StainMatrix
Stain category
Oils & Fats
Oil-based stains are hydrophobic and repel water, so dish soap or another surfactant is always the first tool. Absorbing excess oil before applying any liquid prevents it spreading further into the fabric.
Key rule
Blot (don't rub) excess oil first. Then surfactant. Then rinse. Repeat if needed.
5 stains in this category
The chemistry behind oils & fats
Oil-based stains are hydrophobic lipid molecules that repel water and bond tightly to fabric fibers through non-polar interactions. Dish soap acts as a surfactant — its molecules have a water-loving head and an oil-loving tail that surround the lipid droplets and allow water to carry them away in the rinse.
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