Stain Removal
Guide and Tips – your step-by-step guide to removing tough stains.
Select your stain below:
- Beer
- Blood
- Chocolate
- Coffee
- Crayons
- Glue
- Grass
- Grease
- Ice Cream
- Ink(Ballpoint)
- Jam
- Juice
- Lipstick
- Mildew
- Mud
- Nail Polish
- Paint(Oil)
- Rust
- Shoe Polish
- Soft Drinks
- Syrup
- Tar
- Urine
- Vomit
Tips
- Stains should be treated immediately. The longer a spot remains, the more difficult it will be to remove.
- Remove solid built-up materials with a rounded tablespoon, spatula, or edge of a dull knife.
- Do not over wet. Use small amounts of the cleaning agents and blot frequently. Always blot, do not rub or brush.
- Work from the outer edge of the spot towards the center to prevent rings.
- Blot up spills with clean, white, absorbent materials (towels, napkins, tissues, etc.).
Directions
- Beginning with step 1, treat the stained area with each spotting solution until the stain is removed. It may not be necessary to complete the entire series of steps. The final step is always to rinse the area carefully with water, then absorb all the remaining moisture with absorbent towels.
- Be patient. Some stains respond slowly. Some stains require professional treatment.
- Pretest Spot-Removal Agents in an inconspicuous area (under a sofa cushion, on an area of carpet under or behind a piece of furniture.) Apply several drops of solution on the article and rub gently with a clean, white towel, If color transfers to the cloth or a color change occurs, a professional cleaner should be consulted. Apply the solution again, wait ½ – 1 hour, if possible and inspect for any damaging color changes.
Spotting Solutions
Alcohol – Use neutral spirits grain alcohol or clear (uncolored) rubbing alcohol. Methanol, ethanol, and isopropanol are appropriate alcohol’s to use.
Ammonia Solution – Mix one tablespoon of clear household ammonia with one-half cup of water.
Bleach – Use hydrogen peroxide or sodium perborate, present in Snowy or Clorox II. Do not use chlorine bleach.
Detergent Solution – Mix one teaspoonful of a colorless, mild detergent or dishwashing liquid in a cup of lukewarm water.
Drycleaning Solvent – Volatile dry spotter or a commercial spotter such as Carbona, Energine, K2R. Use in small amounts- can be harmful to sizing, backing or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or carbon tetrachloride.
Enzyme Detergent – Mix a solution of enzyme detergent following the directions on the label. Do not soak or overwet. Allow the solution to remain on the stain for the recommended length of time before removing. (Professional cleaners may prefer to use digesters separate from detergents.)
POG – Paint, oil, and grease remover, available in hardware stores.
Vinegar Solution – Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water. (Professional cleaners may use up to 28% acetic acid solution.)
