StainMatrix
Stain category
Food Stains
Food stains are typically composite: a protein component and an acidic or pigmented component. Treat the protein fraction first with cold water, then apply a surfactant to address the pigment or oil.
Key rule
Start cold, add detergent, check before drying — heat sets any remaining pigment.
4 stains in this category
The chemistry behind food stains
Composite food stains combine a protein component with an acidic tannin or dye pigment, each requiring different chemistry to remove. Cold water addresses the protein fraction first to prevent heat-setting, while the surfactant treatment that follows handles both the tannin component and any oily residue in a single pass.
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