Glossary

Navigating the world of Stain Removal can be confusing. Stain Wiki has compiled this comprehensive glossary to help beginners and experts alike understand the terminology used in our articles and guides. Questions or suggestions? Contact us.

A

Absorbent Pad: Definition: A clean, white, lint-free material placed beneath or over a stain to draw out liquid and dissolved soils by capillary action. It prevents spread and helps monitor transfer during blotting.
See also: Blotting, Wicking.
Acetic Acid (White Vinegar): Definition: A mild acid used to neutralize alkaline residues, reduce soap scum, and help remove mineral deposits or some odors. It can help re-acidify fibers after alkaline treatments to improve hand and color stability.
See also: Neutralization, pH.
Agitation: Definition: Mechanical action that helps loosen, dislodge, and disperse soils from fibers. In spot cleaning, gentle agitation is achieved with tamping brushes or by rubbing cloth against cloth.
See also: Mechanical Action.

B

Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate): Definition: A mild alkaline powder that buffers pH, deodorizes, and assists in loosening fatty acids for removal. It can be used as a light abrasive paste or as an absorbent for fresh spills.
Synonyms: Bicarbonate of soda, Bicarb.
See also: Washing Soda.
Blotting: Definition: A technique of pressing and lifting with a clean absorbent material to remove liquid and dissolved soil without spreading the stain. Avoid rubbing to prevent fiber distortion or driving the stain deeper.
See also: Absorbent Pad, Wicking.
Builder (Detergent Builder): Definition: Additives that bind hardness minerals and raise wash alkalinity to improve detergent performance and prevent redeposition. Common builders include phosphates, zeolites, and sodium carbonate.
See also: Hard Water, Chelating Agent.

C

Chelating Agent: Definition: A compound that binds metal ions (e.g., calcium, iron) to prevent interference with detergents and to minimize stains like rust or dye catalysis. Chelators help keep soils suspended and reduce graying.
See also: EDTA, Hard Water.
Chlorine Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite): Definition: A strong oxidizing bleach effective at removing many oxidizable stains and whitening cotton; it can weaken fibers and cause color loss or yellowing if misused. Never mix with ammonia or acids due to toxic gas risk.
See also: Oxygen Bleach, Yellowing.
Colorfastness: Definition: The resistance of a dyed or printed material to color change or bleed during exposure to water, solvents, light, or cleaning chemistry. Always test colorfastness before spot treating with strong agents.
See also: Quick Colorfastness Test.

D

Detergent: Definition: A formulated mixture containing surfactants and builders designed to emulsify oils, suspend soils, and prevent redeposition. Unlike soap, detergents perform in hard water and across wider pH/temperature ranges.
See also: Surfactant, Builder.
Dwell Time: Definition: The contact time a cleaning agent remains on a stain to allow chemical action to work before blotting or rinsing. Adequate dwell time improves removal but must be balanced to avoid damage.
See also: Temperature.
Dye Transfer: Definition: Unwanted migration of dyes from one item to another during wet or solvent cleaning. It may require reducers or specialized dye strippers and thorough rinsing to correct.
See also: Reducer, Rinse.

E

Enzyme Presoak: Definition: A pre-treatment using enzyme-containing solutions to digest specific stain components like proteins, starches, or fats. Low temperatures and neutral to mildly alkaline pH typically optimize enzyme activity.
See also: Protease, Lipase.
EDTA: Definition: Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, a common chelating agent used to bind hardness ions and certain metal stains, improving detergent performance. It helps reduce soap scum and graying in hard water.
See also: Chelating Agent, Hard Water.
Emulsification: Definition: The process of dispersing oils into tiny droplets stabilized by surfactants so they can be rinsed away. Effective emulsification prevents oily redeposition during cleaning.
See also: Nonionic Surfactant.

F

Fiber Type: Definition: The material composition (e.g., cotton, wool, polyester, nylon) that determines heat tolerance, chemical resistance, and stain behavior. Proper identification guides safe stain removal strategies.
See also: Nylon.
Fluorescent Whitening Agent (Optical Brightener): Definition: Compounds that absorb UV and re-emit blue light, masking yellowing and enhancing perceived whiteness. They do not remove stains but can improve appearance after cleaning.
See also: Detergent.
Flush (Rinse-Flush): Definition: A controlled application of water (or solvent) to dilute and carry away dissolved soils and residues from a stained area. Flushing between steps prevents chemical interaction and ring formation.
See also: Rinse.

