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	June Jackson, who runs www.hintsandthings.co.uk, offering tips and advice on all aspects of household management, offers the following advice. June points out that whilst these remedies are given in good faith, mums must try them at their own risk and there are no guarantees of success.
	General tips

• Don't apply heat to an article before treating, as this will set many stains, especially protein based ones.
• Always treat a stain as soon as possible - the longer you leave it, the harder it will be to remove.
• Soaking in cold water and then washing as normal can remove many stains, especially if treated quickly. Never soak woollens, silks, non-fast colours, flame resistant or rubberised fabrics or those with metal buttons or fasteners.
• Before tackling any stain, test the fabric for possible reactions and colour fastness by applying the stain remover to a small hidden area and checking after 5-10 minutes. If there are any signs of the colour fading or changing do not proceed. Seek professional advice.
• Old dry stains can sometimes be removed by softening with glycerine (use diluted, one part to two parts water). Leave on for 10 minutes, then soak and wash.

June's favourite stainbusters

'One of the best tips I have come across and many people have confirmed its success is for removing berry stains from fabric. It goes against all the usual advice not to treat stains with heat! Stretch the stained item over a bowl or jug in a sink or bath and pour water as hot as the fabric will stand from a height, being careful not to scald yourself. The stain just disappears.'

'Stains from foods such as tomato and carrot can be treated with 20% hydrogen peroxide (1 part to 6 parts water). Just dab it on to the stain and wash as normal. This is also very useful for removing curry stains.'

Clever mums' tips

'Apply undiluted lemon juice directly to food or formula stains on white clothes and bibs, then leave to dry in direct sunlight.'
Jenny, 28, Exeter

'Baby wipes seem to get most things out of baby clothes as long as you act fast!'
Emma, 32, Fontwell

'Add one part rubbing alcohol to two parts water to make a good spot cleaner that works on a variety of stains.'
Lynne, 26, Chorley

'Sometimes just soaking a stain in really cold water and leaving it overnight can loosen it enough that it comes out in the next wash.'
Abigail, 31, Liverpool

'Chocolate stains respond well to being dabbed with a solution of biological washing powder and warm water then blotted with clean, white kitchen towel. If the stain remains, soak the whole garment in biological detergent before washing as usual.'
Carly, 34, Cardiff