Whether you work from home or in an office, chances are you’ve spilled something on your clothes at some point. Maybe it was a coffee break gone wrong, a lunchtime mishap, or a clumsy co-worker. Stains can ruin your professional appearance and make you feel self-conscious. But with some know-how, workplace stains can be dealt with in the moment and fully removed in the laundry.

Immediately

• Act fast. The sooner you treat a stain, the easier it will be to remove.
• Blot, don’t rub. Rubbing can spread the stain and damage the fabric. Use a clean cloth or paper towel to gently blot the stain from the outside in.

Laundry Time

• Check the label. Different fabrics may require different cleaning methods. Follow the instructions on the garment’s care label and test any product on a hidden area first.
• Use cold water. Hot water can set some stains, especially protein-based ones like blood or milk. Rinse the stain with cold water or soak it in a basin of cold water with a mild detergent.
• Avoid the dryer. Heat can also set stains, so don’t put your clothes in the dryer until you’re sure the stain is gone. Air-dry them instead or use a low-heat setting.

For specific instructions, like how to get out coffee, tea, or ink stains, check out our stain removal guide.