G

Grease Solvent: Definition: A spotter formulated to dissolve petroleum or fatty soils prior to detergent washing. Typically used sparingly with good ventilation and followed by thorough rinsing.
See also: Solvent Spotting.
Graying (Soil Redeposition): Definition: A dull, gray cast caused by fine soil redepositing on fabrics during washing. It results from inadequate detergent, low temperatures, hard water, or insufficient anti-redeposition control.
See also: Detergent, Builder.
Gum Removal (Freeze Method): Definition: Technique where chewing gum or sticky residues are hardened with ice or freeze spray and chipped away, minimizing smearing. Remaining tack is treated with a suitable solvent and rinsed.
See also: Grease Solvent.

H

Hard Water: Definition: Water containing high levels of calcium and magnesium that reduce detergent efficiency and promote deposits. Use builders or softeners to improve cleaning and reduce graying.
See also: Builder, Chelating Agent.
Heat-Set Stain: Definition: A stain that becomes more difficult to remove after exposure to high temperature from dryers, irons, or hot water. Treat stains before heat to prevent fixation.
See also: Temperature, Dwell Time.
Hydrogen Peroxide: Definition: A color-safe oxidizer used to break down many organic stains (e.g., wine, fruit, blood after enzyme use). Use appropriate strength, test colorfastness, and avoid contact with bare metals.
See also: Oxygen Bleach, Reducer.

I

Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA): Definition: A volatile solvent for inks, marker residues, and some adhesive dyes; it evaporates quickly and must be patch-tested for colorfastness. Highly flammable—use sparingly with ventilation.
See also: Solvent Spotting.
Insoluble Soil: Definition: Particulate matter (e.g., dust, clay) that does not dissolve in water and is best removed by dry methods before wet cleaning. Pre-vacuuming reduces mud formation and wicking.
See also: Vacuuming.
Ionic Surfactant: Definition: Surfactants carrying a charge (anionic or cationic) that provide strong detergency or fabric-softening effects. They can be sensitive to water hardness or incompatible with other charged chemistries.
See also: Nonionic Surfactant.

J

Jute Browning: Definition: Brown discoloration wicking to the surface of rugs or carpets from lignin-rich jute backing after overwetting. Controlled moisture, rapid drying, and acid rinse help prevent it.
See also: Wicking.
Juice Stains (Tannin): Definition: Stains from fruit juices and teas rich in tannins that bond to fibers and darken with alkalinity or heat. Treat promptly with cool water, mild acids, and oxidizers as needed.
See also: Tannin Stains.
Jelled Solvent: Definition: A thickened solvent preparation used to localize action on vertical or delicate surfaces, reducing spread and penetration. Gel carriers (e.g., gums) allow safer, controlled spot treatment.
See also: Xanthan Gum.

K

Kaolin (Fuller’s Earth): Definition: A fine clay used as an absorbent powder to lift oils and greasy residues from textiles and porous surfaces. Apply, allow to draw, then brush or vacuum away.
See also: Absorbent Pad.
Keratin Stains (Protein-Based): Definition: Stains derived from body fluids (blood, sweat), eggs, and animal proteins that are best treated with protease enzymes in cool water. Avoid heat before removal to prevent setting.
See also: Protease.
Knitted Fabrics (Care Considerations): Definition: Stretch-prone fabrics that can snag or distort under aggressive agitation. Use gentle tamping and support during stain removal to preserve structure.
See also: Mechanical Action.

L

Laundering Cycle: Definition: The programmed combination of wash time, agitation, temperature, and rinses used to remove soils. Match cycle intensity and temperature to fabric and stain type for best outcomes.
See also: Temperature, Rinse.
Lipase: Definition: An enzyme that breaks down fats and oils into more water-dispersible components. Especially helpful on salad dressings, butter, and body oils.
See also: Enzyme Presoak.
Lightfastness: Definition: Resistance of a dye or pigment to fading when exposed to light, particularly UV. Poor lightfastness can complicate stain removal and sun-drying choices.
See also: Yellowing, Xenon Lightfastness Test.

M

Mechanical Action: Definition: Physical energy (tamping, brushing, agitation) that helps detach soil from surfaces. Use the least force necessary to avoid damage or distortion.
See also: Agitation.
Micelle: Definition: A spherical arrangement of surfactant molecules that encapsulates oils and soils so they can remain suspended in water and be rinsed away. Micelle formation is central to detergency.
See also: Surfactant.
Mildew/Mold Stains: Definition: Organic stains from fungal growth that may leave pigments and odors even after cleaning. Treat with appropriate oxidizers and ensure thorough drying to prevent regrowth.
See also: Hydrogen Peroxide.

