Dress-Stains-Be-Gone

Dribble wine on your fine dress? Got a grass stain? Don't let a little spot put a damper on your evening--arm yourself with these stain proof tidbits of cleanly advice.

Try to doctor your dress as soon as you notice the stain. You'll have better luck breaking up a blemish if it's still wet.

Water is the ultimate stain-be-gone, especially if the spot is fresh. Water lifts away many stains like dirt and soda drops. Soak the fabric in water, or if you're wearing the dress, dab water onto the stain for several minutes. Don't rub, just dab. You don't want to spread the substance from a polka dot to a mega spot.

If water won't work--like when the stain is dry or really large--try rubbing a little liquid laundry detergent or dishwashing liquid on the bit of nasty and let soak for 30 minutes. Rinse well with water. If the stain disappears, let it dry and wear away.

For sweat, blood, or any protein-rich food like egg or meat from dinner, soak the stain overnight in laundry detergent. But be oh so careful with fine fabrics. If the tag says dry clean only, dry clean only.

Whatever you do, do NOT put your stained dress in the dryer. Heat will set the stain permanently. No good. This goes for all fabrics.

Every girl gets a little clumsy now and then. Don't fret--a dress well worn makes for a lifetime of memories. And if the stain won't come out, even after dry cleaning, the world will not fall apart. Promise. Every stain has a story and Tiza's always here to dress you up in a fresh, stain-free dress.