stains

In the context of cleaning, stains refer to discolorations or marks on a surface caused by the absorption, adherence, or chemical reaction of a foreign substance. Stains can occur on various materials, such as fabric, wood, carpet, metal, or plastic, and are typically caused by substances like food, beverages, oils, dirt, ink, rust, or biological materials (e.g., blood or sweat).

Stains are often categorized based on their composition, which helps determine the most effective cleaning method. Common types of stains include:

1. Water-based stains (e.g., coffee, tea, juice).
2. Oil-based stains (e.g., grease, makeup, cooking oil).
3. Protein-based stains (e.g., blood, sweat, dairy products).
4. Dye-based stains (e.g., ink, wine, food coloring).
5. Tannin stains (e.g., tea, red wine, plant-based substances).
6. Oxidation stains (e.g., rust, mildew).

Proper stain removal requires identifying the type of stain, the material it has affected, and selecting the appropriate cleaning agent and technique to avoid damage to the surface.