Stain Treatment Guide

Helpful Tips for the U S Chemical Training Department

INTRODUCTION TO STAINS 2. OXIDIZABLE. These stains are caused by the color based materials
found in food, medicine and many cosmetics. They respond well to
Stains are discolored areas on a fabric. They come in all shapes and sizes. All stains have
color, even if that color is white. There is no such thing as a colorless stain. Attempting chlorine or oxygen bleaching if done at higher concentrations than
to identify what has caused a stain on a piece of fabric can be a difficult process. The are found in a normal washing cycle. Bleaching, especially in higher
best way to identify reoccurring staining is by surveying the environment and working concentrations, can damage the fabric so care must be used.
backwards through the fabric use cycle to identify where the staining is occurring. 3. METALLIC. Iron or rust stains are the most common stains of this type.
Once this is determined, then identifying what is causing the staining is considerably Other metals can also cause staining, such as copper, manganese,
easier. If this process cannot be performed, then identifying the stain is often a matter aluminum, iron and stainless steel. They respond well to rust removing
of observing the appearance and color of the stain. While there is some guesswork products and most delimers.
involved, with training many conclusions can be reached by critically evaluating the
appearance of the stain. 4. REDUCIBLE. These stains are generally dyes found in hair preparations
or fugitive dyes that respond well to reducing bleaches, such as the
Stain removal can be thought of as a process using the following steps: powdered IND/COM Rust Remover.
1. Identify the stain
2. Pretreat the stain (prespotting or presoaking) STAIN IDENTIFICATION BY COLOR
3. Launder in a normal cycle of break, suds and bleach Often the source of staining can be determined by the color of the stain. Different
types of materials that can cause stains are common in certain types of facilities.
CONTACT STAINS The four most common facility types in institutional laundering are: food service,
The majority of stains are caused by contact of the fabric with another material. hospitality, health care and education. The materials causing the various colored
This contact transfers a portion of the material (or dye from the material) to the fabric, stains listed below are typical of stains encountered in each type of facility, but
discoloring it. Contact stains can usually, but not always, be removed through proper are certainly not an exhaustive list for each type of facility. For each type of facility
fabric treatment. listed on the following pages, the various colored stains can be caused by a variety
of materials.
When inspecting a stain, the shape of the stain is often significant. Holding up the The stain chart in this brochure lists the products to use in pretreatment and also
fabric to the light may reveal a hand imprint, indicating that the fabric was used to wipe some general comments about the stain. If the stain is to be presoaked, the presoaking
something. The stain may have distinct sharp angular edges, indicating that the fabric should be done overnight in warm, not hot, water. If prespotting is being done instead
was folded while wiping a material or that an object was rolled across the fabric. This is of presoaking, the fabric must be wetted first and then the chemical is applied directly
common for stains caused by carts rolling on fabric lying on the floor or concrete stains to the stain. Applying chemicals to dry fabric can cause fabric damage. After prespotting
caused by an object lying on a fabric lying on the floor. Circular or oval stains indicate or presoaking, the fabric can be laundered in a normal cycle. Also please note the
that a material dripped or splashed onto the fabric. recommendations herein are designed for use on 100% cotton or cotton/polyester
blends typical of the fabrics found in an institutional laundry.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAINS
There are four basic categories of stains: In some cases, especially if stains have been dried into the fabric in a heat dryer, the
stains may not be removed completely in one stain treatment process. The presoaking
1. GREASE AND OIL BASED (animal or vegetable derived). This is generally and laundering procedure may need to be repeated several times before the stain is
the largest category of stains and includes body oils, greases, many foods completely removed. In some cases, especially with waterproof makeup, the stain
and some cosmetics. They respond well to break, suds, solvents and cannot be completely removed without damaging the fabric. If this is the case, future
sometimes enzymes. handling of fabric should focus on treatment before the initial laundering. When bleach
is recommended in washing, oxygen bleaches should be used for colored fabrics.
Chlorine or oxygen bleach can be used for white fabrics. On whites, chlorine bleach
gives better overall stain removal.