N

Neutralization: Definition: The process of bringing pH back toward neutral after using acidic or alkaline agents to halt reactions and stabilize dyes. It helps prevent rings, resoiling, and fiber damage.
See also: Acetic Acid, pH.
Nonionic Surfactant: Definition: Uncharged surfactants effective on oily soils and generally compatible with hard water and enzymes. They are often preferred for color-safe spot cleaning.
See also: Emulsification.
Nylon (Fiber): Definition: A synthetic polyamide fiber with good strength and abrasion resistance but sensitivity to strong oxidizers and high heat. Test oxidizers and maintain moderate temperatures during treatment.
See also: Fiber Type.

O

Oxygen Bleach: Definition: Peroxide-releasing compounds (e.g., sodium percarbonate) that remove many organic stains more gently than chlorine bleach and are generally color-safe. They require warm water and time to activate fully.
See also: Hydrogen Peroxide, Chlorine Bleach.
Oxidizable Stains: Definition: Stains that can be broken down by oxidizers, including many food colors, wine, and browning residues. Identification guides the choice between oxidation or reduction chemistry.
See also: Hydrogen Peroxide.
Oleophilic Soil: Definition: Oil-loving soils that strongly adhere to fibers and resist plain water cleaning. Effective removal relies on surfactants, solvents, and sometimes lipase enzymes.
See also: Nonionic Surfactant, Lipase.

P

pH: Definition: A numeric scale (0–14) indicating acidity or alkalinity that influences stain chemistry, dye stability, and enzyme activity. Matching pH to the stain type is crucial for effective removal.
See also: Neutralization.
Pre-Treatment (Pre-Spotting): Definition: Applying a targeted agent directly to a stain before the main wash to loosen and solubilize soils. Follow with appropriate dwell time, agitation, and rinsing.
See also: Dwell Time, Tamping.
Protease: Definition: An enzyme that digests protein-based stains like blood, egg, and dairy. Works best at cooler temperatures to avoid setting proteins.
See also: Enzyme Presoak, Keratin Stains.

Q

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats): Definition: Cationic agents used for disinfection and fabric softening that can leave hydrophobic residues, attracting soils or causing spotting. Rinse thoroughly when present to avoid resoiling.
See also: Ionic Surfactant.
Quick Colorfastness Test (Patch Test): Definition: A small, hidden-area test of a cleaning agent to check for dye bleed, color loss, or texture change. Essential before using oxidizers, reducers, or strong solvents.
See also: Colorfastness.
Quenching: Definition: The intentional stopping of a chemical reaction, often by diluting, neutralizing pH, or thorough rinsing. Quenching prevents over-bleaching and fiber damage.
See also: Neutralization.

R

Reducer (Reducing Agent): Definition: Chemistry (e.g., sodium hydrosulfite) that removes certain stains by donating electrons, useful for some dye transfers and browned tannins. It can also strip color—test carefully.
See also: Dye Transfer.
Rust Remover: Definition: Acidic chelating/complexing treatments (often oxalic or citric-based) that dissolve iron deposits. Apply carefully, then neutralize/rinse thoroughly to prevent fiber damage.
See also: Chelating Agent.
Rinse: Definition: The removal of loosened soil and residual chemistry with clean water to prevent rings and resoiling. Multiple light rinses are safer than one heavy soak on sensitive textiles.
See also: Flush.

S

Saponification: Definition: The alkaline conversion of fats into soap and glycerin, aiding removal of greasy soils. Washing soda can accelerate saponification on set oils.
See also: Washing Soda.
Solvent Spotting: Definition: Targeted use of organic solvents to dissolve inks, adhesives, and heavy greases prior to aqueous washing. Requires ventilation, minimal quantities, and immediate blot/rinse control.
See also: Isopropyl Alcohol, Grease Solvent.
Surfactant: Definition: Surface-active molecules that reduce water’s surface tension, wet fibers, and emulsify or suspend soils. They form micelles to carry away oils during rinsing.
See also: Micelle.

