How many types of stains are there?

Stains can be classified into four primary categories:

  • Greasy stains – Examples include cooking oil and cream.
  • Protein-based stains – Examples include blood and milk.
  • Bleachable stains – Examples include fruit juice, coffee, red wine, tea, mildew and mould.
  • Pigment stains – Examples include ink, felt-tip pen marks, watercolour, lipstick, grease, soil and makeup.
Additionally, some stains are more complex, such as rust stains or mixed stains, which combine characteristics of multiple stain types.

When addressing stains, it is crucial to determine whether the fabric is colourfast. This ensures that the textile’s colour will not bleed or fade during treatment. To confirm colourfastness, we strongly advise performing a test before using any stain removal products. Here is how:

  • Soak a clean, white cloth with a small amount of Stain Devil solution.
  • Gently dab the solution onto a discreet area of the fabric, such as the inside hem or a hidden seam.

Observe the results carefully. The white cloth should remain unmarked by the fabric’s colour and there should be no visible changes to the fabric’s hue, texture or structure after exposure to the solution, followed by washing and drying. If the fabric passes this test, you can confidently proceed with stain removal. Remember, testing beforehand can prevent unwanted damage and help maintain the integrity of your garments.

Not all stains are the same – each has unique characteristics and requires a specific approach for effective removal. Stains vary widely in their composition and properties, making it essential to use a targeted solution tailored to their specific structure. For instance, surfactants play a critical role in tackling greasy stains. These substances reduce the surface tension of water, allowing grease to break down and be lifted from the fabric. Pigment stains, such as those from ink or makeup, demand specialised active ingredients to dilute and release the pigments, ensuring they can be fully removed.

In the case of bleachable stains, like coffee or red wine, oxidation is key – using oxygen-based agents to break down the stain molecules. Understanding these differences is why Dzinochena Ecosmart Laundry Solutions provides a collection of eight specialized stain removers, each expertly formulated to address a wide variety of stubborn and complex stain types. With this range, even the most challenging stains can be effectively treated, restoring fabrics to their original condition.

Regrettably, not all stains can be removed. Some types of stains are exceptionally resistant due to their composition or how they have been treated. Non-removable stains may include:

  • Superglue and polyurethane construction foam: These stains harden intensely, making them nearly impossible to dissolve or lift.
  • Non-water-based inks, such as drawing ink or Indian ink, resist standard cleaning methods.
  • Permanent markers and pens, including Edding® markers and black permanent ink from ballpoint pens, are designed to adhere strongly to surfaces and fabrics, rendering them difficult to eliminate.
Additionally, pigment-based stains, such as those from certain types of ink or makeup, become permanent if the fabric has been washed or ironed before attempting stain removal. The heat and washing process can set the stain into the fibres, making removal efforts ineffective. To avoid such outcomes, it is essential to address stains as soon as possible, using the correct removal methods before exposing the fabric to heat or water.
Mildew stains on clean clothing and textiles require specialised treatment to ensure complete removal. These stains are not merely cosmetic issues; they can pose serious health risks, potentially triggering allergies or respiratory problems if left untreated. Mildew often manifests as dark, black marks which can accumulate not only on fabrics but also on surfaces like tile joints or silicone seals. A common culprit is the “Aspergillus Niger” black mould, a particularly stubborn type of mildew that thrives in damp environments. Addressing these stains effectively demands a solution that can target mildew while preserving the integrity of the fabric.

For such challenges, the Skip Auto Washing Powder offers an ideal remedy. This product is specially formulated to combat mildew stains, actively breaking down the mould while remaining gentle on textiles, protecting both fibres and colors. Regular use of a targeted mildew remover can help restore the appearance of your fabrics and safeguard your home environment against the harmful effects of mould. For tougher mildew problems, such as those on non-textile surfaces, consider pairing stain treatments with preventative measures like improved ventilation and moisture control to reduce the chances of recurrence.

What are laundry additives?

Laundry additives are supplementary substances designed to enhance the effectiveness of regular washing detergents. When used in conjunction with your detergent, these additives target specific cleaning challenges, such as tough stains, odours or fabric softening, helping to achieve superior results. They serve a variety of purposes, from removing stubborn stains and brightening colours to protecting fabrics and neutralising unpleasant smells. Common examples include stain removers, fabric softeners, water softeners and odour eliminators.