STAIN TREATMENT METHOD & COMMENTS STAIN TREATMENT METHOD & COMMENTS
Activated Charcoal Presoak in surfactants, use bleach in wash. Chewing Gum Presoak in solvents and surfactants. Freeze the gum
This soil is an inert particulate and needs high with ice first. Scrape off the frozen gum and then
levels of mechanical action. pretreat with chemicals.
Adhesive Tape Presoak in solvents and surfactants. Chocolate/Cocoa Presoak in surfactants. Use bleach in the wash.
The solvents emulsify the glue from the tape. The particulates must be emulsified.
Albumin Presoak in alkalinity, enzymes and surfactants Clay Presoak in surfactants and alkalinity. This soil is
using warm (not hot) water. an inert particulate and needs high levels of
Aluminum Presoak in solvents and surfactants and wash. mechanical action.
Then presoak in Powdered Rust Remover and Coffee Presoak in surfactants. Use bleach in the wash.
wash a second time. This metal stain is usually Concrete/Cement Presoak in Liquid Laundry Sour and Rust Remover
greasy and needs separate treatments to or Powdered Rust Remover. These stains are tough
completely remove the stain. to remove and the acid may damage the fabric.
Animal Fats Presoak in alkalinity and surfactants. The alkalinity Cosmetics Presoak in solvents and surfactants. These stains
saponifies the fats. are tough to remove if dried. Some of the newest
Asphalt Presoak in solvents and surfactants. The solvents waterproof cosmetics can be impossible to remove,
will emulsify the hydrocarbons. especially if heat dried.
Balsam of Peru Presoak in solvents and surfactants. This is an oil Crayon or Marker Presoak in solvents and surfactants. The soils must
based medicinal stain. be emulsified or bleached during the cycle.
Beer Presoak in surfactants. Use bleach in wash. Cuffs or Collars Prespot or presoak in enzymes and surfactants.
Betadine Presoak in an antichlor. The thiosulfate antichlor Prespotting usually works better.
removes the iodine stains. Diapers Presoak in enzymes and surfactants. Stains are
Blood Presoak in enzymes and surfactants in cool water. tough to remove if dried.
Blood is tough to remove if dried. The wash cycle Dye No presoaking. Wash with bleach. Bleaching may
should include a cold water flush. Hot water sets cause additional damage and dye loss to fabric.
blood stains. Egg Presoak in alkalinity, enzymes and surfactants.
Butter/Margarine Presoak in solvents and surfactants. The oils must Presoak in warm (not hot) water.
be emulsified.
Fecal Matter Presoak in surfactants, alkali and enzymes.
Carbon Presoak in surfactants. Use bleach in wash. This soil Stains are tough to remove if dried.
is an inert particulate and needs high levels of
mechanical action.
STAIN TREATMENT METHOD & COMMENTS STAIN TREATMENT METHOD & COMMENTS
Felt Tip Marker Presoak in solvents and surfactants. Use bleach Mustard Presoak in solvents and surfactants. Use bleach
in washing. in the wash. The yellow in mustard is tumeric,
Fingernail Polish Presoak in solvents and surfactants. Long presoaks a natural yellow dye that is bleachable.
and repeat treatment are often needed as the Oil, Natural Presoak in alkalinity. Strong alkalinity and hot
polish puts layers of strong resins or polymers temperatures saponify the stain.
on the fabric. Oil, Synthetic Presoak in solvents and surfactants.
Fish Oil Presoak in enzymes, surfactants, solvents and Long presoaking times are important.
alkalinity. Fish oil is albumin and oil. Paint, Oil Based Presoak in solvents, surfactants and alkalinity.
Floor Wax/Finish Presoak in solvents, surfactants and alkalinity. The solvents are very important.
Longer soaking is needed if dried onto fabric. Paint, Water Based Presoak in alkalinity and surfactants. Also adding
The finish puts a layer of strong polymer on the solvents may help.
fabric.
Paraffin (Wax) Presoak in solvents and surfactants. The solvents
Food Soils, Misc. Presoak in enzymes and surfactants. Stains are are very important.
tougher to remove if heat dried.
Perspiration Presoak in solvents, surfactants, alkalinity and
Glue, Protein, White Presoak in solvents, surfactants and alkalinity. enzymes. Wash normally.
Stain removal is poor on the stronger epoxy in
some glues. Petroleum Jelly Presoak in solvents and surfactants. The solvents
are very important.
Granulex Presoak in solvents and surfactants. Use bleach
