Stain Remover
   HOME

TheInfoList



OR:

Stain removal is the process of removing a mark or spot left by one substance on a specific surface like a fabric. A
solvent A solvent (from the Latin language, Latin ''wikt:solvo#Latin, solvō'', "loosen, untie, solve") is a substance that dissolves a solute, resulting in a Solution (chemistry), solution. A solvent is usually a liquid but can also be a solid, a gas ...
or
detergent A detergent is a surfactant or a mixture of surfactants with Cleanliness, cleansing properties when in Concentration, dilute Solution (chemistry), solutions. There are a large variety of detergents. A common family is the alkylbenzene sulfonate ...
is generally used to conduct
stain A stain is a discoloration that can be clearly distinguished from the surface, material, or medium it is found upon. They are caused by the chemical or physical interaction of two dissimilar materials. Accidental staining may make materials app ...
removal and many of these are available over the counter.


Stain prevention

If a stain has "set", it has become chemically bonded to the material that it has stained and cannot be removed without damaging the material itself. It is therefore important to avoid setting stains that one wants to remove. This can be done by avoiding heat (by not pressing or ironing the stain), sponging stained materials as quickly as possible, using the correct solvent (some solvents will act as catalysts on certain substances and cause the stain to set more quickly), and avoiding rubbing the stain. Stain removal is possible due to hydrophilic end and hydrophobic end present in detergents. The hydrophilic end of the detergent attaches itself to the water molecules while the hydrophobic end attaches itself to the material and the molecules of the stain. The hydrophilic end allows for the stain molecules to be water soluble.


Stain removal

Most stains are removed by dissolving them with a
solvent A solvent (from the Latin language, Latin ''wikt:solvo#Latin, solvō'', "loosen, untie, solve") is a substance that dissolves a solute, resulting in a Solution (chemistry), solution. A solvent is usually a liquid but can also be a solid, a gas ...
. The solvent to use is dependent on two factors: the agent that is causing the stain, and the material that has been stained. Different solvents will dissolve different stains, and the application of some solvents is limited by the fact that they not only dissolve the stain, but also dissolve the material that is stained as well. Another factor in stain removal is the fact that stains can sometimes comprise two separate staining agents, which require separate forms of removal. A machine oil stain could also contain traces of metal, for example. Also of concern is the color of the material that is stained. Some stain removal agents will not only dissolve the stain, but will dissolve the dye that is used to color the material.


Solvents

These are some of the solvents that can be used for stains, with some examples of the stains that they are capable of removing:


Oxidizing solvents

Household
bleach Bleach is the generic name for any chemical product that is used industrially or domestically to remove color from (i.e. to whiten) fabric or fiber (in a process called bleaching) or to disinfect after cleaning. It often refers specifically t ...
generally removes a stain's colour, without dissolving the stain itself.
Hydrogen peroxide Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical compound with the formula . In its pure form, it is a very pale blue liquid that is slightly more viscosity, viscous than Properties of water, water. It is used as an oxidizer, bleaching agent, and antiseptic, usua ...
is also a bleaching agent that can be used to treat stains. Sodium perchlorate is a bleach alternative.


Reducing solvents

Sodium hydrosulphite and
sodium hypochlorite Sodium hypochlorite is an alkaline inorganic chemical compound with the formula (also written as NaClO). It is commonly known in a dilute aqueous solution as bleach or chlorine bleach. It is the sodium salt of hypochlorous acid, consisting of ...
normally used for removing stain and dyes colours.


Lacquer solvents

Acetone Acetone (2-propanone or dimethyl ketone) is an organic compound with the chemical formula, formula . It is the simplest and smallest ketone (). It is a colorless, highly Volatile organic compound, volatile, and flammable liquid with a charact ...
is good for removing some glues, nail polish, ink stains, rubber cement, and grease. Nail polish remover may contain acetone, however for general use it is best to obtain bottled acetone from a hardware store. It can be diluted with water.


Inert solvents

Inert solvents are those that do not react with anything in the stain. Water for example can be considered as an inert solvent for some kinds of stains. In this case dissolving the stain is not a chemical reaction but a physical process.


