Most stains can be treated at home — if you act quickly, use the right method, and know when to stop. This guide covers what you can do yourself and, just as importantly, when the garment belongs with us. The Swiss Laundry has been treating Kolkata's most difficult stains since 2013. We are always here when home treatment reaches its limit.
The Rules That Matter Most
Before you touch a stain, read these. Breaking any one of them can make a removable stain permanent.
If the garment is silk, wool, embroidered, structured, or labelled Dry Clean Only — do not treat it at home. Bring it to us immediately and tell us what the stain is. Every hour counts.
| Rule | Why it matters | When to call us instead |
|---|---|---|
| Act immediately | Fresh stains are almost always treatable. Stains left 24 hours begin to bond permanently with fibres. | If it has been more than 24 hours — we have professional solvents you do not. |
| Blot, never rub | Rubbing spreads the stain laterally and pushes it deeper into the weave. It also damages fabric surface. | If rubbing has already occurred — the stain may have spread. Tell us what happened. |
| Cold water on protein stains | Blood, egg, dairy, and sweat are protein-based. Hot water cooks the protein into the fibre — permanently. | If hot water has already touched a blood or egg stain — the protein may be set. Bring it to us. |
| Test any solution first | Apply to a hidden seam allowance. Wait 2 minutes. Some solutions remove dye from certain fabrics. | If a home solution has altered the fabric colour — bring it immediately. We may be able to correct it. |
| Know your limits | Some stains, fabrics, and combinations are beyond home treatment. Incorrect treatment permanently sets stains. | Always. Our 12-step process uses professional solvents, techniques, and equipment unavailable at home. |
When you are unsure — stop. An incorrect treatment is worse than no treatment. WhatsApp us a photo and our team will advise within working hours.
Food and Drink Stains
The most common category. The key is understanding whether you are dealing with an oil-based stain, a tannin stain, or a protein stain — each requires a different approach.
Curry & TurmericDifficult
1. Scrape off any solids gently — do not rub.
2. Flush with cold water from the back of the fabric.
3. Apply a small amount of liquid dish soap. Work in with your fingertip.
4. Rinse thoroughly. Repeat once if needed.
5. Dry in direct sunlight — UV naturally fades turmeric.
Red WineTannin
1. Blot immediately with a clean white cloth. Do not rub.
2. Pour cold sparkling water onto the stain — the carbonation helps lift it.
3. Blot again from outside in.
4. Apply a paste of salt and cold water. Leave 2 minutes, then rinse.
5. If faint colour remains, dilute white vinegar in cold water and blot briefly.
Tea & CoffeeTannin
1. Blot immediately.
2. Rinse with cold water from the back of the fabric.
3. Mix one tablespoon liquid dish soap with two cups cold water. Apply and blot.
4. Rinse thoroughly.
Oil & GreaseNo water first
1. Do not add water — it spreads oil further.
2. Cover with talcum powder or cornstarch. Leave 15 minutes to absorb.
3. Brush off gently. Apply dish soap directly to the stain.
4. Work in with a soft brush. Rinse with warm water.
5. Wash as the care label permits.
ChocolateFresh
1. Let it dry completely — wet chocolate spreads when touched.
2. Once dry, scrape off the solid residue gently.
3. Apply cold water from the back. Treat with dish soap.
4. Rinse thoroughly.
Tomato SauceFresh
1. Remove solids with a spoon. Blot the excess.
2. Rinse with cold water from the back.
3. Apply liquid dish soap and work in gently.
4. Rinse. If faint stain remains, dilute white vinegar in cold water and blot.
Food stains on silk, wool, or occasion wear? We collect from your door. The sooner you send it, the better our result.
Blood and Body Stains
All body stains are protein-based. The single most important rule: cold water only. Hot water sets these permanently and no amount of professional treatment can fully reverse it.
Blood, sweat, egg, and dairy stains are protein-based. Hot water cooks the protein into the fabric permanently. This cannot be undone — not at home, not by us. Cold water only.
Fresh BloodAct within minutes
1. Rinse immediately with cold water from the back of the fabric.
2. Apply a small amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide. It will bubble — this is the protein reacting.
