The Stain Files

The kit · 32 agents

The kit: cleaning agents, decoded

What each product actually is, what it works on, where it is safe and what it must never be mixed with.

These entries describe broad cleaning mechanisms and material restrictions. Commercial formulas can contain several active ingredients, so an ingredient name or general mechanism does not establish compatibility or effectiveness. Use the exact product label and the item care instructions.

The bars summarize editorial restrictions across 29 materials: green means permitted only under stated directions, amber means compatibility still needs checking, orange means avoid, and red means never use. A patch test does not prove safety. Unknown combinations are amber, not permission to proceed. Read the individual file for the restrictions and source limits.

WA Water

HE Heat

DE Detergents and soaps

EN Enzymes

OX Oxygen bleaches

CH Chlorine bleach

AC Acids

SO Solvents

AL Alkalis

AB Absorbents

AB Abrasives

LU Lubricants

LI Light

CO Cold