Be sure the method will be safe for the fabric as well as effective for taking out the stain. Refer to the garment's permanent care label. Always test the method on an inside seam or hem. Home methods are usually safe for washable fabrics. This makes it easier to find the stain when the article is wet, or when working from the wrong side of the fabric.
Heat sets stains.
Do not press a stained fabric or dry it in the dryer. Old remedies such as applying milk to ink stains are unreliable. The milk may produce an additional stain or set the existing stain. Some stains, such as soft drink or fruit juices, may be invisible or difficult to see because of fabric design. Use the gentlest method first.