Red wine, cherries, blueberries and raspberries can all leave behind vivid stains. These pigments are quick to set into fabric – especially if they’re left to dry – so acting fast is key.

When it comes to wine and fruit stains, speed really matters. The natural dyes they contain can soak into the fibres surprisingly quickly. Start by blotting up as much as you can with a clean cloth or paper towel – but don’t rub, as that can make it worse.

Next, sprinkle some salt or bicarbonate of soda over the stain – this helps absorb both moisture and colour. After a short while, rinse with cold water, then soak the fabric in a mix of lemon juice and water, or vinegar and water.

Finally, wash the garment using a stain remover, following the care label’s recommended temperature. For white clothing, a little hydrogen peroxide or oxygen bleach (like sodium percarbonate) can help lift the last traces of the stain.