Some additives also have specialised functions such as removing limescale from washing machines or providing antibacterial action to sanitise laundry. By addressing specific laundry needs, these boosters ensure your clothes and textiles look cleaner, smell fresher and last longer, making them an essential part of an effective laundry routine.

Optical brighteners are specialised compounds with fluorescent properties designed to enhance the appearance of textiles by increasing their perceived whiteness. These agents work by addressing the natural yellowish tint that fabrics can develop over time. When exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, optical brighteners absorb the UV rays and re-emit them as a faint bluish fluorescence. This bluish light counteracts the yellowish tones, creating the illusion of a brighter, whiter fabric. The phenomenon leverages the principles of complementary colours, where blue offsets yellow to achieve a cleaner, fresher appearance.

Beyond their use in laundry detergents, optical brighteners are also commonly found in paper products, plastics and cosmetics to create a brighter, more vibrant look. While they do not physically clean the fabric, they play a vital role in enhancing the visual appeal of textiles, making them look newer and more vibrant. However, it is important to note that optical brighteners can sometimes accumulate on fabrics over time, leading to a slight buildup. Choosing products with balanced formulations ensures both effective brightening and long-term fabric care.

Natural fibres are categorised into two main types, each with distinct characteristics and care requirements:

1. Plant-Based Natural Fibres

These fibres derived from plants are primarily composed of cellulose and include materials such as cotton, linen, flax, hemp and rayon. Plant-based fibres are known for their resilience and versatility. They are:

  • Heat-Resistant: Can endure high temperatures during washing and ironing.
  • Compatible with Friction: Withstand mechanical agitation without significant damage.
  • Alkaline-Friendly: Their structure allows them to tolerate a certain degree of alkalinity, making them easy to bleach with oxygen-based bleaching agents.

However, they are sensitive to acids, which can weaken or damage their structure. Proper care ensures their durability and appearance over time.

2. Animal-Based Natural Fibres

Derived from animals, these fibres include silk, wool, merino wool and cashmere. They are protein-based, sharing structural similarities with human hair and skin. This composition gives them unique qualities but also makes them highly sensitive. Key characteristics include:

  • Heat Sensitivity: Excessive heat can cause damage or shrinkage.
  • Friction Vulnerability: Rough handling can lead to pilling or deformation.
  • Incompatibility with Bleaching Agents: Oxygen-based bleaches can break down the protein structure, compromising the fibres.

These delicate fibres require gentle care, such as cold washing, specialised detergents and minimal mechanical action, to maintain their softness, texture, and longevity.

Man-made fibres can be broadly divided into two main categories, each with distinct compositions and characteristics:

1. Chemical-Based Fibres
These fibres are created through synthetic chemical processes and include materials such as polyamide (PA), polyacrylamide (PAC), spandex, lycra, and polyester (PES). Chemical-based fibres are highly versatile, durable, and widely used in various textile applications due to their strength, flexibility, and resistance to environmental factors. They are known for their ability to retain shape, resist wrinkles, and dry quickly, making them popular in active wear, everyday clothing and industrial applications.

Cellulose-Based Fibres
Derived from regenerated plant cellulose, these fibres include viscose (CV), lyocell, modal, cupro, and acetate. While they are man-made, they are based on natural plant materials, making their properties different from purely synthetic fibres. However, cellulose-based fibres have certain vulnerabilities:
  • Sensitive to Friction: They can wear down quickly with excessive rubbing or handling.
  • Susceptible to Oxygen-Based Bleaching Agents: These chemicals can weaken their structure and compromise their appearance.
  • Reduced Wet Tensile Strength: They lose strength when wet, making them less durable under certain conditions.
It is important to note that all man-made fibers are created through synthetic or semi-synthetic manufacturing processes rather than occurring naturally. Their varied properties depend on their composition, structure, and manufacturing method, allowing for a wide range of applications but requiring specific care to maintain their longevity and performance.
Everyday odours like sweat, grease, nicotine and urine tend to linger on clothing fibres, often remaining noticeable even after multiple washes. These persistent and unpleasant smells can be incredibly difficult to completely eliminate with standard laundry detergents alone, as they tend to embed themselves deep into the fabric. Fortunately, Skip Auto Washing Powder offers a powerful solution to this common problem. Formulated with patented ingredients, it targets and eliminates all traces of unpleasant odours effectively and reliably, breaking them down at the source to ensure your fabrics smell fresh and clean.