3. Blot the foam with a clean white cloth.
4. Rinse thoroughly with cold water. Repeat if needed.
Dried BloodDifficult
1. Soak the area in cold salt water for 30 minutes.
2. Work in a small amount of liquid detergent gently.
3. Rinse with cold water. Repeat if needed.
4. For stubborn dried blood: a paste of meat tenderiser powder and cold water applied for 30 minutes can break down the protein.
Sweat & PerspirationCommon
1. Soak in cold water with a small amount of white vinegar for 30 minutes.
2. Wash at the highest temperature the care label permits.
3. For yellow underarm staining: apply a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water. Leave 1 hour before washing.
Makeup & FoundationOil-based
1. Do not add water first — foundation is oil-based.
2. Place a clean cloth behind the stain.
3. Apply dish soap or micellar water directly.
4. Work in gently with a soft brush.
5. Rinse with cold water, then wash as normal.
Body stains on your wedding outfit, sherwani, or silk? Do not experiment. Book a pickup and tell us everything — stain type, when it happened, what touched it.
Ink, Dye and Colour Stains
Ink and dye stains are among the hardest to treat at home. Act within seconds if you can — the bonding process with fabric fibres begins almost immediately.
Ballpoint PenOil-based ink
1. Place a clean cloth beneath the stain to absorb.
2. Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol or hand sanitiser.
3. Blot — do not rub. The alcohol dissolves the oil carrier in the ink.
4. Rinse with cold water. Repeat until the stain fades.
5. Wash as normal.
Gel Pen & MarkerWater-based
1. Rinse immediately with cold water from the back of the fabric.
2. Apply liquid detergent and work in gently.
3. Rinse thoroughly. Wash as normal.
Printer InkDifficult
1. Blot immediately — do not rub.
2. Apply rubbing alcohol carefully. Blot and rinse.
3. Repeat. Printer ink is very difficult to remove completely at home.
Colour Bleed / Dye TransferVery difficult
1. Soak in cold water immediately.
2. Do not put in the dryer — heat permanently sets transferred dye.
3. Oxygen-based stain remover may help on white or light fabrics.
4. For coloured fabrics: dye transfer is extremely difficult to reverse.
Ink on a formal shirt, uniform, or fine fabric? We use professional solvents that are not available over the counter. WhatsApp a photo — we will be honest about what is achievable.
Outdoor and Environmental Stains
Grass, mud, rust, and mildew. In Kolkata, humidity between June and September makes mildew a particular concern — garments that are stored even slightly damp can develop mould within days.
GrassTannin + protein
1. Do not wet the stain first.
2. Apply rubbing alcohol or white vinegar. Blot gently.
3. Rinse with cold water.
4. Apply liquid detergent and work in gently.
5. Wash at the highest temperature the care label permits.
MudLet it dry first
1. Allow the mud to dry completely before touching it — treating wet mud spreads it significantly.
2. Brush off the dried mud with a soft brush.
3. Apply liquid detergent to the remaining mark.
4. Wash as normal.
RustMetallic
1. Apply lemon juice to the stain. Leave in direct sunlight for 30–45 minutes.
2. Alternatively, use a fabric-safe rust remover (available at chemists).
3. Rinse thoroughly with cold water.
4. Wash as normal.
Mildew & MouldMonsoon problem
1. Brush off surface mould outside — never indoors, as spores spread.
2. Soak in 1 part white vinegar to 2 parts water for 1 hour.
3. Wash at the highest temperature the care label permits.
4. Dry completely in direct sunlight — UV kills remaining spores.
Store garments only when completely dry. Use moisture absorbers in wardrobes. Check stored garments every 3–4 weeks during monsoon months. If you find mildew, contact us before it spreads further.
Monsoon has affected your stored garments? Early treatment makes all the difference. We collect, assess, and advise before proceeding.
Wax, Glue and Adhesive Stains
These stains need a different approach — hardening or dissolving before removal. Never try to pull off wax or glue while warm.
Candle WaxFreeze first
1. Place the garment in the freezer for 30 minutes to harden the wax completely.
2. Gently break off the hardened wax with your fingers.
3. Place absorbent paper above and below the stain.
4. Apply a warm iron over the paper — residual wax transfers into the paper.
5. Replace paper and repeat until no more wax transfers.
6. Treat any remaining colour with a small amount of rubbing alcohol.
Chewing GumHarden first
1. Harden with ice or place the garment in the freezer.
2. Peel or scrape off the hardened gum.
3. Treat any residue with a small amount of rubbing alcohol.
4. Wash as normal.
Super GlueVery difficult
1. Do not try to peel dry super glue — it will tear the fabric.
2. Apply acetone (nail polish remover) carefully. Test on a hidden area first.
3. Work gently from outside in.
4. Rinse thoroughly after.
Wax, glue, or adhesive on occasion wear? One wrong step can damage the fabric permanently. Let us assess it first.
