How to get any stain out of anything.
StainLookup is a free interactive stain-removal reference. Pick a stain, pick the material, and get step-by-step treatment instructions for fresh and dried stains — plus what not to do.
Stain removal lookup
Pick a stain and material above, then press “Show treatment”.
What are the most common stain and material combinations?
Which stains can I look up?
Drinks
Food
- Baby food
- Berry stains
- Butter
- Chocolate
- Curry and turmeric
- Gravy
- Grease and cooking oil
- Ketchup and tomato sauce
- Mustard
Body and protein
Ink, makeup, and dye
- Ballpoint ink
- Dye transfer
- Foundation and makeup
- Lipstick
- Mascara
- Nail polish
- Permanent marker
- Self-tanner
- Shoe polish
Household and outdoor
What are the golden rules of stain removal?
- Test every treatment in an inconspicuous area first — some treatments can fade dyes or damage finishes.
- Blot a wet stain; never rub it. Rubbing pushes the stain deeper into fibers.
- Check the garment's care label and follow it — skip any step the label prohibits.
- Never put the item in the dryer until the stain is completely gone; heat sets most stains.
- Use cold water first on blood and other protein stains; hot water sets them.
- When in doubt — a valuable, vintage, or delicate item — take it to a professional cleaner instead.
Frequently asked questions
How does StainLookup work?
Pick a stain and a material. StainLookup shows step-by-step treatment instructions for fresh and dried stains, plus what not to do. The reference covers 52 common stains on 15 materials — 780 stain-and-material combination pages in total.
Should I treat a fresh stain differently from a dried one?
Yes. Fresh stains usually start with blotting and rinsing, while dried stains need soaking or longer dwell time before treatment. Every combination page on StainLookup carries separate fresh and dried instructions.
What should I do before treating any stain?
Test the treatment in an inconspicuous area first and check the garment care label. Every StainLookup treatment page repeats that guidance, because fabrics and dyes react differently.
Can I use bleach on any stain?
Only when the combination page recommends it. Bleach damages some colors and fabrics, and it must never be mixed with ammonia or acids. StainLookup methods stay conservative: each page also lists what not to do.
Is StainLookup free to use?
Yes. The full reference — all 52 stain guides and all 780 combination pages — is free, with no account required.