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Stain Removal Guide

8 STEPS TO USE FOR ALL SPOTS & STAINS

STAIN REMOVAL GUIDE
(Scroll down to find your stain)

ACID
Acid will start working immediately dissolving coloring from non-colorfast fibers and may even breakdown some of the fibers itself. You should act quickly to try to remove as much of the acid as possible while it is still wet. Vacuum and blot heavily. Work dry baking soda into the spot and vacuum again. This should remove most of the acid. You now want to dilute that which remains. Apply ammonia solution and blot. Rinse with warm water, blot dry. Place an absorbent towel over the stain and weigh it down with books and leave overnight. This will draw more of the moister and acid. You won't be able to assess the full damage till the following day since any remaining acid will continue working at breaking down the coloring. Professional cleaners cannot remove certain spots because of chemical changes which have taken place before the rug reaches them. By using the above method, when the rug is professionally cleaned you will be less likely to have a spot show up.

ACNE MEDICATION
Apply dry cleaning solvent, blot Apply detergent solution, blot Apply ammonia solution, blot
Apply vinegar solution, blot Rinse with warm water - blot until dry Possible permanent change

ALCOHOL
Apply detergent solution. Blot. Apply vinegar solution. Blot.
Bleach with hydrogen peroxide if necessary. Rinse with cold water. Blot dry.

AMONIA
Apply vinegar solution, blot Rinse with warm water, blot until dry

BALL POINT INK
Caution *(do not use this method for ink on clothing)
Apply nail polish remover to towel and blot Repeat using dry cleaning solvent, blot.  Remove as much as possible, then apply detergent solution, blot.  Apply ammonia solution, then vinegar solution, rinse with water, blot dry
NOTE: Hairspray can be applied and blotted. Use caution when using

BATTERY ACID
Apply ammonia solution, blot Rinse with warm water.  Probable permanent change

BEER
Apply detergent solution, blot Apply vinegar solution, blot Rinse with warm water, blot dry

BEET JUICE
Apply detergent solution, blot Apply ammonia solution, blot Apply vinegar solution, blot
Rinse with warm water, blot dry Probable permanent change

BLEACH
Bleach will start working immediately dissolving coloring from non-colorfast fibers and may even breakdown some of the fibers itself. You should act quickly to try to remove as much of the bleach as possible while it is still wet. Vacuum and blot heavily. Work dry detergent into the spot and vacuum again.
This should remove most of the bleach. You now want to dilute that which remains. Apply detergent solution and blot. Rinse with warm water, blot dry. Place an absorbent towel over the stain and weigh it down with books and leave overnight. This will draw more of the moister and bleach. You won't be able to assess the full damage
till the following day since any remaining bleach will continue working at breaking down the coloring.
Professional cleaners cannot remove certain spots because of chemical changes which have taken place before the rug reaches them. By using the above method, when the rug is professionally cleaned you will be less likely to have a spot show up.

BLOOD
Blood is a protein which most laundry detergents should dissolve. The same thing that removes grass stains
should remove that blood stain.  Apply cool detergent solution, blot  Apply ammonia solution, blot
Apply vinegar solution Rinse with water
If stain remains, an application of rust remover may help Again, rinse thoroughly with water, blot dry

BUTTER
Apply dry cleaning solvent, blot Apply detergent solution, blot Apply ammonia solution, blot
Apply vinegar solution, blot Rinse with warm water, blot dry

CANDLE WAX
Scrape off all you can. Ice cubes will make it brittle for easier scraping.
A hot iron (on low heat setting) over a damp cloth or paper towel will melt and absorb remaining wax.
Apply dry-cleaning solvent. Blot.

CANDY
Scrape off all you can with a dull knife. Sponge with detergent solution. Blot. Rinse.
Be sure all traces of sugar are gone. Sugars left in carpet will cause a rapid re-soiling problem.

CATSUP
Apply cool detergent solution, blot Apply ammonia solution, blot  Apply vinegar solution, blot
Rinse with water  Blot until dry  Possible permanent damage

CHOCOLATE
Scrape off all you can first. Sponge with dry-cleaning solvent. Blot.
Sponge with detergent solution. Blot. Rinse. If stain remains, bleach with hydrogen peroxide.

CIGARETTE BURNS
If the burn is slight, rub with dry steel wool — or if you feel confident, trim the damaged tufts.
If the burn is bad, take a razor blade and scrape some fibers from a hidden area and use super glue to patch the burn with the fibers.

COCKTAILS
Apply detergent solution, blot  Apply ammonia solution, blot  Apply vinegar solution, blot
Rinse with war water, blot until dry

COFFEE
Blot with detergent solution. Rinse. Blot with vinegar. Rinse. Air dry.
If stain remains, sponge with dry cleaning solvent. Bleach remaining stain with hydrogen peroxide.
Coffee is a very difficult stain, and can in many cases be permanent.

