StainMatrix
Stain category
Drinks & Beverages
Tannin stains come from plant-based compounds found in drinks like wine, coffee, and tea. They bond to fabric fibres through hydrogen bridges and oxidise on contact with air — speed is the most important variable.
Key rule
Cold water and immediate blotting — never rub a tannin stain.
8 stains in this category
The chemistry behind drinks & beverages
Tannin compounds are polyphenolic molecules that bond to fabric through hydrogen bridges and rapidly oxidize on contact with air. Cold water and an alkaline agent like dish soap disrupt these bonds before they become permanent; heat must be avoided because it accelerates oxidation and locks the color into the fiber.
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