Detergents

Surfactants (detergents) are molecules that have one polar end and one non-polar end and can be used for stain removal. They can help to emulsify compounds that are not usually soluble in water. For example, if you put oil in water, they tend to stay separated. If you put oil, detergent, and water together and shake them up, then you get a mixture that can help to remove stains.


Acids

Lemon The lemon (''Citrus'' × ''limon'') is a species of small evergreen tree in the ''Citrus'' genus of the flowering plant family Rutaceae. A true lemon is a hybrid of the citron and the bitter orange. Its origins are uncertain, but some ...
juice, containing
citric acid Citric acid is an organic compound with the formula . It is a Transparency and translucency, colorless Weak acid, weak organic acid. It occurs naturally in Citrus, citrus fruits. In biochemistry, it is an intermediate in the citric acid cycle, ...
which is the active bleaching agent, can effectively remove stains. Its action can be accelerated by exposing the stain to sunlight, or some other UV source, while soaking. Various acids were used in the past such as
Phosphoric acid Phosphoric acid (orthophosphoric acid, monophosphoric acid or phosphoric(V) acid) is a colorless, odorless phosphorus-containing solid, and inorganic compound with the chemical formula . It is commonly encountered as an 85% aqueous solution, ...
as used in Calcium Lime Rust Remover (CLR) and
Hydrofluoric acid Hydrofluoric acid is a solution of hydrogen fluoride (HF) in water. Solutions of HF are colorless, acidic and highly corrosive. A common concentration is 49% (48–52%) but there are also stronger solutions (e.g. 70%) and pure HF has a boiling p ...
as used in the Australian product made in Queensland called "Rustiban". Both of these Acids have been removed from sale to the general public due to toxicity concerns. Both of these acids were used primarily to remove rust. Other rust removal acids are
oxalic acid Oxalic acid is an organic acid with the systematic name ethanedioic acid and chemical formula , also written as or or . It is the simplest dicarboxylic acid. It is a white crystalline solid that forms a colorless solution in water. Its name i ...
. Oxalic acid, also called ethanedioic acid, belongs to the carboxylic acid family. Oxalic acid is used widely as an acid rinse in the laundry industry due to its ability to remove rust and ink stains. Oxalic acid converts insoluble iron compounds into a soluble complex ion. It is because of this property that oxalic acid is one of the primary components in commercial solutions used to remove scale from automobile radiators. See also Borax or Boric Acid,
Vinegar Vinegar () is an aqueous solution of diluted acetic acid and trace compounds that may include flavorings. Vinegar typically contains from 5% to 18% acetic acid by volume. Usually, the acetic acid is produced by a double fermentation, converting ...
( or
acetic acid Acetic acid , systematically named ethanoic acid , is an acidic, colourless liquid and organic compound with the chemical formula (also written as , , or ). Vinegar is at least 4% acetic acid by volume, making acetic acid the main compone ...
) which can also help bring out stains.


Alkalis

Alkaline stain removers are mostly used in the removal of oil-based stains via the process of saponification.
Sodium hydroxide Sodium hydroxide, also known as lye and caustic soda, is an inorganic compound with the formula . It is a white solid ionic compound consisting of sodium cations and hydroxide anions . Sodium hydroxide is a highly corrosive base (chemistry), ...
is also commonly used in drain cleaners. It allows grease and other oils to dissolve into aqueous solutions like water. Other alkalis such as
potassium hydroxide Potassium hydroxide is an inorganic compound with the formula K OH, and is commonly called caustic potash. Along with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), KOH is a prototypical strong base. It has many industrial and niche applications, most of which utili ...
(much stronger than
sodium hydroxide Sodium hydroxide, also known as lye and caustic soda, is an inorganic compound with the formula . It is a white solid ionic compound consisting of sodium cations and hydroxide anions . Sodium hydroxide is a highly corrosive base (chemistry), ...
) are also used. Both of these are hazardous chemicals and react with animal flesh. High enough concentrations, as in industrial cleaners, and/or significant exposure time without adequate protection of the exposed area will cause serious chemical burns. Alkalis helps remove dirt, grass, and clay stains.
Ammonium hydroxide Ammonia solution, also known as ammonia water, ammonium hydroxide, ammoniacal liquor, ammonia liquor, aqua ammonia, aqueous ammonia, or (inaccurately) ammonia, is a solution of ammonia in water. It can be denoted by the symbols NH3(aq). Although ...
and
borax The BORAX Experiments were a series of safety experiments on boiling water nuclear reactors conducted by Argonne National Laboratory in the 1950s and 1960s at the National Reactor Testing Station in eastern Idaho.
are also used.


