With a stain, acting quickly is often useful, but the right approach depends on both the stain and the fabric. Gently dab away excess moisture or product and read the care label first before using any product. With delicate or coloured fabrics, test a stain remover on an inconspicuous spot.
The five golden rules
- Be quick. A fresh stain is much easier to remove than one that has dried in.
- Dab, do not rub. Rubbing pushes the stain deeper into the fibres and can roughen the fabric, especially with fine knitwear.
- Do not automatically use hot water. The right temperature depends on the stain and the material. Follow the label and the chosen stain remover.
- Work from the outside in. That prevents the stain from getting bigger.
- Check that the stain is gone before drying. Heat can make some residues harder to remove.
Summer stains at a glance
| Stain | First step | Then |
|---|---|---|
| Sunscreen | Gently remove excess product | Use a product suitable for grease stains and the fabric; follow the product instructions |
| Rosé or red wine | Dab away as much as possible | Treat with a suitable stain remover according to its label and the care label |
| Sweat and deodorant | Cold water on the underarm or collar | Work in a mild detergent and wash at the lowest permitted temperature |
| Grass | Do not rub when wet, let it dry first and brush it out | Massage in a stain remover, then wash |
| Ice cream or chocolate | Scrape off the remains, rinse with cold water | Work in detergent, wash according to the label |
| Coffee | Dab, rinse with cold water | Mild detergent, wash according to the label |
White needs extra attention
Stains show up more quickly on white, but that does not mean white clothing can automatically be treated more harshly. The white Hamilton, for example, has its own delicate wash advice up to a maximum of 30 °C. So always follow the specific label. Read more about cotton.
With finer blouses such as Delphine and Cordelia, it is extra important to follow the care label and the label of the stain remover. Both have a maximum wash advice of 30 °C.
With white trousers such as Harrison, treat grass or terrace stains based on the fabric and the product you chose. Test on an inconspicuous spot first and then wash according to the label.
What you had better not do
- Only use bleach when the label and the product allow it. Many garments in this selection explicitly state: do not bleach.
- Do not use a household remedy without checking whether it is suitable for the fabric.
- Choose the water temperature based on the care label and the stain remover.
- Do not iron over a stain. The heat sets it.
A small stain kit for summer
If you spend a lot of time on terraces, at parties or travelling, a small kit in your bag or suitcase is useful: a stain pen for on the go, a few paper napkins and a mini bottle of mild washing-up liquid. At home, keep a soft brush, a stain remover for coloured stains and a delicate detergent ready. With those you can deal with most summer mishaps straight away.
Step by step: a sunscreen stain on a white collar
- Gently remove excess sunscreen without smearing the stain further.
- Place a clean cloth behind the fabric if you use a liquid stain remover.
- Check that the chosen product is suitable for the material and test it on an inconspicuous spot.
- Follow the product's working time; longer is not automatically better.
- Rinse or wash as both the product and the garment label prescribe.
- Check the spot before using heat to dry or iron.
Preventing stains is easier
Let sunscreen and deodorant absorb as much as possible before you get dressed, and check light clothing for stains after wearing. The sooner you know what the stain is, the more specifically you can treat it.
Stains on fine knitwear
With fine knitwear, hard rubbing can damage the surface. So dab gently and only use a product that is suitable for the material. For washing and drying afterwards, follow the care label of the specific knitwear product.
When to go to the dry cleaner?
If the label says a garment may only be dry cleaned, or if it is a large stain on a piece you cherish, take it to a dry cleaner. Tell them what the stain is and what you have already done about it. For general washing advice per material, you can visit our page with care instructions. Also take a look at our blouses and shirts in white.
Shop the look
Hamilton: shirt with Italian collar, white
Delphine: tailored blouse with princess seams, white
Cordelia: blouse with V-neck, white
Harrison: tapered trousers with pleats, white
Atticus: striped cotton polo, white
Frequently asked questions
How do I get sunscreen out of a white blouse?
Gently remove excess product and then use a stain remover that is suitable for the blouse and the grease stain. Follow both the product label and the care label.
Does cold or warm water work better against stains?
There is no universal temperature for all stains. Follow the garment label and the instructions of the stain remover.
How do I prevent yellow sweat marks in white polos?
Let deodorant dry before getting dressed and wash Atticus according to the current care label. For underarm or collar stains, only use a suitable pre-treatment product.
Can I return a garment with a stain?
A return must be in its original condition. See the conditions on our returns page.
