Treating Stains, Woollen Clothing

Here at Number 10 Savile Row, we use a lot of woollen cloth in our bespoke tailoring.

So what happens if you find a stain or mark on your woollen clothes?

Alcoholic drinks: dab gently with an absorbent, lint free cloth to remove as much excess liquid as possible. Then sponge the area sparingly with warm water and surgical spirit or rubbing alcohol in equal parts

Black coffee: mix alcohol with white vinegar in equal parts, soak a lint free cloth in the solution and lightly dab the stained area before pressing gently with an absorbent cloth.

Blood: remove excess blood immediately with a damp sponge, then gently dab the area using diluted white vinegar followed by cold water.

Butter/Grease/Sauces: if a greasy mark forms, firstly scrape the surface of the stain with a spoon or knife to remove excess oil. Then soak a lint free cloth in proprietary grease remover or white spirit and gently dab the area.

Chocolate/White Coffee/Tea: dab gently around the edge of the stain with a cloth soaked in white spirit before following instructions for black coffee.

Egg/Milk: dab gently with a lint free cloth soaked in white spirit. Repeat the action with a cloth soaked in diluted white vinegar.

Fruit/Fruit Juice/Red Wine: immediately dab the stain with a mixture of surgical spirit or rubbing alcohol and water (3:1 ratio).

Grass: apply soap very carefully (using a mild tablet soap or flakes), or dab gently with a lint free cloth soaked in surgical spirit or rubbing alcohol.

Ink/Ballpoint Pen: dab gently with a lint free cloth soaked in white spirit. Repeat the action with a cloth soaked in diluted white vinegar or surgical spirit or rubbing alcohol.

Lipstick/Make-Up/Shoe Polish: rub gently with a lint free cloth soaked in turpentine or spot cleaning spray or fluid. Rinse with mild soapy water.