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Common Stain Removal Guide
Use the following table to match your spot with its corresponding recommended removal method. Begin with the first method and follow the Removal Steps list below until the spot is removed.
|
Stain |
Removal Step |
|
Berries |
1 |
| Blood |
6 |
| Candle Wax |
7, 1 |
| Catsup |
6 |
| Chewing Gum |
4, 1 |
| Coffee |
6 |
| Dirt or Clay |
8, 2 |
| Excrement |
2 |
| Fruit/Juice Drinks |
6 |
| Grease-Auto |
1 |
| Ink |
1, 6 |
|
|
| Lipstick |
9, 1 |
| Mustard |
6 |
| Nail Polish |
5 |
| Paint-Latex |
2 |
| Paint-Oil |
1 |
| Tar |
1 |
| Urine |
3, 6 |
| Vomit |
2, 6 |
| Wine |
2, 6 |
| Unknown |
1, 2 |
Removal Steps
- Blot on dry cleaning fluid, using dry towel/cloth. Dry with weighted pad of towels.
- Scrape or blot up excess spill. Blot on detergent (shown below) with damp towel and then apply water. Dry with weighted pad of towels.
- Scrape or blot up excess spill. Apply detergent (shown below) with damp towel. Apply ammonia (shown below) and then water with damp towel. Dry with weighted pad of towels. Apply undiluted white vinegar only after stain is removed.
- Scrape or blot up excess spill. Freeze with ice cubes. Shatter with blunt object. Vacuum fragments while still frozen.
- Apply nail polish remover (non-oily acetone type) with cotton towel, taking care not to wet through to carpet backing. Use clean white paper towel to pick up softened material. Carefully repeat procedure, softening and removing one layer each time.
- Blot on detergent solution with damp towel and leave for 3-5 minutes. If stain is not removed, moisten with 3% hydrogen peroxide and leave for 2 to 3 hours under a weighted sheet of plastic wrap. Repeat procedure until stain is removed. Rinse with water. Dry with weighted pad of paper towels. Apply undiluted white vinegar only after stain is removed.
- Scrape off excess material. Cover with white cotton towel or brown paper. Apply warm iron until material is absorbed. Change towel or rotate to clean the area and repeat until all material is absorbed. Never touch iron to carpet.
- Vacuum away as much as possible. Loosen remaining material by tapping with a scrub brush or toothbrush. Vacuum again. Follow with Method 2.
- Scrape off excess material. Lightly rub area with a fresh slice of white bread. Complete removal with Method 1.
Cleaning Solutions
Detergent: Mix 1/4 teaspoon clear dishwashing detergent with 32 ounces of warm water.
Dry Cleaning Fluid: Liquid, non-oily, non-caustic type made for garment spot removal. Caution, may be flammable.
Ammonia: Undiluted, unscented, clear household variety. Mix one tablespoon with 1/2 cup water.
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