Enjoying a relaxing cup of coffee in bed on a Sunday morning is a lovely way to start your day, until you spill some of your beverage on your new wool quilt.  Don't panic; your quilt is not ruined.  Here's how to get rid of that nasty coffee stain quickly and simply without using harsh chemicals.

What you'll need

• distilled white vinegar
• clean, dry towels
• clean, colourfast cloths
• enzyme stain remover (available from some supermarkets)

Note:  Never use harsh household cleaners or proprietary stain removal products that contain bleach on your quilt, as these can damage the wool and cause it to clump.

Always tackle any stains as quickly as possible so that the substance doesn't have a chance to dry and become deeply entrenched in the fabric of the quilt's outer shell.  Always blot stains, rather than rubbing them.  Blotting will lift stains from the material, whereas rubbing will just drive the substance deeper into the fabric fibres and may also spread it.

How to do it

1. Begin by removing the quilt cover if you use one, so that you can treat the quilt itself.  The quilt cover can then be laundered as per the washing instruction label.  
2. Take a small quantity of distilled white vinegar on a clean, colourfast cloth and dab it directly onto the coffee stain.  Allow the vinegar to rest on the stain for a few minutes to give it chance to activate.  
3. Now take a clean towel soaked in tepid water and use it to blot the stain.  Don't be afraid of applying plenty of water; the wool won't suffer for it as long as the water is not too hot.  
4. Next, use a dry area of the towel (or a fresh one) and blot the stain.  
5. You should see the coffee stain begin to dissipate and lift off the quilt.  Now repeat steps, #2, #3, and #4.  
6. If the stain is proving particularly stubborn, you may need to try a different strategy in order to get rid of it.  Place a small amount of enzyme stain remover on a clean, dry towel and dab it onto the stain.  Allow the stain remover to activate for a few minutes.  
7. Blot the treated area with a clean towel soaked in warm water.  You should see the remaining stain begin to lift.  
8. Blot the damp patch with a clean, dry towel.  
9. Hang the quilt somewhere warm and allow it to dry naturally.

For more information, contact Luxor Linen or a similar company.