A-Z of stain removal: A

ACRYLIC PAINT

If still wet, blot excess paint with absorbent paper and wash out with soap and water. If stain has dried, place an absorbent pad under it, if possible, and dab with cotton-wool moistened with a liquid stain remover or methylated spirits. On synthetics, test area first.

ADHESIVE

Quickly scrape off excess. Follow stain removal infor on packaging, or contact adhesive manufacturer. See also: All-purpose household adhesive (below), Contact adhesive, Epoxy resin, Paper adhesive, Super glue

ALCOHOL MARKS OR SPOTS

On furniture: if surface has roughened, try smoothing by rubbing with very fine steel wool dipped in liquid wax polish, working in the direction of the grain. Use this method with extreme care on veneered finishes. If the surface is not roughened, put a dab of cream metal polish on a cloth and rub the wool briskly in the direction of grain. Work in small sections at a time, wiping away cream at intervals to check progress. Finish by polishing the furniture lightly with wax polish. If the table is valuable or French polished, seek specialist help.

ALGAE

On patios: you can remove build-up of algae and grime with a high-pressure washer, which blasts off the algae with a jet of water. However, these can remove pointing between paving stones if you're not careful. If you do not have an outdoor electricity supply or a garden hose connected to a tap, try scrubbing with a stiff brush and specialist patio cleaner. Household bleach is a cheap, quick alternative. For heavy staining, use an acid-based cleaner. Products containing a fungicide will help inhibit future regrowth of algae. Warning: Take care when applying cleaning products near plants or grass, or in areas that are used by children or pets.

ALL-PURPOSE HOUSEHOLD ADHESIVE

Dab area with acetone until glue has dissolved. Launder fabrics where possible.

ANIMAL STAINS

On carpets: scrape away or blot up excess carefully. Flush area with a solution of sodium bicarbonate, or sponge with warm water. Blot dry. Clean and deodorise area with a proprietary pet stain remover such as X=O brand products, Help! or Pet Fresh spray. Shampoo carpet if necessary and blot dry.

On fabrics and upholstery: scrape away any deposit and blot dry. If it is not possible to remove the area, isolate and gather it up by tying string tightly around it. Rinse under cold running water or treat with a proprietary pet stain remover such as those made by Shaws, available from pet shops.