Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how Stain Wiki (“we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, discloses, and safeguards information when you visit https://stainwiki.org (the “Site”). It also outlines the choices you have regarding your information.

By accessing or using the Site, you agree to the practices described below. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of the Site.

1. Information We Collect

We collect information to operate a useful resource for stain removal guidance, product insights, and community interaction. The types of data we may collect include:

A. Personal Information
Personal Information is data that identifies you or can be linked to you. We collect it when you provide it voluntarily, such as when you engage with features on the Site. This may include:

  • Contact Data: Your name and contact details when you submit a message through our contact form, subscribe to updates, or otherwise reach out to us.
  • Account Data: If the Site offers account features and you choose to register, we may collect a username, password, and profile details.
  • Communication Data: The content of messages you send us and our correspondence with you.
  • Transaction and Billing Data: If you make a purchase through the Site, we collect information needed to process the transaction (e.g., billing address). Payment processing is handled by third-party processors; we do not store full payment card numbers on our servers.
  • User Contributions: Comments, ratings, questions, photos, or other content you choose to post in public areas (for example, before-and-after stain results or product feedback).

B. Non-Personal Information
We automatically collect certain information about your device and how you interact with the Site. This information does not directly identify you and may include:

  • Usage Data: Pages viewed, time spent, navigation paths, referring/exit pages, and general location (such as city or country).
  • Device Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers, and other technical details used to access the Site.

C. Information Collected Through Cookies and Similar Technologies
We use cookies, pixels, and comparable technologies to understand Site activity and enhance your experience.

  • Cookies: Small files placed on your device that help the Site function and remember your preferences. You can set your browser to block or alert you about cookies, but some Site features may not work correctly without them.
  • How We Use Cookies:
    • To remember preferences (e.g., content settings or newsletter choices).
    • To measure and improve Site performance and content relevance.
    • To support advertising and affiliate tracking, where applicable, including frequency capping and interest-based content.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to operate and improve a site focused on stain removal education and related services, including to:

  • Provide and Maintain the Site: Deliver tutorials, stain guides, product insights, and interactive features.
  • Process Transactions: Handle orders, payments, refunds, or subscriptions when offered.
  • Communicate with You: Respond to inquiries, send service notices, security alerts, and policy updates.
  • Marketing and Promotions: Send updates about content, services, or offers if you have opted in. You can opt out at any time.
  • Personalize Your Experience: Recommend articles, categories, or products based on your interests.
  • Improve Our Site: Analyze trends and user behavior to enhance usability, content quality, and features.
  • Legal and Security: Protect our users, our Site, and our rights; detect and prevent fraud, abuse, or technical issues.

3. Legal Basis for Processing (For EEA and UK Users)

Where European or UK data protection laws apply, we rely on the following legal grounds for processing, depending on the context and the data involved:

  • Performance of a Contract: To provide services or deliver products you request.
  • Legitimate Interests: To operate, secure, and market the Site in a way that does not override your fundamental rights and freedoms.
  • Consent: For activities such as certain marketing or non-essential cookies, where you have given permission.
  • Legal Obligations: To comply with laws and regulatory requirements.

4. How We Share Your Information

We may disclose information as described below:

  • Service Providers: Vendors that support Site hosting, security, analytics, communications, payment processing, content moderation, or customer support. These parties are required to use your information only for the services they provide to us and to protect it appropriately.
  • Business Transfers: In connection with any merger, sale of assets, financing, or acquisition, information may be transferred as part of the transaction.
  • Legal and Compliance: When required to comply with law, enforce our terms, or protect the rights, safety, and property of our users, the public, or Stain Wiki.
  • With Your Consent: We may share information for any purpose you authorize.

We do not sell, trade, or rent your Personal Information to third parties for their direct marketing purposes.

5. Advertising

We may work with third-party advertising and analytics partners to display ads and measure performance. These partners may use cookies or similar technologies to gather information about your visits to this and other websites to deliver content and offers that may be of interest.

  • Analytics: We use analytics services to understand how visitors engage with stain removal content and to improve the Site.
  • Affiliate Links: Some articles may include links to recommended stain removers, tools, or supplies. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission. Cookies may be used to track referrals for this purpose.
  • Opt-Out Controls: You can manage interest-based advertising and analytics tracking by adjusting your browser or device settings to limit cookies, reset identifiers, or enable privacy features such as tracking prevention. Disabling certain cookies may affect Site functionality.

6. Data Security

We implement administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect Personal Information against accidental loss and unauthorized access, use, alteration, or disclosure. Despite our efforts, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Data Retention

We retain Personal Information only for as long as necessary for the purposes described in this Policy, including to satisfy legal, accounting, or reporting obligations. We consider the nature and sensitivity of the data, potential risks of harm, and the purposes for which we process it when determining retention periods.

8. Your Data Protection Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the right to request access, correction, deletion, restriction, or portability of your Personal Information, to object to certain processing (including direct marketing), and to withdraw consent where processing is based on consent.

To exercise your rights, submit a request through our contact page at https://stainwiki.org/contact-us/. We will respond within a reasonable period and in accordance with applicable law, and we may need to verify your identity before acting on your request.

9. International Transfers

Your information may be processed and stored outside your state, province, or country, where data protection laws may differ from those in your jurisdiction. We take steps to ensure appropriate protections are in place consistent with this Privacy Policy when information is transferred internationally.

10. “Do Not Track” Signals

The Site does not currently respond to Do Not Track (DNT) signals. You can use your browser settings to manage cookies and other tracking technologies.

11. Children’s Privacy

The Site is not directed to individuals under 16, and we do not knowingly collect Personal Information from children under 16. If you believe a child has provided us Personal Information, please notify us via our contact page so we can take appropriate steps to remove the information.

12. Third-Party Links

The Site may contain links to websites or services not operated by Stain Wiki. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those third parties. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing information to them.

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may revise this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any updates will be posted on this page, and continued use of the Site after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised Policy.

14. How to Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, our data practices, or would like to exercise your rights, please contact us via our contact page: https://stainwiki.org/contact-us/.