Stains are best treated within the first hour. The longer they sit, the deeper they bind to the fibre — especially on cotton and wool. This guide covers the ten stains we see most often at DipDryCare and what to do before bringing the garment in.
The golden rules
- Blot, never rub — rubbing spreads the stain and damages fibres.
- Cold water first for protein stains (blood, egg, milk). Hot water sets them permanently.
- Test any remover on an inside seam before applying to the visible surface.
- Avoid the iron until the stain is fully gone — heat locks it in.
Oil and grease
Sprinkle talc or corn flour on the fresh stain and leave for 15 minutes to absorb. Brush off, then apply a drop of dishwashing liquid and work it in gently. Rinse under cold water before a normal wash.
Turmeric and curry
Turmeric reacts with soap and deepens the yellow — so rinse first with plain cold water, then soak in a mix of lemon juice and baking soda for 30 minutes. Sunlight exposure after washing helps lift residual colour.
Ink (ballpoint)
Place a clean cloth under the stain. Dab (don't rub) with isopropyl alcohol or hand sanitiser until the ink transfers to the cloth underneath. Wash normally.
Red wine
Immediately blot with a dry cloth. Cover the stain with table salt to absorb the liquid, then rinse with cold sparkling water. Wash with a regular detergent — never warm water first.
When to call a professional
Silk, wool, leather, and structured garments (suits, sarees, lehengas) should go to a dry cleaner. Home treatment on these fabrics often causes water rings or colour bleed that cannot be reversed. DipDryCare offers dry cleaning near you with free pickup across serviced cities — including a dedicated dry cleaning service in Delhi and Mumbai. Schedule in under 60 seconds.