Knowing Your Limits
Home treatment is appropriate for many stains on washable everyday cotton and synthetic fabrics. The table below tells you clearly when to stop and call us. No shame in it — professional cleaning exists precisely for these situations.
| Situation | The risk of home treatment | What we do |
|---|---|---|
| Silk, wool, or embroidered fabric | Water and common chemicals damage these fabrics irreversibly. Shrinkage, colour loss, pile damage. | Professional dry solvent process. No water. No risk. |
| Dry Clean Only label | The construction or lining requires dry cleaning. Washing can distort the shape permanently. | We follow the label. Every time. |
| Stain older than 24 hours | The stain has begun bonding with fibres. Household detergents are rarely strong enough. | Professional solvents matched to the stain type. |
| You have already tried at home | Previous treatment affects which solvents we can safely use. Tell us exactly what you applied. | We assess first, then choose the right method. |
| Wedding or occasion wear | These garments have zero margin for error. One wrong treatment and the damage cannot be undone. | We have cleaned lehengas, sherwanis, and bridal sarees for over a decade. |
| Stain type unknown | Treating an oil stain with a protein method — or vice versa — sets it permanently. | We identify before we treat. Always. |
| Stain has not shifted after two attempts | Repeated home treatment can lock the stain in further. Two attempts is enough. | Stop at home. Call us. We often succeed where home treatment has failed. |
What the stain is, when it happened, and what you have already applied. This information directly determines what we can use and what we can achieve. The more we know, the better our result.
Stain that has not moved? Two home attempts is the limit. After that, every attempt locks it further. Book a pickup and let our team take over.
Quick Reference and FAQs
A one-page lookup for the most common stains, and the questions we are most often asked.
| Stain | First action | Use at home | Come to us if... |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blood | Cold water immediately | Cold water, hydrogen peroxide | Dried, on silk or wool, or hot water has touched it |
| Red wine | Blot — do not rub | Salt, soda water, vinegar | On fine fabric, or home treatment has not shifted it |
| Curry / turmeric | Scrape, cold water | Dish soap, sunlight | On silk, wool, or any delicate fabric — immediately |
| Oil / grease | Talcum powder — no water first | Talc, dish soap | On formal or structured garments, or if it has dried |
| Ink | Blot immediately | Rubbing alcohol (ballpoint) | On silk or delicate fabric, or printer / marker ink |
| Mud | Let it dry — do not touch | Brush when dry, then detergent | On leather, suede, or structured fabric |
| Wax | Freeze to harden | Ice, paper and warm iron | On silk, embroidered, or formal wear |
| Mildew | Brush off outside | White vinegar, sunlight | Extensive growth, or on silk and wool |
| Rust | Lemon juice in sunlight | Fabric-safe rust remover | Old rust stains, or on fine fabric |
| Lipstick | No water first | Dish soap, micellar water | On bridal or evening wear |
Common questions
No. Many fresh stains on washable fabric respond well to home treatment. But set stains, stains on delicate fabric, and certain stain types require professional dry cleaning. Attempting the wrong treatment at home can make a stain permanent — which is why knowing your limits matters as much as knowing the technique.
Immediately for silk, wool, embroidered, or structured garments. Also for any stain older than 24 hours, any stain you cannot identify, and any stain that has not responded to two home attempts. We offer doorstep pickup across all of Kolkata — call 9836233354 or book online.
Always cold water on protein stains — blood, egg, dairy, sweat. Hot water permanently sets protein. For oil and tannin stains, warm water is fine. When unsure, cold water is always the safer choice.
Yes — significantly. Rubbing spreads the stain, pushes it deeper into the weave, and abrades the fabric surface. Always blot gently from the outer edge towards the centre.
Tell us everything: what the stain is, when it happened, whether you applied anything at home and what it was. This directly determines what treatment we use and what result we can achieve.