Additionally, Freshness Depot Capsules are incorporated into the formula to provide ongoing protection. These innovative capsules work by neutralising new odours quickly as they occur during wear, keeping your clothing smelling fresh throughout the day. With Skip Auto Washing Powder, you can say goodbye to stubborn smells and enjoy a new level of freshness and confidence in your wardrobe.

How can discolorations be avoided?

Sorting laundry into separate colour piles can be a tedious and sometimes unreliable task. Fortunately, Dzinochena Ecosmart Laundry Services’ colour and dirt collector revolutionises this process, allowing you to wash a mix of colours together without worry. These innovative sheets are specially designed to capture loose dyes released during the wash cycle, effectively locking them in to prevent colour bleeding. Additionally, the advanced colour-collecting molecules embedded in the sheets bind to any residual dyes in the water, ensuring your fabrics stay bright, fresh and vibrant after every wash. With Dzinochena Ecosmart Laundry Services’ colour and dirt collector, laundry day becomes simpler, faster, and more effective.

Typically, laundry should be sorted by colour before washing to prevent dye transfer – unless you are using specialised products like Dzinochena Ecosmart Laundry Services’ colour and dirt collector. But what happens when discoloration has already occurred? In such cases, a dedicated solution like a Colour Run Remover is essential. Formulated with unique and powerful ingredients, it works to lift and eliminate unwanted dyes from fabrics, effectively restoring the original vibrancy of your clothing. For the best results, it is crucial to follow the product’s usage instructions carefully, ensuring every trace of discoloration is treated effectively and your garments are returned to their former brilliance.

White fabrics often lose their brightness over time, taking on a dull grey or yellowish hue. This discoloration usually occurs gradually, rather than during a single wash cycle and is often caused by repeated washing at low temperatures or prolonged storage in wardrobes. Thankfully, Dzinochena Ecosmart Laundry Services’ Super White offers an effective solution. The innovative product comes in a convenient washable pouch that can be placed directly into the drum with your white garments. With just one use, it works to revive the original brilliance of your whites while helping to maintain their radiant glow for longer. Keep your whites looking fresh, clean and luminous effortlessly!

The MADE IN GREEN label by OEKO-TEX® offers consumers peace of mind by guaranteeing that the product has been manufactured using materials tested for harmful substances. This certification ensures compliance with strict environmental standards, highlighting that production takes place in eco-friendly facilities committed to sustainability. Moreover, it signifies that the item was created under safe working conditions in socially responsible workplaces. By choosing products with the MADE IN GREEN label, you’re supporting ethical manufacturing practices and prioritising health and sustainability. To learn more, visit: MADE IN GREEN by OEKO-TEX®.

The sheet is crafted entirely from 100% natural, renewable plant-based fibres, thoughtfully sourced from sustainably managed and certified forests. By utilising materials from responsible forestry practices, this product not only ensures high quality but also supports environmental conservation and sustainable resource use. Its eco-friendly composition reflects a commitment to preserving natural ecosystems while providing a dependable, biodegradable solution for everyday needs.

Treated textiles resemble brand-new items but over time, their vibrancy naturally diminishes, primarily due to repeated washing. To help preserve the richness of black fabrics and extend their lifespan, we recommend opting for a specialised colour care detergent rather than a general-purpose detergent. These detergents are specifically formulated to maintain the depth of dark colours, minimising fading and ensuring your garments retain their bold, striking appearance for longer. Taking this simple step can keep your black fabrics looking fresh and vibrant wash after wash.

Intensive Black Sheets are suitable for use on all types of fabric, delivering impressive results on materials such as cotton, cotton blends, viscose and linen. These textiles respond exceptionally well to the color-enhancing properties of the sheets, restoring richness and depth to black tones. However, synthetic fibers do not interact with the color agents or enzymes in the same way, so noticeable results may not be achieved on these materials. For optimal performance, use Intensive Black Sheets with natural and blended fabrics to enjoy a renewed, vibrant black finish.
No, using Intensive Black Sheets is completely safe for your washing machine. These sheets are designed to work seamlessly with all types of washing machines without causing any damage or interference with their functionality. Their gentle formulation ensures that they do not leave residues, clog components or affect the machine’s performance. You can confidently use Intensive Black Sheets to enhance the vibrancy of your black fabrics while maintaining the longevity and efficiency of your washing machine.
Why does my washing machine smell bad?

