That favourite shirt or brand-new pair of trousers – it's always the best items that fall victim to a spill. Don't despair, though. With a few simple laundry hints, you can tackle even the most stubborn marks. This guide will walk you through the art of stain removal for twelve common culprits, helping you keep your clothes looking their best.

Blood Act fast for this one. The key is to always use cold water, as hot water will set the stain permanently. Immediately rinse the stain under a cold tap. Gently work in a small amount of liquid detergent and then let it soak for at least 30 minutes. A cold machine wash cycle will give you the best results for a fresh finish.

Chocolate Scrape off any excess chocolate with a dull knife. Flush the stain from the back with cold water, then soak it in cold water with an enzyme detergent. Wash the garment in the warmest water the fabric can handle.

Coffee Rinse the stain with cold water and apply an enzyme detergent. A wash in the warmest water safe for the fabric should lift the coffee right out.

Cooking Oil Blot the stain with a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Apply a liquid enzyme detergent directly to the area, let it sit for about 10 minutes, and then wash in the warmest water recommended on the care label.

Deodorant Those pesky white marks can be banished. Create a solution of equal parts baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and water. Apply it to the stain, let it sit for 20 minutes, and then machine wash on the warmest setting the fabric allows.

Grass Work an enzyme detergent into the grass stain before washing in hot water. For more delicate items, a soak in mild detergent and cool water will do the trick before a gentle machine wash.

Grease Similar to oil, remove any excess grease first. Rub in some detergent, let it sit for 10 minutes, and then wash in the warmest water possible for the fabric before line drying.

Gum Apply laundry detergent to the gum with a toothbrush and then carefully scrape it off with a spoon or butter knife. Use a stain remover on any lingering residue and wash as normal.

Ink Place a paper towel over the stain and apply rubbing alcohol from the back, letting the paper towel absorb the ink. Repeat until the stain is gone, then wash in the warmest water permitted by the care tag.

Ketchup Scrape off any excess and flush the stain from behind with cold water. Pre-treat with detergent for about five minutes before rinsing and washing.

Lipstick Gently scrape off any excess lipstick. Apply dish soap directly to the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes. Soak the item in warm, soapy water for an hour, then gently scrub the stain from the outside in before washing.

Makeup For powdered makeup, shake the garment to remove excess. For liquids, scrape off what you can. Apply liquid detergent directly to the stain, let it sit for 10 minutes, then wash in the warmest water the fabric can tolerate.

For a professional clean every time, bring your laundry to Self Serve Laundry Co. We have the machines and expertise to help with all your washing needs.