Stains on clothing
Also: spots · marks · discoloration
Stains are localized discolorations left by food, drink, grease, cosmetics, or bodily fluids that soak into fibers and resist casual washing. They range from a faint water ring to a set-in grease mark, appear anywhere on a garment, and count against both cleanliness and cosmetic appearance depending on size and visibility.
How to detect it
- Inspect in bright, even light and again at a raking angle for sheen
- Check high-risk zones: front chest, lap, cuffs, and collar
- Turn the piece to catch grease marks that only show as a subtle gloss
Grade impact
Stains split across Odor & Cleanliness (10%) and Cosmetic Appearance (20%). A small, hidden mark keeps an item near Very Good (7); a prominent front-and-center stain that won't wash out pulls it to Fair (5) or below.
Fixability
Depends on the stain. Fresh water-based marks often wash out; set-in grease, ink, and protein stains resist and may be permanent. Always attempt cleaning before grading, since a lifted stain can meaningfully raise the result.
How to disclose it
Pinpoint it ('quarter-sized faint stain on lower front'), give a size reference, and photograph it. A disclosed stain is priced accordingly; a hidden one that shows up in daylight drives 'not as described' claims.
Stains — frequently asked
- Should I try to remove a stain before grading an item?
- Yes. Many fresh, water-based stains wash out, and a lifted stain can raise the grade a full tier. Set-in grease, ink, or protein stains may be permanent — grade and disclose those honestly rather than hiding them in a flattering photo.
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