Where do you go when you have a stain to get rid of? Let this Stain Removal Guide point you in the right direction...

First a few general rules for removing stains from washable garments:

• Some fabrics need special treatment - always read the care label before attempting stain removal. Take "dry-clean" only fabrics to a professional.
• Always attend to the stain immediately.  The longer a stain sets the more difficult removal becomes.
• Know what the stain is.
• Check for color fastness - pretreatments can change the colors of fabrics. Before using test in an inconspicuous area. Apply the pretreatment, waiting, then rinse and note if the color changes.  Remember colors are darker when wet. Sometimes a slight color change will not show till the fabric dries.
• Give products time to work.  Rubbing alcohol removes ink off most surfaces but not the minute you blot it on. Apply cleaner and allow at least 30 minutes - this provides the product time to dissolve the residue eliminating rubbing and scrubbing.
• Rinse the cleaner out of fabrics with one-quarter cup of white vinegar in two cups of cold water. Then repeat with plain cold water.
• Do not use heat of any type, including warm or hot water. Heat sets stains. Dryer heat will reduce the ability to remove stains.
• Blot, don't rub. Blot using a damp towel - place a clean dry towel under the fabric to prevent the stain from spreading.
• Launder the entire garment after treatment.

A Guide to Removing Common Stains...

• Ballpoint Ink:  Hold stain against a towel, spray closely from behind with aerosol hairspray. Ink should transfer to towel. 
• Beverages: Soak in cool water.  Wash with stain remover, launder with oxygen bleach.
• Blood: Immediately rinse with cool water.  For dried blood, soak in luke warm water with a product containing enzymes.  Launder as usual.
• Candle Wax: Scrape off as much as possible with dull side of knife, then iron between absorbant paper, changing paper until wax is absorbed.
• Chocolate: Pre-wash with product containing enzymes in luke warm water or pre-wash with stain remover.
• Cosmetics: Pre-wash with stain remover or liquid laundry detergent.
• Dairy Products: Soak in product containing enzymes for at least 30 minutes.
• Egg: Soak in product containing enzymes.
• Fruit Juice: Rinse with cool water.
• Grease or Oil:  Pre-wash with stain remover or liquid laundry detergent. For heavy stains place stain face down on clean paper towels. Apply cleaning agent to back of stain. Replace paper towel as needed.  Let dry naturally, rinse and launder using warm to hot water - taking into consideration the temperature fabric can stand.
• Lemon, Lime Juice, Vinegar: Rinse immediately with cool water.
• Lipstick: On linen rub with a little salad oil to dissolve lipstick, then launder to remove oil.
• Meat Juice: Rinse immediatly with cool water - never hot water.
• Red Wine: Cover with salt if stain is fresh, then rinse in cold water. If stain has dried try club soda.
• Tomato: Rinse with cold water.
• White Wine: Use club soda.