Rinse the treated area with cold water to remove any product residue.
• In some cases, spraying water is more appropriate.
9. Let it dry
• Allow the fabric to dry completely before checking to see if the stain is gone.
• Never blow dry with hot air or in the sun, which will set the stain.
• To speed up drying, sprinkle talcum powder on the treated area, then vacuum or shake (do not rub).
10. Repeat if necessary
• If the stain persists, repeat the same cleaning process until it disappears.
• Use soft products so as not to damage the textile fibre.
• Learn to stop before damaging the garment.
11. Clean the entire textile
• For large stains, clean the entire item (carpets, curtains etc.) to avoid demarcations.
12. Consult a professional
• For complex or delicate stains, call a cleaning professional.

Did you know that each type of task has its antidote? Whether you're dealing with a splash of red wine at a romantic dinner or traces of makeup after a night out with friends, the key to success lies in the choice of products. This section reveals a valuable list of product-stain combinations to equip you for the most common accidents. Compose your stain first aid kit to use the right product against each enemy, ensuring the longevity and beauty of your textiles.

• Grease : dishwashing detergent + cold water
• Red wine : white vinegar (or lemon juice) + cold water
• Ink : Marseille or Aleppo soap + cold water
• Herb : white vinegar + cold water
• Blood : hydrogen peroxide + cold water
• Coffee : white vinegar + cold water
• Make-up : washing-up liquid + cold water
• Sauce : white vinegar + cold water

Gather your cleaning essentials in a handy kit to act quickly in the event of an accident.

Now you're armed with a robust and versatile stain first aid kit that's ready to take on everyday accidents with confidence and efficiency. But don't stop there: to deepen your mastery and discover even more techniques and expert advice, dive into our ultimate guide to stain removal, co-created with Pascale Allaert, Linen and Textile Care Expert - Meilleur Ouvrier de France Nettoyeur Primereur Teinturerie.