About StainLookup
How to get any stain out of anything.
StainLookup is a free interactive reference for removing common household stains. Pick the stain, pick the material, and tell us whether it's fresh or dried — you'll get ordered, step-by-step treatment instructions plus a list of things not to do.
How the advice is put together
Every treatment on this site sticks to widely documented, conservative methods: blotting before rubbing, cold water for protein stains, dish soap for grease, and so on. We deliberately avoid exotic chemicals, unverified home remedies, and anything that risks ruining the fabric. When a treatment could damage a delicate material, we say so — and when the right answer is "take it to a professional," we say that too.
The one rule
Every treatment on this site comes with the same warning: test in an inconspicuous area first, and check the garment's care label. Fabrics vary, dyes vary, and no guide can account for every combination.
StainLookup is general information, not professional cleaning advice. See the disclaimer for the full details.
Safety rules for every treatment
- 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.
- Never mix ammonia with chlorine bleach — the fumes are toxic and dangerous.
- Never use chlorine bleach on rust — it can intensify the stain.
- Rubbing alcohol is flammable and can fade some dyes; spot-test first and ventilate the area.
- Acetone dissolves acetate, triacetate, and modacrylic fabrics — check the fabric label first.
- 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.