Stains on light clothes, first aid

Short answer: Act quickly, use cold water and dab instead of rubbing. Hot water and the tumble dryer can set the stain for good, so hold off on heat until the stain is completely gone.

Cold water straight away

Most stains can be rinsed out if you get to them within a few minutes. Hold the fabric under cold water so the stain leaves the way it came in. Hot water binds proteins and dyes to the fibres. This applies to light pieces among the bestsellers from Copenhagen Bamboo too.

Dab rather than rub

When you see a stain, it is tempting to rub it away. But rubbing pushes it deeper and roughens the surface. Instead, dab from the edge towards the centre with a clean, light cloth. That way the stain does not spread. This goes for everything among the bestsellers for women.

Rinse from the back

Turn the fabric over and let the water run through the stain from behind. That pushes it out of the fabric rather than further in. It works especially well on thin, soft fabrics where stains soak through quickly. Place a clean cloth underneath so nothing transfers to the other side.

Do not dry until the stain is gone

Heat from a tumble dryer, radiator or iron makes the stain permanent. So always check it while the garment is still wet after washing. If a shadow remains, repeat the treatment and wash again before drying. This also applies to light pieces among the bestsellers for men.

Use a mild product

Water alone is not always enough. A few drops of mild detergent or washing up liquid help, especially on greasy stains. Work it in gently with your fingers, leave it for a few minutes and rinse well with cold water. Do not use bleach on coloured clothes.

Know your stain

Different stains need slightly different treatment. Protein stains such as blood and egg need cold water, because heat sets them. Grease stains such as oil and butter dissolve best with a little washing up liquid. Colour stains from berries, coffee and red wine should be rinsed quickly, before the colour binds.

Have a small plan ready

Stains tend to happen when you least expect them. It helps to know in advance what to do. Cold water, a clean cloth and a little mild washing up liquid cover most cases. If you are out, dab with a napkin and cold water and deal with the rest at home.

Wash as normal afterwards

Once the stain is treated, wash the garment as usual according to the care label. There is no need to wash hotter. If the pre treatment was thorough, a normal wash at 40 degrees is usually enough. Check the result before hanging it up, and repeat if anything is left.

Frequently asked questions

Which stains are hardest

Oil, red wine and blood, especially if they have dried in or been exposed to heat. The faster you act, the better the chance of getting them out completely.

Can you use stain remover directly

Always test it on a hidden area first, such as a seam or the inside of a hem. Some products can fade the colour or leave a pale ring.

What if the stain is still there after washing

Treat and wash again without drying in between. It is drying that sets the stain, so while the garment is still wet there is a good chance of removing it.