in the wash. This is an oily, greasy soil. Red Clay Presoak in Powdered Rust Remover, rinse fabric,
then presoak in alkalinity and surfactants.
Grass Presoak in enzymes and surfactants. These stains Remember to rinse between soakings and
are tougher to remove if aged. then wash normally. Iron makes the clay red.
Grease, Food Based Presoak in alkalinity, solvents and surfactants. This soil is an inert particulate and needs high
Strong alkalinity and hot temperatures improve levels of mechanical action.
results. Rouge Presoak in solvents and alkalinity. Rinse the fabric,
Grease, Synthetic Presoak in solvents and surfactants. The solvents then presoak in Powdered Rust Remover. Remember
are very important. to rinse between soakings, then wash normally.
Hibiclens, Hibitane Presoak in Powdered Rust Remover. Chlorine bleach Rust Stains Presoak in Powdered Rust Remover or Liquid
sets Hibiclens stains, so use chlorine bleach carefully. Laundry Sour & Rust Remover. The strong acid
Ice Cream, Milk Presoak in surfactants, alkalinity and enzymes. of the sour may damage the fabric.
Enzymes are optional. Use bleach during the cycle. Salad Dressing Presoak in solvents, surfactants and alkalinity.
Ink Presoak in solvents and surfactants. Use bleach The solvents are very important.
in washing. Scorch Marks Presoak in surfactants. Use bleach in the wash.
Iodine Presoak in antichlor. The thiosulfate antichlor Finishing equipment temperatures that are too
removes iodine stains. high often cause these tough to remove stains.
Iron or Rust Presoak in Powdered Rust Remover. Fabric may Shoe Polish Presoak in solvents, surfactants and alkalinity.
need multiple treatments. The solvents are very important.
Ketchup Presoak in surfactants. Use bleach in the cycle. Shop Grease Presoak in solvents and surfactants. The solvents
This is usually not difficult to remove. are very important.
Kitchen Rags Presoak in alkalinity, solvents and surfactants. Silicone Presoak in solvents and surfactants. The solvents
Strong alkali and hot temperatures improve results. are very important.
Lacquer Presoak in solvents and surfactants. A nitrocellulose Silver Nitrate No presoaking needed. Wash with bleach. Stain
layer is put down by the lacquer. is mostly bleachable. Sometimes stain removal
is enhanced by adding table salt to the wash.
Lipstick Presoak in solvents and surfactants. Stains are
tougher to remove if dried. There are many types Smoke Presoak in solvents, surfactants and alkalinity.
of lipstick. Some of the waterproof ones are Tar and resin from the tobacco need to be removed.
impossible to remove completely. Use bleach in the cycle.
Mayonnaise Presoak in alkalinity, enzymes and surfactants. Soot Presoak in surfactants. Use bleach in the wash.
This soil is an inert particulate and needs high
Medicinal, Unknown Presoak in solvents, surfactants and alkalinity. levels of mechanical action.
Use bleach during the cycle. Another method
would be to use a Powdered Rust Remover Tannin No presoaking needed. Wash with bleach.
and then wash normally. With washing, stain is mostly bleachable.
Aged stains are much tougher to remove.
Merthiolate No presoaking, use strong chlorine bleaching
in wash. Tar Presoak in solvents and surfactants. The solvents
are very important.
Metal Stains Presoak in Liquid Laundry Sour and Rust Remover
or Powdered Rust Remover. This may damage Urine Presoak in enzymes, surfactants and alkalinity.
the fabric. Wash with a strong bleach solution.
Methylene Blue Presoak in solvents and surfactants. Use bleach Vegetable Fats Presoak in surfactants and alkalinity. The alkalinity
during the cycle. This medicinal stain is tough saponifies the fats.
to remove if dried. Vomit Presoak in enzymes, surfactants and alkalinity.
Mildew No presoaking needed. Wash with a strong solution Wash with a strong bleach solution.
of chlorine bleach. Wax (Paraffin) Presoak in solvents and surfactants. The solvents
Molasses Presoak in solvents, surfactants and alkalinity. are very important.
Use bleach during washing. Wine Presoak in enzymes and surfactants. Wash with
Mud Presoak in solvents and surfactants. Rinse fabric. a strong bleach solution.
Then presoak in Powdered Rust Remover.
Remember to rinse between soakings, then
wash normally.
 STAIN IDENTIFICATION BY COLOR
FACILITY STAIN COLOR POSSIBLE CAUSES FACILITY STAIN COLOR POSSIBLE CAUSES
Black Cigarette Ash, Mildew Blue Ink

