Stain Stand-By Kit

Swift action is always advisable to prevent spills and splashes from damaging surfaces, furnishings and clothing. Make sure you have a few basic ingredients in stock at all times to cope with emergencies (if of course you don't prefer paying for cleaning services).

• carbonated water or club soda (soda water)

• mild washing-up liquid — the eco-friendly ones are mild and non-coloured

• sponges and clean cloths — a generous pile of absorbent cloths for mopping up and drying, old cut up sheets, towels and t-shirts are good for this

• neutralisers — water, milk, sugar water, salt water

• white spirit — useful for spillages of substances with non-water solvents such as gloss paint, oils and glues

• biological laundry detergent — for more stubborn stains