Enzymes

Enzymes An enzyme () is a protein that acts as a biological catalyst by accelerating chemical reactions. The molecules upon which enzymes may act are called substrates, and the enzyme converts the substrates into different molecules known as pro ...
are used in "bio" laundry detergents to digest protein-based stains like
chlorophyll Chlorophyll is any of several related green pigments found in cyanobacteria and in the chloroplasts of algae and plants. Its name is derived from the Greek words (, "pale green") and (, "leaf"). Chlorophyll allows plants to absorb energy ...
-linked proteins in grass stains and
hemoglobin Hemoglobin (haemoglobin, Hb or Hgb) is a protein containing iron that facilitates the transportation of oxygen in red blood cells. Almost all vertebrates contain hemoglobin, with the sole exception of the fish family Channichthyidae. Hemoglobin ...
-linked proteins in blood stains. One of the most intensively studied
protease A protease (also called a peptidase, proteinase, or proteolytic enzyme) is an enzyme that catalysis, catalyzes proteolysis, breaking down proteins into smaller polypeptides or single amino acids, and spurring the formation of new protein products ...
for this purpose is
subtilisin Subtilisin is a protease (a protein-digesting enzyme) initially obtained from ''Bacillus subtilis''. Subtilisins belong to subtilases, a group of serine proteases that – like all serine proteases – initiate the nucleophilic attack on the ...
.


Others

; Baby powder: This can be used to absorb grease before washing, especially for fresh stains. ; Club soda: This can be used for pet stains and out of doors. There is no chief underlying chemical reason why
club soda Club soda is a form of carbonated water manufactured in North America, commonly used as a drink mixer. Sodium bicarbonate, potassium sulfate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium citrate, or sodium citrate is added to artificially replicate constitu ...
would be superior to plain water in stain removal. ; Glycerine: This can be used to soften "set" stains, especially on wool and non-water-washable fabrics. ; Boiling water: This can be used to take out fruit juice stains. Hot water activates the detergent and as well as sanitize the cloth. It works best on protein-based stains. ; Lukewarm water: Water is an excellent solvent for colorless sugary stains, such as sticky residues of dropped candy as well as apple jam and honey.


Application of solvents

There are four ways to apply a solvent to a fabric for removing stains: ;Soaking This is a common method used in households to remove a variety of stains. Depending on the stains composition, the stained material is left to soak in a container of warm or cool water and solvent. Such solvents can include laundry detergent, bleach, peroxide, vinegar, or a cleaning product with enzymes. Soaking in the water-solvent mixture allows for the stain to be loosened from the fabric, thus making it easier to remove with scrubbing or washing. ;Application of Pressure:Sometimes called tamping, this method involves pressing the solvent into the stain. The pressure allows for the solvent to better penetrate both the material as well as the stain. This technique is commonly used on durable woven fabrics, as less durable material may be damaged. In this method a soft bristled brush is used to directly press the solvent onto the stain. When using this method it is important to not use too much pressure, so as to avoid damaging the stained material. ;Front Sponging:This is the most common way of treating non-washable fabrics. The front of the fabric is sponged with a sponge that is soaked in the solvent being used. The rear of the fabric should be backed up with a clean, absorbent, material. The stain is rubbed with the sponge radially, from the centre of the stain towards its edge. It is important not to rub the sponge in a circular motion, as that causes the stain to spread in rings. ;Back Sponging:The stained side of the material is placed face down on a clean, absorbent, material. The back of the fabric is then sponged with a sponge that is soaked in the solvent being used. It is important not to rub the material with the sponge, but to use a padding motion, so as not to spread the stain. The solvent dissolves the stain, which is deposited on the absorbent material beneath. To completely remove the stain it may be necessary to use more than one absorbent pad.


