What happens if you rub a stain?

When you rub a stain, especially on fabrics or surfaces, the action can often cause the stain to spread or become more ingrained in the material. Rubbing can push the stain particles further into the fibers, making it harder to remove. Instead of lifting the stain away, you might be altering its composition or moving it around, which can lead to larger areas being discolored.

Furthermore, the type of stain you are dealing with plays a significant role in how effective or detrimental rubbing can be. For instance, with some stains, rubbing can cause the staining agent to set, making removal even more difficult. It is generally recommended to blot stains gently, as this method helps absorb the liquid without exacerbating the problem.