The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word DYES
D
Y
E
S
More clues leading to the result DYES
- Reportedly ‘breaks down stains‘
- Colours are dead right
- Colours noticed in crowd yesterday
- Many a pigment fades according to report
- They may be fast, but only without running
- Positive response given to Germany’s colours
- Reportedly 'breaks down stains'
- Vocally passes on colors
- Colours for duke getting approval
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "stains" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case stains = dyes.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does DYES mean?
DYES noun- A colourant, especially one that has an affinity to the substrate to which it is applied.
- Any hue, color, or blee.
- To colour with dye, or as if with dye.