Hair dye stains

Hair coloring products are commonly used in both households and salons. Due to the length of time that
hair dye Hair coloring, or hair dyeing, is the practice of changing the color of the hair on humans' heads. The main reasons for this are cosmetic: to cover gray or white hair, to alter hair to create a specific look, to change a color to suit preferen ...
must be on the hair to achieve deep, even results, it often seeps or drips down onto the hairline, ears or neck, causing unsightly and irritating stains on the skin. Dye users are not universally affected, most likely due to the variations in
lipid Lipids are a broad group of organic compounds which include fats, waxes, sterols, fat-soluble vitamins (such as vitamins A, D, E and K), monoglycerides, diglycerides, phospholipids, and others. The functions of lipids include storing ...
or natural oil composition on the skin surface from one person to the next. Many salons and stylists advocate the use of petroleum jelly to prevent stains. Placing a rim of petroleum jelly around the hairline creates a physical barrier to prevent the dye from running down onto the skin of the forehead and neck, and fills the pits and recesses within the epidermal layer.


Chemistry

Human hair is composed largely of keratin protein, which has a negative ionic charge, giving hair a negative ionic charge as well. As chemistry dictates, oppositely charged compounds attract and compounds with the same charge repel each other. Most hair dyes are positively charged, helping them attach to the negative sites in hair and contributing to a better bond between the dye and the hair. Unfortunately, like hair, human skin is made of keratin and contains sites with a negative charge, and therefore, it also attracts the dye. Skin also has pores and other pits and recesses which allow dye to get physically trapped in the epidermal layer. These both contribute to the development of stains on the skin. The dye itself can be directly absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream.Wolfram, L.J. and H.I. Maibach. “Percutaneous Penetration of Hair Dyes.” Dermatological Research. Vol. 277. pgs 235-241. 1985. The stratum corneum (the outermost layer of skin also called the “horny layer”) contains a “lipid domain” that allows the dye to pool and provide opportunity to diffuse into the body. Some hair dyes can also irritate the skin with prolonged exposures. As a result, quickly removing or minimizing skin exposure to dye is often considered desirable.


Removal methods

While many home remedies exist to attempt to remove the stains from skin, there are many products distributed in traditional drugstore or discount channels for this purpose. The home remedies vary in effectiveness and carry the risk of skin irritation and abrasion as a result of excessive scrubbing, plus eye irritation if allowed to drip or run into the eye. Some of the more common home remedies include: bleach, ammonia, acetone, and rubbing alcohol. The following are risks of the common removal methods: ;Acetone :The CDC reports that repeated and prolonged exposure of the eyes to acetone has the potential to cause permanent vision problems resulting from corneal clouding. ;Ammonia :Ammonia is also contained in many hair dyes. Hair colors containing ammonia have been safely used for years. However, ammonia exposure can cause conjunctiva irritation of the eyes. ;Bleach :Traditional bleach contains chlorine and/or hydroquinone. Chlorine can irritate and burn skin, as can skin-bleaching products . : In the United States, the FDA has proposed a ruling to remove all skin bleaching products from being available over the counter. ;Isopropyl Alcohol :Concentrated isopropyl alcohol has been shown to irritate skin, and prolonged inhalation of the vapors can impair coordination and cause headaches.Isopropyl Alcohol
/ref> While it may be an effective stain remover, it must be used gently to avoid abrasion of skin.


See also

''
Scientific American ''Scientific American'', informally abbreviated ''SciAm'' or sometimes ''SA'', is an American popular science magazine. Many scientists, including Albert Einstein and Nikola Tesla, have contributed articles to it, with more than 150 Nobel Pri ...
'',
Removal of Stains and Spots
, 20 November 1880, p. 329 (historical perspective)


References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Stain Removal Cosmetics Household chemicals