Baking, cooking, eating – and before you know it, there’s a grease mark.

These stains repel water, so a normal wash often won’t do the trick. It’s best to start with a degreaser or a bit of washing-up liquid.

When it comes to removing grease or oil stains, quick action makes all the difference – they set into the fabric very quickly. First, blot up as much as you can with a paper towel or clean cloth, but don’t rub. Then sprinkle bicarbonate of soda, baking powder or even a little cornflour over the area to absorb the excess oil. Leave it for at least 15 minutes, then gently brush it off.

Next, rub in a small amount of liquid detergent or a degreasing product, leave it to work, then rinse and wash the garment as usual. If needed, you can repeat the process until the stain disappears completely. For tougher, older stains, a proper degreaser may be your best option – just check the fabric care label first.