T

Tamping: Definition: Repeated light tapping with a soft brush or tool to work a spotter into a stain without grinding fibers. It increases contact while minimizing distortion.
See also: Blotting.
Tannin Stains: Definition: Plant-based polyphenol stains from coffee, tea, wine, and some fruits that respond to mild acids and controlled oxidation. Avoid strong alkalinity, which can darken tannins.
See also: Juice Stains.
Temperature (Water Temperature Control): Definition: Managing heat to optimize chemistry while protecting fibers and dyes; cooler water for protein stains, warmer for oils and enzyme activation ranges. Excess heat risks setting stains.
See also: Heat-Set Stain.

U

Upholstery Cleaning: Definition: Stain removal on fixed, padded textiles where over-wetting risks wicking and browning. Emphasizes controlled moisture, rapid drying, and solvent pre-spotting when appropriate.
See also: Solvent Spotting, Vacuuming.
Urine Stains (Uric Acid): Definition: Acidic organic stains that can cause persistent odor and discoloration, especially after drying. Treat with enzyme/oxidizer combinations and pH adjustment, then rinse thoroughly.
See also: Neutralization, UV Inspection.
UV Inspection (Blacklight): Definition: Use of ultraviolet light to reveal otherwise invisible organic residues such as pet urine or milk. Aids in locating and verifying complete removal.
See also: Urine Stains.

V

Vacuuming (Dry Soil Removal): Definition: First-line removal of loose, insoluble soils before wet treatments to reduce mud formation and wicking. Essential for carpets, rugs, and upholstery.
See also: Insoluble Soil.
Ventilation (Safety): Definition: Adequate airflow to disperse vapors from solvents and strong cleaners, reducing inhalation risk and flammability hazards. Always ventilate when using volatile agents.
See also: Solvent Spotting, Chlorine Bleach.
Volatile Dry Solvent (VDS): Definition: Fast-evaporating non-aqueous solvents used to dissolve oils without adding water. Use minimally and follow with detergent and rinse to prevent halos.
See also: Solvent Spotting.

W

Washing Soda (Sodium Carbonate): Definition: A stronger alkali than baking soda that boosts detergency, saponifies fats, and raises pH for difficult soils. Not suitable for wool or silk due to fiber sensitivity to alkalinity.
See also: Saponification, pH.
Wetting Agent: Definition: A surfactant that reduces water’s surface tension to improve penetration into dense or hydrophobic fibers. Enhances contact with embedded stains.
See also: Surfactant.
Wicking: Definition: Capillary movement that can draw dissolved soils to the surface during drying, forming rings. Control with proper blotting, absorbent pads, and rapid, even drying.
See also: Blotting.

X

Xylene: Definition: A powerful aromatic solvent used in some industrial spotting for inks and resins; it is toxic and highly flammable. Not recommended for home use—seek professional service and ensure strict ventilation if used.
See also: Volatile Dry Solvent.
Xanthan Gum (Thickener): Definition: A water-soluble polysaccharide used to gel aqueous spotters, limiting spread on vertical or delicate surfaces. Helps localize chemistry and reduce ring formation.
See also: Jelled Solvent.
Xenon Lightfastness Test: Definition: Laboratory exposure to simulated sunlight (xenon arc) to evaluate fading resistance. Results inform safe use of oxidizers and sun-drying practices.
See also: Lightfastness.

Y

Yellowing: Definition: Discoloration from aging, heat, residue buildup, or bleaching side reactions, often more visible under warm light. Counter with proper rinsing, pH control, and selective oxidation/brighteners.
See also: Chlorine Bleach, Hydrogen Peroxide.
Yarn-Dyed Fabric: Definition: Textiles dyed at the yarn stage, often with better pattern clarity but variable wetfastness. Always perform a colorfastness test before aggressive treatments.
See also: Colorfastness.
Yogurt/Dairy Stains: Definition: Protein- and fat-based stains that respond to cool-water rinsing, protease enzymes, and emulsifying detergents. Avoid hot water initially to prevent setting proteins.
See also: Protease.

Z

Zeolite: Definition: An aluminosilicate builder that exchanges hardness ions in water, improving surfactant performance and reducing graying. Common in phosphate-free detergents.
See also: Builder.
Zinc Oxide Stains: Definition: Opaque, water-resistant residues from creams and sunscreens that require solvent/emulsifier blends to remove. Pre-treat with an oil-based spotter, then launder warm with detergent.
See also: Solvent Spotting.
Zwitterionic Surfactant: Definition: Amphoteric surfactants that carry both positive and negative charges, providing mild yet effective cleaning over a broad pH range. Often compatible with a variety of additives and fibers.
See also: Surfactant.