1.  Using hot or warm water: Flushing a fresh stain with hot water may seem obvious, but it can have the opposite effect. 

2. Rubbing: Frantically rubbing a stain can make it spread further and also damage the weave of the fabric. Try gently dabbing the stain away first.

3.  Using too much stain remover: Using too much can make the area harder to rinse or dry, especially on carpets and upholstery.  

4. Working soap into fresh stains: Bar soap, soap flakes and detergents containing soap can set stains, particularly pigment-based ones like coffee, red wine and tea.