A stain removing composition having a mixture of N-methyl pyrrolidinone and at least one solvent from the group consisting of 3-pentanol, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, propylene glycol n-propyl ether, and diethylene glycol monobutyl ether. Preferably the stain removing composition comprises, in percent by weight about 70-90%, N-methyl pyrrolidinone and about 10-30%, in percent by weight, at least one of the solvents from the group described above. In another embodiment, a method of removing a stain from a textile includes the steps of applying the stain removing composition to an area of application. After the composition has been applied to the area of application it is removed with a suction device or other type of absorption device. Water may be applied to the area of application after the composition has been applied to dilute the composition and help in the removal process.