COLA
Apply detergent solution, blot  Apply ammonia solution, blot
Apply vinegar solution, blot  Rinse with warm water, blot until dry

COLOGNE
Apply detergent solution, blot  Apply ammonia solution, blot
Apply vinegar solution, blot  Rinse with warm water, blot until dry

COOKING OIL
Apply dry cleaning solvent, blot  Apply detergent solution, blot
Apply ammonia solution, blot  Rinse with warm water, blot until dry

COSMETICS
Apply nail polish remover, blot  Apply dry cleaning solvent, blot
Apply detergent solution, blot  Apply ammonia solution, blot  Apply vinegar solution, blot
Rinse with warm water, blot until dry  Possible permanent damage

COUGH SYRUP
Apply detergent solution, blot  Apply ammonia solution, blot
Apply vinegar solution, blot  Rinse with water, blot until dry

CRAYON
Scrape off all you can. Just as with candle wax, use a hot iron and a damp cloth to melt
and absorb the remaining wax.
Apply dry cleaning solvent. Blot. Apply detergent solution. Rinse. Blot dry.

EGG
Blot up as much as possible  Apply detergent solution, blot
Apply ammonia solution, blotRinse with warm water, blot until dry

EXCREMENT
Apply detergent solution, blot  Apply ammonia solution, blot
Apply vinegar solution, blot  Rinse with warm water, blot until dry

FOOD DYE
Apply dry cleaning solvent  Apply detergent solution, being careful not to spread the spot
Apply ammonia solution, blot  Apply vinegar solution, blot  Rinse thoroughly with warm water, blot until dry
Possible permanent change

FRUIT JUICE
Apply detergent solution, blot  Apply ammonia solution, blot  Apply vinegar solution, blot
Rinse with warm water, blot until dry  Possible permanent change

FURNITURE WOOD STAIN
Apply nail polish remover, blot  Apply dry cleaning solution, blot  Apply detergent solution, blot
Apply ammonia solution, blot  Rinse with warm water, blot until dry
Probable permanent change, especially if the stain has dried

FURNITURE POLISH
If solvent based Apply nail polish remove  rApply dry cleaning solvent
Apply detergent solution, blot  Apply ammonia solution, blot  Apply vinegar solution, blot
Rinse with warm water, blot until dry  Possible permanent damage

Start with detergent solution and Follow the last four steps above.

GELATIN
Apply detergent solution, blot  Apply ammonia solution, blot  Rinse with warm water, blot until dry

GLUE (SCHOOL)
Apply water, blot  Apply detergent solution, blot
Apply ammonia solution, blot  Rinse with warm water, blot until dry

GRAVY
Apply detergent solution, blot  Apply ammonia solution, blot
Apply vinegar solution, blot  Rinse with water, blot until dry

GRASS
Apply nail polish remover  Apply detergent solution, blot
Apply ammonia solution, blot  Apply vinegar solution, blot
Rinse with warm water, blot until dry   Possible permanent damage

GREASY FOODS
Apply dry cleaning solvent. Work to center to avoid ring. Blot.
Apply light detergent solution. Rinse. Blot dry.

GUM
Use aerosol gum freeze or ice cube to harden the gum and make it brittle,
then strike and break into pieces. Scrape them up with a dull butter knife.
Remove residue with dry cleaning solvent.

ICE CREAM
Don't wait. Blot up all you can immediately with a dry cloth.
Apply ammonia solution or protein digester. Rinse. If area is large, shampoo afterward.

IODINE
Apply dry cleaning solvent by placing on rag and blotting  Apply detergent solution
Apply ammonia solution  Apply vinegar solution  Rinse with warm water, blot until dry
Possible permanent damage

INK
Sponge with detergent solution. Rinse. If stain remains, saturate with cheap hair spray
and blot. Always work from the outside in to avoid making the spot bigger.

JAM/JELLY
Apply detergent solution. Let sit to soften. Blot. Apply vinegar solution. Blot. Rinse. Blot dry.

LIPSTICK
Scrape off all you can, taking care not to spread the stain. Apply dry cleaning solvent
and blot repeatedly until color is gone. Apply detergent solution. Blot.
Apply ammonia solution. Blot. Rinse. Blot.

LIQUOR
Apply detergent solution, blotApply ammonia solution, blot
Apply vinegar solution, blotRinse with warm water, blot until dry

MILDEW
Dry-brush to remove as much as possible. Sponge area with disinfectant solution. Blot.
Sponge with ammonia. Rinse. Bleach with hydrogen peroxide.

MILK
Apply cool detergent solution, blot  Apply ammonia solution, blot
Apply vinegar solution, blot  Rinse with water, blot until dry  Apply drycleaning solution, blot

MUD
Allow to dry and vacuum or brush off as much as possible.
Apply detergent or ammonia solution. Blot. Rinse. Blot dry.
If stain remains, apply dry cleaning solvent. Blot dry.

