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What makes stain removers work?

Updated: 9/11/2023
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11y ago

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What do we mean by stain remover? I think it means those little containers of stuff to target specific stains, but the person who wrote the answer below was talking about detergent/soap, which is something very different.

EnzymesEnzymes are protein catalysts, i.e. proteins designed to make chemical reactions happen. They are used in all living things for a huge variety of purposes. But any one enzyme can only be used for a specific chemical reaction. Some enzymes, which were found in nature, are now mass produced and used to break down stains. DetergentDetergents/soap are actually long chain carbon compounds (CH3(CH2)nCOONa) which have a hydrophilic (water loving) head and a hydrophobic (water hating) tail. Since most dirts are oils, which are not soluble in water, the detergent/soap molecules form net like patterns (called micelles) with the tail attached to the dirt and the head to water. Thus, they link the dirt to water which gets removed, as the cloth is rinsed, with water.

0 0 0

\ | /

- O -- 0

/ | \

0 0 0

(Diagram of micelle-

O= Dirt

|= soap tails

0= soap heads (COO-) )

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11y ago
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9y ago

Stain is technical name given to dyes . Different stain work differently hence different methods are used to remove stains . Stains which are prepared in alcohol or any other organic solvent may be removed by same solvent as is done during removal of over staining . Acidic stains are removed by use of basic solutions and vice versa .

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How do surfactants work in stain removers?

Surfectants work in stain removers to remove the stain and not damage what the stain is on. It oxidizes the stain and lifts it out of whatever its in,


What makes a certain stain remover better than the next?

Stain removers work by interacting with the material of the stain and dissolving it. For example, modern enzyme stain removers contain protein enzymes which actually "digest" the stain. You have to find the remover which is designed to act on whatever made your stain to get the best results.


What kind of experiments can test stain removers?

after applying the removers, If it turns a weird color, then the remover will not work. weenie


Who invented on the go stain removers?

Geoff Rangler invented on the stain removers in 1996


What is all the ingreadents to stain removers?

There are different kinds of stain removers which contain different ingredients.


What are some highly recommended stain removers?

There are many different stain removers on the market. Some very highly recommended stain removers are Shout, Tide Stain Stick, Oxiclean, and Spray N Wash.


How effective are stain removers on different fabrics?

In general, many people find that homemade stain removers work as well as the store bought variety. Homemade stain removers don't necessarily work better than store bought ones. Before they were available on supermarket shelves, people made their own stain removers that seemed to be effective and still are today.


What ingredients are in organic stain removers?

Organic stain removers contain non-toxic ingredients. Baking Soda and Borax are two very common items that are found in organic stain removers.


What is the difference between laundry detergent and stain removers?

Laundry Detergent Gets Rid Of Smells And Odors And Stain Removers Get Stains Out.


How do chemicals remove stains?

The chemical will what is know as a solvent, a solvent is something that things can dissolve into. So the chemical dissolves the stain. Some stain removers work by breaking down the chemical that makes up the stain into something that can dissolve. Once the stain is dissolved a rinse under water will remove it.


What are stain removers?

Definition: Spot stain removers are used to treat a small stained area on washable fabrics. Some stain removers are formulated for specific types of stains like oils and greases, proteins, etc. There are also spot stain removers available for treating specific stains. Clothing treated with spot stain removers will need to be washed. See the directions to know how soon treated clothing will need to be laundered.


How much money is spent on stain removers?

the answer is....??