While treating stains yourself may seem like the most cost-efficient alternative, care needs to be taken. Improperly treated, certain stains will only set deeper into the fabric, making their removal near-impossible. The characteristics of the stain-causing substance and the stained fabric need to be considered so that you can judge which treatments will help and which ones will hinder your stain-removal effort. For your reference, here are some things to remember:

• Always blot the stain at once, and don’t rub it. Rubbing can make the substance penetrate deeper into the fibers and/or may damage the fabric’s surface.
• Some cleaners/chemicals may set the stain or damage the fabric or dye.
• Using water can loosen the staining substance and displace it, enlarging the stain and making it look even worse.
• Certain materials, such as silk, must be treated extra carefully because rubbing the affected area will break fibers, permanently causing the fabric to appear lighter in that area.
• Never return a stained garment to the closet. Spots and stains can set with age and food spills will attract insects, which can do permanent damage to the fabric.
• Once you have blotted the stain, consult your dry cleaner before attempting further action at home.
• It may sound a little self-serving, but the best thing to do when you stain any cherished textile is to take it promptly to professional cleaners (like Browns!).