About
About The Stain Files
Stain removal and material care, with precautions and source limits.
The Stain Files is a reference for the moment something spills: 1056 step-by-step files for specific stain and surface combinations, plus files on every common cleaner, what never to mix and which popular tricks actually work. It is written for people who look after a home, a wardrobe and often a family, and who would rather know why a method works than collect another hack.
Each file explains the chemistry in plain language and names the specific risk for that material, because the most common way to ruin something is using a good product on the wrong surface: vinegar on marble, enzyme detergent on wool, acetone on acetate, bleach on rust.
Using the images
Every image on this site is original and free to share, pin or repost under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence (CC BY 4.0). Please credit "The Stain Files" and link to the file where you can. The download button under each image gives you the full-size version.
Corrections
If a method did not work for you, or you think a verdict is wrong, the most useful thing to tell us is the stain, the material (from the care label), what you did, and what happened.
Safety
Follow item and product labels, including protective equipment and ventilation directions. Store products in their original containers and do not mix them unless the exact product manufacturers explicitly direct that use. A website file cannot establish product compatibility. For valuable or dry-clean-only items, use a professional.