'As a cleaning expert, these are the 8 stain removal hacks I swear by.'

There is nothing worse than spilling red wine on your favourite white shirt. Or when kids drape themselves in bolognese. I have lost count of how many fits I've ruined from stubborn stains I can't remove. And don't even get me started on the dreaded slime in the carpet!

Then I heard about organisation expert and queen of all domestic hacks, Anita Birges, the founder of Mise En Place and her hacks to get out every type of stain.

It's a game-changer (and wallet-saver). Pin this to your group chats. You never need to lose things you love again. Now you know these hacks, you can't unknow.

Watch: Anita Birges on decluttering kids' toys. Post continues below.

"As a cleaning expert and a mum of four, I've seen it ALL when it comes to stains," Anita shared.

"From red wine disasters to slime in the carpet, here are the stain-removal hacks I swear by, and yes, they actually work."

1. Fruit stains (on clothes).

How-to:

• Stretch the stained area over a bowl.

• Carefully pour boiling water from a height (this gives it extra pressure)

• Watch the stain literally lift out!

• Extra tip: For stubborn stains, add a little shaving cream and gently scrub with a toothbrush before washing.

Why it works: Boiling water helps break down the natural sugars and pigments in fruit stains. The heat loosens the stain from the fibres, especially in fresh spills.

2. Red wine stains (on tablecloths, woollens or clothes).

For a fresh stain, use boiling water like you would for fruit stains above.

How-to (for set-in stains):

• Mix 2 cups soda water + 2 tbsp bicarb soda.

• Soak the stained area for 30 minutes.

• Agitate gently and wash.

• Woollens: use the same soak, no boiling water.

Why it works: the carbonation in soda water lifts red pigments, and the baking soda absorbs the stain. Boiling water can help with fresh red wine, but avoid using heat on set stains, it can lock them in permanently.

3. Makeup stains (foundation, lipstick on collars, jackets).

How-to:

• Soak a cotton pad in micellar water.

• Gently dab (don't rub!) until the stain lifts.

• Bonus: It's gentle enough for delicate fabrics and puffer jackets!

Why it works: Micellar water contains micelles, tiny cleansing molecules that pull makeup and oil off skin and fabric without harsh scrubbing.

4. Oil stains (from greasy foods, body oils, or sauces).

How-to:

• Put a plate behind the stain.

• Cover the area with dish soap.

• Sprinkle over baking soda.

• Scrub gently with a toothbrush.

• Let it sit for 10 minutes, then wash.

"This combination never lets me down!" Anita shared.

Why it works: dishwashing liquid cuts through grease, and baking soda draws the oil out of fabric fibres.

5. Dreaded slime (in carpet or clothing).

How-to:

• Pour white vinegar over the slime.

• Let it sit for a few minutes.

• Gently scrape or pull off.

• Rinse and repeat if needed.

This works best while the slime is still fresh and gooey!

Why it works: vinegar breaks down the polymers that hold slime together, making it easy to peel and remove from fabric or carpet.

6. Sweat stains (on mattresses, pillows, white T-shirts).

How-to:

• Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide + dish soap.

• Apply to the stain and let it sit 15–30 minutes.

• Scrub gently and wash or wipe clean.

• Optional: add a sprinkle of baking soda for extra cleaning power.

Why it works: hydrogen peroxide breaks down proteins and discoloured compounds in sweat, while dish soap dissolves body oils.

7. Coffee or tea stains (on clothing).

How-to:

• Dab gently with micellar water using a cotton pad or cloth.

• Fold to a clean section and repeat until it lifts.

• Always blot and never rub!

• Bonus tip: keep a Tide Stain Pen in your bag for on-the-go emergencies.

Why it works: Micellar water dissolves the tannins in coffee and tea, lifting the stain without damaging the fabric.

8. Water-based craft paint (on clothes, carpet, or wooden furniture).

How-to (fabric/carpet):

• Dab paint stain with a microfibre cloth soaked in micellar water.

• Fold cloth over to a clean side as you dab.

• Once mostly lifted, lightly rub with your finger in the carpet pile.

• Finish with a clean wipe and let it dry.

How-to (wood):

• Use a cotton pad with micellar water.

• Gently wipe along the grain of the wood.

• Use fresh pads often to avoid smearing.

Why it works: micelles in micellar water attract and trap paint particles without spreading them, even on delicate surfaces like wood.

There you have it - eight tried-and-tested stain removal hacks from Australia's organisation queen.

Next time disaster strikes, you'll be armed with the knowledge to save your favourite pieces. Remember, the key is acting fast and having the right technique for each type of stain. Your wardrobe (and your wallet) will thank you!

What are your go-to hacks for removing stains? Share in the comments below!

You can follow Anita Birges for more organisational ideas and hacks on Instagram @mise_en_place_aus.

Feature Image: Supplied.