シミ取(と)り

しみとり
noun
stain removal; stain remover
1. stain removal; the act of removing stains
The process of removing stains from clothing, fabric, or other surfaces.
シミ取(と)りをする。
To remove stains.
コーヒーのシミ取(と)りは早(はや)めにしたほうがいい。
It's better to deal with coffee stain removal as soon as possible.
Can you get the stains removed from this garment at the dry cleaner?
2. stain remover; stain removal product
A product or tool designed for removing stains, such as a cleaning solution or stain-removing pen.
It's handy to bring a stain remover pen when traveling.
台所用(だいどころよう)のシミ取(と)りを買(か)ってきた。
I bought a stain remover for the kitchen.
Yellowing around the collar can be removed with a dedicated stain remover.

Combines シミ (stain, spot) and 取(と)り (removal, from 取(と)る). A practical household term used in daily life, laundry, and cleaning contexts. シミ is often written in katakana in this compound, though 染(し)み is also seen.

Common collocations

  • シミ取(と)りをする: to remove stains
  • シミ取(と)り剤(ざい): stain removal agent
  • シミ取(と)りペン: stain remover pen
  • シミ取(と)りスプレー: stain remover spray
  • シミ取(と)りに出(だ)す: to send out for stain removal (dry cleaning)

Similar words

  • 漂白(ひょうはく): bleaching — a more aggressive method of removing discoloration
  • 汚(よご)れ落(お)とし: dirt/grime removal — broader term for cleaning off various types of soiling
  • クリーニング: dry cleaning — professional garment cleaning service