Stain facts for kids
A stain is a mark or spot that has a different color from the material it's on. Sometimes, stains happen by accident, like when you spill juice on your clothes or carpet. These are called unintentional stains. But other times, people make stains on purpose!
Stains are used on purpose in many areas. For example, scientists use special stains to see tiny things like cells under a microscope. In art, people use stains to change the color of wood or to create beautiful stained glass windows. Making materials that resist stains is also very important today, especially for clothes and carpets. If a material is stain-resistant, it means it's harder for stains to stick to it.
If you do get a stain, don't worry! There are many ways to try and remove or lighten them. Special cleaning products called laundry detergents often contain "stain removers." You can also buy stand-alone stain removers to tackle tough spots.
What Can Make Stains?
Many everyday things can cause stains. Here are some common ones:
- blood
- chocolate
- coffee
- fruits and their juices, especially orange juice
- grass
- grease
- ink (like from a permanent marker)
- oil
- Sauces, especially those made with tomato
- soda, particularly orange soda
- sweat
- wine
Where Do Stains Appear?
Stains can appear on many different types of materials and fabrics. Here are some common places you might find them:
How to Remove Stains
Many different substances can help remove stains. It's important to use the right one for the type of stain and fabric. Always be careful and follow instructions when using these products!
- bleach (never mix with ammonia)
- ammonia (never mix with bleach)
- vinegar
- baking soda
- rubbing alcohol
- hydrogen peroxide
- cream of tartar
- Sunlight (can help bleach some stains naturally)
- club soda
See also
In Spanish: Mancha (suciedad) para niños