MUSTARD
Apply vinegar solution. Blot. Apply detergent solution. Blot.
If stain remains apply rust remover or hydrogen peroxide solution. Blot.
Do not use ammonia or alkaline cleaners which could turn stain brown

NAIL POLISH
Blot acetone or non-oily nail polish remover through the stain into a clean absorbent pad.
No acetone on acetate, modacrylic, silk, or wool. Use amyl acetate from a pharmacy.
Flush with dry cleaning fluid. Air-dry.

NEWSPRINT
Apply dry cleaning solvent  Apply POG  Alternate 1st two steps, blotting frequently
Apply detergent solution, blot  Apply ammonia solution, blot  Apply vinegar solution, blot
Rinse with warm water, blot until dry  Possible permanent change

OIL
Apply dry cleaning solvent. Work to center to avoid ring. Blot.
Apply light detergent solution. Rinse. Blot.

PAINT/VARNISH
Oil-based paint or varnish: if fresh, flush with mineral spirits.
If dry, carefully soften with lacquer thinner (test first for fabric damage) then flush with appropriate solvent.

PAINT (WATER BASE)
Apply detergent solution, blot, repeat  Apply ammonia solution, blot
Apply POG to remove old hardened paint  Apply dry cleaning solvent to remove POG, blot
NOTE: Cured latex paint is almost impossible to remove

PET STAINS
Blot out all liquid possible by placing a clean towel on the spot and standing on it.
Apply bacteria/enzyme digester according to directions.
When dry, remove any remaining stain with detergent solution. Rinse. Blot dry.

PLASTER
Vacuum or scrape off as much as possible  Apply detergent solution
Rinse with warm water, blot until dry  Repeat as necessary

POTTING SOIL
Do not wet when attempting to clean up  Vacuum up as much as possible using wet-dry vac
DO NOT use a vacuum cleaner with a beater bar  Wait overnite or until completely dry
and vacuum up using a beater bar vacuum.
CAUTION makesure the remaining soil is dry before vacuuming as you may spread
the stain around if still damp. If it needs further cleaning, clean the area using anextraction
cleaning machine  Possible permanent damage

RUBBER CEMENT
Roll the hardened glue off  Apply dry cleaning solvent, blot
Apply POG  Apply dry cleaning solvent, blot   Apply detergent solution, blot
Rinse with warm water, blot until dry

RUST
CAUTION Use heavy duty household rubber gloves when working with rust remover
Apply rust remover or oxalic acid solution Blot using a soft absorbent towel
Repeat as needed  Rinse with warm water, blot until dry
CAUTION Be careful not to get any on your skin. Don't apply it to glass, porcelain or enamel surfaces.

SALAD DRESSING
Apply dry cleaning solvent  Apply detergent solution, blot
Rinse with warm water, blot until dry  Possible permanent change

SYRUP
Apply detergent solution, blot  Apply ammonia solution, blot  Rinse with warm water, blot until dry

TEA
Apply dry cleaning solvent  Apply detergent solution, blot
Rinse with warm water, blot until dry  Possible permanent change

RUST
Rub with steel wool or rust remover. If you use professional rust remover,
be careful not to get any on your skin.
Don't apply it to glass, porcelain or enamel surfaces. Rinse. Blot dry.

SHOE POLISH
Gently scrape off all you can, being extra careful not to spread the stain.
Blot dry cleaning solvent through the stain into a clean absorbent pad.
Sponge with detergent solution. Blot. Sponge with ammonia. Rinse.
If stain remains, try alcohol, then hydrogen peroxide.

SOFT DRINKS
Blot up all you can. Blot with detergent solution. Rinse. Air dry.
If stain remains, soak with glycerin for 30 minutes and rinse.

SYRUP
Apply detergent solution, blot  Apply ammonia solution, blot 
Rinse with warm water, blot until dry

TAR
Scrape up all you can, then remove residue by blotting with paint thinner or dry cleaning solvent.
Blot with detergent solution. Rinse. Blot dry.

TOOTHPASTE
Apply detergent solution, blot  Apply ammonia solution, blot
Apply vinegar solution, blot  Rinse with warm water, blot until dry

VOMIT
Scrape up as much as possible. Apply bacteria/enzyme digester according to directions.
When dry, remove any remaining stain with detergent solution. Rinse. Blot dry.

URINE
Blot up as much as possible with white absorbent towels  Apply detergent solution, blot
Apply ammonia solution, blot  Apply vinegar solution, blot
Rinse with warm water, blot until dry
Could cause permanent dye removal from fabric

VASELINE
Scrape off as much as possible  Apply dry cleaning solvent
Rinse with warm water, blot until dry

WAX
Scrape off all you can. Ice cubes will make it brittle for easier scraping.
A hot iron (on low heat setting) over a damp cloth or paper towel will melt and absorb remaining wax.
Apply dry-cleaning solvent. Blot.

WINE
Blot up excess wine  Apply detergent solution, blot  Apply ammonia solution, blot
Apply vinegar solution, blot  Rinse with warm water, blot until dry  Possible permanent damage

YOUR BASIC SPOTTING KIT 

(BE PREPARED BY HAVING THESE CLEANING AGENTS ON HAND)