At times, it is not just your washing machine that develops an unpleasant odour – your freshly laundered clothes can carry it too. This often occurs because frequent washing at low temperatures allows odours to build up within the machine. The damp environment creates the perfect conditions for microorganisms to thrive, which are not fully eradicated during low-temperature cycles. Regular use of Washing Machine Hygiene Cleaner helps combat this issue by thoroughly cleaning and sanitising your machine. By eliminating odour-causing residues and bacteria, it keeps your washing machine hygienically clean, prevents foul smells, and ensures your laundry comes out smelling consistently fresh and revitalised.

With each dishwasher cycle, grease, food particles, dirt and detergent residues can accumulate in hidden areas such as gaskets, joints and other internal components of the machine. The constant presence of moisture within the dishwasher creates the ideal environment for microorganisms to thrive, leading to the potential development of unpleasant odours or even malfunctions over time. This is where our Dishwasher Hygiene Cleaner comes into play. Designed to tackle and eliminate these odour-causing deposits, it effectively targets the key areas where smells often originate, such as seals, joints and other common problem spots. Additionally, it penetrates and cleans hard-to-reach areas like sieves, drains, water pumps and spray arms. By using this specialised cleaner regularly, you can maintain a hygienic and odour-free dishwasher, ensuring your machine operates smoothly and your dishes stay spotless.

Unfortunately, that cannot be done. Instead, we recommend running a quick wash cycle at a minimum temperature of 30°C without including a pre-wash cycle, detergent or any laundry. This will help clean and refresh your washing machine by eliminating any residue, odours or buildup from previous cycles. It is an efficient way to ensure your machine stays hygienic and operates at its best.

There is no need to remove the wrapping – simply place the entire cap directly into the drum with your laundry. The cap is made from water-soluble foil that will dissolve completely during the wash cycle, ensuring ease of use while providing optimal cleaning performance. This convenient design eliminates unnecessary steps and ensures the product works effectively without any additional effort.

What are bleaching agents?

Bleaching agents work by removing stubborn stains caused by substances such as fruit, vegetables, tea, coffee and wine through a process known as oxidation, which relies on oxygen to break down and lift the stains. In addition to their stain-removing properties, these agents also brighten white fabrics and possess antibacterial qualities, making them effective for maintaining cleanliness and hygiene. However, because of their powerful brightening action, it is advisable to perform a colour fastness test on coloured textiles before applying bleaching agents to ensure the colours won’t fade or react negatively. Furthermore, textiles made from new or fine wool, including merino and cashmere should not be treated with bleaching agents. These agents can damage the delicate, protein-rich natural fibres of these materials, compromising their quality and longevity.

When oxygen interacts with a substance, this is commonly referred to as oxidation – a chemical process involving the transfer or release of electrons. In simpler terms, oxidation occurs when a substance loses electrons as a result of this reaction. One practical and widely-used application of this principle is seen in oxygen-based bleaching. This method harnesses the natural properties of oxygen to break down and lift stains, effectively removing them from fabrics and surfaces. Oxygen-based bleaching works by targeting organic compounds in stains, breaking their molecular bonds through this chemical reaction and restoring fabrics to a brighter and cleaner state.

Surfactants are essential active cleaning agents that play a key role in the washing process by reducing the surface tension of water. This allows water to penetrate fabric fibres more effectively, ensuring they are thoroughly saturated and cleaned. Surfactants are especially important when it comes to breaking down and removing stubborn oil and grease stains from textiles, as they interact with these particles, allowing them to lift from the fabric and dissolve in water. There are four primary categories of surfactants, each with distinct properties and functions:
  1. Anionic Tensides: These are negatively charged surfactants that are highly effective in removing dirt and grease due to their strong cleaning power. They are commonly found in many laundry detergents.
  2. Non-Ionic Surfactants: These surfactants do not carry a charge and are versatile in their cleaning properties. They are often used in combination with other surfactants to enhance cleaning performance.
  3. Cationic Surfactants: These are positively charged surfactants that work well as fabric softeners and disinfectants due to their ability to neutralise bacteria and other impurities.
  4. Amphoteric Surfactants: These surfactants can behave as either anionic or cationic depending on the pH of the water, making them highly adaptable and effective in various cleaning applications.
Each type of surfactant offers unique benefits, and they are often combined in formulations to achieve optimal cleaning results, targeting a wide range of stains, residues and dirt on different fabrics.

Enzymes are specialised proteins that act as biological catalysts, speeding up or facilitating a wide range of chemical reactions within living organisms. In the context of cleaning agents, enzymes play a vital role by breaking down and decomposing organic contaminants, making them an indispensable part of many cleaning and stain-removal formulations. Their ability to target and break apart complex organic molecules allows them to effectively eliminate stubborn stains and residues from various surfaces and fabrics.

