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STAIN GUIDE

At Truly, we believe that understanding your stain is the first step to treating it well. That’s why our Stain Guide breaks spills and marks into seven simple categories — water-based, oil-based, tannin, dye-based, protein, combination, and specialty. Each behaves differently in fabric, and recognising the type helps you choose the right approach before washing.

Truly. Premium Stain & Odour Remover is created as a pre-wash essential to give every garment its best possible start, though even professional dry cleaners know that some stains simply won’t lift completely.

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WATER-BASED STAINS

Liquids that dissolve in water and soak into fibres quickly, often leaving behind sugars, residues, or discolouration as they dry.

TRULY. TREATMENT

  1. Spray TRULY. generously to the stain.
  2. Leave for 15min - 60mins.
  3. Launder as usual.
  4. Repeat if required.

  • COFFEE (NO MILK)

  • FRUIT JUICE

  • BEER

  • MUD

  • BEER

OIL-BASED STAINS

Fats and grease that coat and cling to fibres, creating a water-resistant residue that needs time to break down.

TRULY. TREATMENT

  1. Place cloth under stain to absorb residue oil.
  2. Spray TRULY. generously to the stain.
  3. Agitate to lift the oil.
  4. Launder as usual.
  5. Repeat if required.

Tip: Put a clean cloth or wash cloth under the stain so the oil doesn't transfer.

  • COOKING OIL

  • SUN LOTION

  • LIPSTICK + MAKE UP

  • MOTOR OIL

  • BUTTON

TANNIN STAINS

Plant compounds in fruits, leaves, and beverages that bind quickly to fibres and cause noticeable discolouration.

TRULY. TREATMENT

  1. Spray TRULY. generously to the stain.
  2. Leave for 15min - 60mins.
  3. Launder as usual.
  4. Repeat if required.

  • SAUCE

  • BERRIES

  • TEA

  • COFFEE (WITH MILK)

  • RED WINE

PROTEIN STAINS

Organic materials like body fluids or food proteins that can permanently bond to fibres, especially when exposed to heat.

TRULY. TREATMENT

  1. Spray TRULY. generously to the stain.
  2. Leave for 15min - 60mins.
  3. Launder as usual.
  4. Repeat if required.

  • PERSPIRATION/ SWEAT

  • BLOOD

  • VOMIT

  • EGG

  • MILK

COMBINATION STAINS

Multiple stain types at once (like oil, tannin, dye, or protein), requiring a layered and more gentle treatment approach

Truly. Treatment

  1. Spray TRULY. generously to the stain.
  2. Leave for 15min - 60mins.
  3. Launder as usual.
  4. Repeat with agitation if require.

Tip: Put a clean cloth or wash cloth under the stain so the oil doesn't transfer.

  • FOUNDATION

  • BOLOGNESE

  • GRAVY

  • CHOCOLATE

  • ICE CREAM

DYE-BASED STAINS

Dye and pigment stains come from concentrated colour molecules designed to adhere, meaning they can easily embed into fabric and spread when disturbed.

TRULY. TREATMENT

  1. Spray TRULY. generously to the stain.
  2. Leave for 15min - 60mins.
  3. Launder as usual.
  4. Repeat with agitation if required.

For dye-based stains, when in doubt, consult a professional.

  • MUSTARD

  • CURRY

  • INK

  • GRASS

  • HAIR DYE

SPECIALTY STAINS

Chemical, waxy, resin-based, or non-traditional sources that don’t fall neatly into one stain category and often require targeted breakdown before lifting.

Truly. Treatment

Consult a professional.

  • WAX

  • ADHESIVE

  • NAIL POLISH

  • PAINT

  • RUST