What Are the Protein-based Stains and How to Remove Them

Baby food and formula milk, cream or cheese-based foods, eggs, faeces and urine — these are all protein stains.

Fresh protein stains in washable fabric. Cold water may be all you'll need to remove them. Don't use hot water, because it can 'cook' the proteins, causing the stain to coagulate between the fibres in the fabric and become locked there for ever. For washable fabrics, soak in cold water for half an hour, put the stain under running cold water and gently rub the fabric against itself to loosen the stain. Launder in the washing machine in warm water.

Dried-on protein stains in washable fabric. With this kind of stain, you may have to take your stain-removal tactics to the next level. Soak washable fabrics for half an hour in a solution of 1 teaspoon liquid detergent (choose a biological containing enzymes — the label will say whether it has them) per 2 litres cold water. Follow this soaking by laundering fabric in your washing machine in warm water.

Inspect the item before drying. If the stain is still there, soak fabric for an additional half hour and then wash again. If the stain remains after that, your only option may be to add the recommended amount of oxygen bleach to the next wash cycle, especially if the stain was caused by a coloured ice cream, cheese sauce or baby food.

Fresh protein stain in carpeting or upholstery. Spray with cold water and blot, repeating until the area comes clean.

Dried protein stain in carpeting or upholstery. Lightly apply a solution of 1/4 teaspoon mild washing-up liquid (one that doesn't contain lanolin) in 1 litre cold water. Apply the solution to a cloth and use a blotting motion to work it into the affected area. Blot with a clean paper towel to remove the solution. Rinse by lightly spraying the stain with water and then blotting. Do this until all the suds are gone. Then spray again lightly with water. Don't blot this time. Instead, lay a pd of paper towels over the spot, put a weight on it and let it dry If the stain persists, repeat the procedure with a stronger solution : 1/2 teaspoon liquid detergent (a biological one containing enzymes) per litre cold water.

If that still doesn't completely remove the stain, moisten the stained tufts with a solution of 3 per cent hydrogen peroxide - you can buy this from the chemist where it is sold as a mouthwash. Let it stand for an hour. Blot and repeat until the carpet or upholstery is stain-free. No rinsing is necessary following this procedure, because light will cause the peroxide to change to water. But be careful: hydrogen peroxide is bleach and can drastically fade colours.

Carpet Cleaning London Expert's ADVICE:

Your first approach may not remove a stain, so check for any that persist after items have been washed. If the stain is still there, don't tumble-dry the item - the heat could set the stain permanently. Let it air-dry. Likewise, don't iron an item if a stain remains.