Alcohol-based and water-based inks behave differently, so it really does matter how you treat them. One golden rule, though: don’t rub – soak.

Ink and felt-tip stains can be tricky, as the colour tends to sink deep into the fibres. The key is speed. Start by blotting the fresh stain gently with a paper towel, taking care not to spread it further. Then, apply an alcohol-based cleaner, some isopropyl alcohol, or even hairspray to the area and let it sit for a few minutes before blotting again.

After that, rinse with cold water and wash the garment as usual. For more stubborn marks, try a specialist stain remover designed for synthetic fabrics – but always do a patch test on a hidden area first.