Rule two: Do not try and treat a stain with a colored washcloth. You want to always blot liquids with a white cloth. This will prevent dye transference onto the items you are treating. It would not make sense to stain the item further by dying it the wrong color.

Rule three: Work from the outside in. When blotting stains it is best to work from the outside of the stain to the inside so that you do not spread the stain. Spreading the stain could cause you further problems and frustration.

Rule four: Before trying to clean a stain, make sure that all solids are removed. For example, if you ketchup on your shirt, you will want to use the dull edge of a knife to scrape off residue before you blot.

Rule five: If you get an oil stain, often times stain removers will do little to remove it. So, instead sprinkle the stain with corn starch then wait ten to fifteen minutes for it become effective, then scrap corn starch off with a dull edge of a knife.

Rule six: Use cold water and dab the stain, do not run or press hard. Dabbing with cold water will usually lighten most spots or remove others all together. So, do not leave this step out.

What the stain is from will really be the determining factor for what sort of stain removal product you will use. For example, protein based stains, such as blood, egg yolk, milk, vomit, baby spit up, etc. which are commonly difficult to remove require the use of an enzyme detergent.

Tomato based stains on the other hand also require an enzyme detergent, but if the color will not come out you can use hydrogen peroxide applied with an eyedropper.

Another really useful tool when it comes to removing stains that easily spread is petroleum jelly. You can use it to build a dam around the stain, and work inside this space. The jelly will keep the stain from spreading too far, and will help you to control your work space.
Be sure to check the care label to determine what you should and should not use to treat a stain on the specific fabric type. If you are worried, you can always take the item to the dry cleaners and point the stain out. However there are many home remedies for removing stains, whether they are lipstick, grass, grease, or ink. So try some of those first. But remember to follow the rules above, act quickly, dap don't rub, etc. otherwise instead of removing the stain you may spread it or set it.

Try to remember to check for stains after laundering before drying clothes. The heat from the dryer will set a stain that would have once been easy to remove and make it nearly impossible.