EDUCATIONAL
FOOD SERVICE

Blue Ink, Wine Black Cigarette Ash, Mildew, Shoe Polish

Brown Animal fats, Beer, Chocolate, Cocoa, Brown Blood (after washing), Dirt, Grease,
Coffee, Cooking oil, Grease, Rust/Iron, Rust/Iron
Wine
Green Grass, Metal Salts
Gray Concrete
Red Blood (prior to washing), Lipstick
Green Metal salts
Yellow Body Oil, Chlorine, Cosmetics
Purple Wine
Red Lipstick
Yellow Animal fats, Chlorine, Cooking oil, Black Ink, Mildew
Cosmetics, Grease, Sizing

HEALTH CARE
Blue Ink, Methylene Blue
Brown Betadine, Blood (after washing),
Cosmetics, Granulex, Grease, Hibiclens
Black Cigarette Ash, Ink, Mildew, Shoe Polish (after washing), Iodine, Rust/Iron
HOSPITAL

Blue Ink, Wine Gray Concrete

Brown Cosmetics, Grease, Rust/Iron, Wine Green Metal Salts
Gray Concrete Orange Betadine, Hibiclens (prior to washing)
Green Metal Salts Red Blood (prior to washing), Hibiclens
(prior to washing)
Purple Wine
White Alkaline damage, Benzoyl Peroxide,
Red Lipstick Chlorine damage
Yellow Body Oil, Chlorine, Cosmetics, Sizing Yellow Balsam peru, Body Oil, Castor Oil,
Chlorine, Cosmetics, Granulex, Iodine

Stain removal must also be seen in the context of the overall rewash rate for a facility. Bleach Surfactants
When the rewash rate is high, ordinary soils are not being removed. Increasing the (Chlorine Based) (Suds Products)
chemical levels alone may lower the rewash rate. In instances where small numbers
of items are coming through stained, investigation needs to be done to see if these L USC Liquid Laundry Destainer L USC Fresh and Clean Laundry
items had other uses which contributed to the difficulty of stain removal. In some cases, L NEXUS™ Destainer Detergent
disposable rags and towels can be used more cheaply than the money spent to treat L Ultra Active® Destainer + L USC Liquid Laundry Suds
and rewash these items. In other cases, rewash is more desirable. The facility manager P IND/COM® 3.7% Chlorine L USC Premium Suds
and the type of program in place will dictate what are acceptable rewash rates. Some
facilities rely on the rewash to generate the rags they need for other cleaning. Everything Bleach L USC Premium Suds EC
has a cost and it is up to the laundry specialist to help the laundry manager balance the P IND/COM® 10% Chlorine L USC Premium Enzyme Suds EC
costs for rewash with the costs for the rest of the program in place. Bleach
P IND/COM® 16% Chlorine Surfactants & Enzymes
Lastly, to aid in selecting the appropriate U S Chemical products, what follows is a list of Bleach (Specialty Suds Products)
the product types by category and the products in that category. A generic term used to
describe products with the listed active ingredients is given in parenthesis following the L Ultra Active® Suds +
active ingredients. Liquid products have a (L) before the name and powders have a (P). Bleach
(Oxygen Based)
Surfactants & Solvents
Alkalinity P USC Suds L USC Liquid Oxy Bleach II (Specialty Suds Products)
(Breaks) P IND/COM® Built Detergent L USC Liquid Oxygen Bleach
L USC Merit
P IND/COM® Suds L Ultra Active® Oxy Bleach
L USC Liquid Builder Plus L NEXUS™ Suds
P IND/COM® Oxygen Bleach
L USC Liquid Laundry Break L Ultra Active® Suds
Alkalinity, Enzymes & Surfactants
L NEXUS™ Break L Ultra Active® Prespotter
(Specialty Products) Rust/Metal Treatment Products
L USC Premium Break L USC Liquid Laundry Emulsifier
(Specialty Products)
L Ultra Active® Break P USC Re-Nu and Presoak
P IND/COM® Break P IND/COM® Enzyme Detergent L USC Liquid Laundry Sour L USC Concentrated Laundry
and Rust Remover Emulsifier
Alkalinity & Surfactants Alkalinity, Solvents & Surfactants L NEXUS™ Sour
(Built Detergents) (Specialty Products) L Ultra Active® Sour
L USC Liquid Sour Plus
L USC Compac L USC Laundry Prespotter
L USC De-Iron
L USC Blue Star
L USC Premium Sour
L USC Combo Antichlor (Specialty Product)
P IND/COM® Rust Remover
L NEXUS™ Built Detergent
L USC Liquid Antichlor
P USC All Temperature Laundry
Detergent

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