One of the key benefits of enzymes is their efficiency – they work effectively even in small quantities and can maintain their performance at low temperatures, making them both economical and versatile in a variety of cleaning applications. There are several types of enzymes commonly used in cleaning products, each with unique properties and specific actions:

  1. Amylase: Targets and breaks down starch-based stains such as those from food or beverages, making it particularly effective for removing stains like pasta or potato-based residues.
  2. Cellulase: Focuses on the breakdown of cellulose, which is a major component of plant fibers and can help remove dirt and prevent the fabric from looking worn or faded.
  3. Lipases: Designed to target and break down fats and grease, lipases are highly effective at removing oil-based stains such as those from cooking oils, greasy food or body oils.
  4. Proteases: These enzymes break down proteins and are particularly effective against protein-based stains such as blood, sweat, milk or eggs.
Each of these enzymes serves a distinct purpose, allowing cleaning agents to tackle a wide variety of stains and organic contaminants efficiently. Their inclusion in stain-removal products ensures precise, targeted cleaning, even under varying temperatures and conditions.

Solvents are specialised liquids that have the ability to dissolve active ingredients without altering their chemical structure or composition. They play a crucial role in enhancing the cleaning process by improving the solvent’s ability to penetrate and break down tough, hard-to-remove contaminants. Additionally, solvents are designed to partially evaporate after application, leaving behind minimal residue while ensuring a thorough cleaning effect. These versatile substances are particularly effective for tackling a wide range of challenging and adhesive dirt, including oil, grease, wax, tar, paint, coatings and various adhesives.

They are widely used in both household and industrial cleaning settings to dissolve these stubborn substances and ensure surfaces are left clean and residue-free. Solvents not only save time and effort when cleaning but also provide a reliable solution for situations where traditional cleaning methods are insufficient. Whether used for everyday maintenance or heavy-duty cleaning tasks, solvents deliver powerful, efficient performance in breaking down and removing contaminants effectively.

Acids are powerful, highly reactive liquids known for their corrosive properties, which is why they must be handled with extreme caution. Examples of common acids include hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid and nitric acid. These substances are widely used in various industrial and cleaning applications due to their ability to break down tough contaminants. Certain types of acids are particularly effective at dissolving lime deposits, commonly found in areas exposed to hard water, such as bathroom fixtures, kettles and pipes.

Additionally, these acids can dissolve and remove rust from surfaces, making them essential for maintaining and restoring metal surfaces and other items exposed to moisture and oxidation. However, because of their strong chemical properties, it is vital to use acids with proper protective equipment and adhere strictly to safety guidelines to prevent injury or damage. With careful use, acids offer a reliable and efficient solution for addressing mineral buildup and rust in both household and industrial settings.

Ammonia, soda, sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide are powerful alkaline cleaning agents known for their exceptional ability to dissolve and remove stubborn grease, oil-based residues and blockages. They are particularly effective in areas such as ovens, where baked-on grease is a common issue and in drains, where they can break down obstructions caused by organic buildup. However, it is important to note that alkalis are not effective for dissolving lime deposits as they do not react with calcium-based minerals. Cleaning agents that are primarily composed of strong alkaline bases are highly corrosive and can pose significant safety risks if mishandled.

Therefore, it is essential to adhere strictly to hazard labels and follow all safety instructions and precautions when using these cleaning agents. Proper handling, protective equipment and ventilation are critical to ensure safe and effective use. While they are highly effective for heavy-duty cleaning, their corrosive nature underscores the importance of responsible use to prevent damage to surfaces, personal harm or other risks.

Abrasive substances, such as metal polishes and oven cleaning agents, contain specialised abrasive particles that act as mechanical grinding and polishing agents. These components are engineered to physically remove dirt, stains and residues from surfaces through gentle scrubbing action. The size, shape and hardness of the abrasive grains are carefully selected to ensure they clean surfaces thoroughly and efficiently without causing scratches, gouges or other damage. These abrasive elements are essential for tackling tough, baked-on grime, tarnish or rust, particularly on surfaces like stainless steel, glass or ceramic.

They work by breaking up contaminants and lifting them from the surface, providing a deep clean while maintaining the integrity of the underlying material. Proper formulation and design ensure that these cleaning agents are effective for heavy-duty cleaning tasks but remain safe and non-damaging when used as directed.