Materials & surfaces
The material decides what is safe before the stain does. Each page lists sourced care constraints, and — in keeping with the site's rules — says plainly what we could not source.
Fibers
Cotton & linen
Strong plant fibers — but heat shrinks them
Wool
Protein fiber — alkalinity and heat are the enemies
Silk
Protein fiber that weakens when wet
Polyester & synthetics
Tough but very heat-sensitive
Rayon / viscose
Weak when wet — handle gently
Surfaces
Leather & suede
Blot only — most stains are a professional's job
Carpet (synthetic)
Blot, never scrub; cleaner goes on the cloth
Carpet & rugs (wool)
Low-alkalinity chemistry only; never over-wet
Upholstery cleaning codes
W, S, W/S, X — the tag decides what's allowed · weakly sourced
Marble & natural stone
Acids etch — blot, don't wipe, and use poultices for deep stains
Wood furniture
Dry slowly, test everything on a hidden spot
Vintage & heirloom textiles
When in doubt, don't — conservators exist for a reason