Unstained

Free from a visible mark or discoloration.

Reach for it when Describing fabric, material, or a surface that remains clean.

The inner pages stayed unstained inside the waterlogged cover.

• everyday

  clean

  ordinary absence of dirt is enough

  not when can be clean while permanently discolored

• warm

  spotless

  a surface looks completely clean

  not when may overstate freedom from tiny marks

• professional

  unmarked

  no visible mark appears

  not when a surface can be unmarked but dirty

Free from blame, dishonor, or moral taint.

Reach for it when Praising a record or reputation that has survived scrutiny.

The independent review left her public record unstained.

• professional

  untarnished

  reputation remains bright over time

  not when more idiomatic than literal for moral standing

• formal

  blameless

  no fault attaches to the person

  not when not for a career containing ordinary mistakes

• literary

  unsullied

  honor or reputation bears no stain

  not when too figurative for fabric care

• stained
• soiled
• disgraced

• remain unstained

  The pale lining remained unstained after the treatment.

• unstained cloth

  An unstained cloth confirmed that the dye had set.

• reputation unstained

  He left office with his reputation unstained by the inquiry.