It is best to work from the back of the fabric as you apply your stain remover. Because the stain is on the front of the fabric you have a better chance of getting it out if you push the stain out of the fabric and not deeper into it. I try not to use a rubbing motion as it tents to work the stain into other areas of the fabric. A dabbing motion will work better. Always wash your stained item in cold water as hot water can set stains. Grease based stains are the only stains that hot water usually works better on.
