Serving Los Angeles - Orange - Riverside - San Bernardino Counties

Carpet and Upholstery Spotting Guide for Consumers and Professionals

SPOT AND STAIN REMOVAL

GENERAL SPOTTING RULES:

  1. Apply water before and after most spotting procedures except for inks!
  2. Spot inks on the solvent or dry side. Use a dry spotter first, agitate and blot. Follow with an ink stain remover or a paint oil & grease remover, agitate and blot. Remove residue by finishing with a dry spotter.
  3. Rinse all spotting agents free form the carpets as these can set up their own stains if left in the fabric.
  4. Remove obvious spot from the carpet before shampooing, bonnet buffing or extracting.
  5. When in doubt concerning loose dyes or sensitive colors of fabric, it is wise to first test the spotting agent in an inconspicuous area of the carpet.

 

DIRECTIONS:

Spills and stains should be treated IMMEDIATELY. The longer a spot remains, the more difficult it will e to remove.

Blot up spills with clean, white, absorbent materials (towels, napkin, tissues, etc.)

Remove solid built-up materials with a rounded tablespoon, spatula or edge of a dull knife.

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 or alternate spotting solution used.

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 or spreading.

Beginning with step 1, treat the stained area with each spotting solution until the stain is removed. IT MAYNOT BE NECESSARY TO COMPLETE THE ENTIRE SETRIES OF STEPS. The final step is always to gently rinse the area with water, then absorb all the remaining moisture with absorbent towels.

BE PATIENT. Some stains respond slowly. All spots and stains cannot be removed from every fabric due to differences in fibers, dyes, constructions, finishes, composition of the stain, length of time the stain has remained on the article, etc. SOME STAINS REQUIRE PROFESSIONAL TREATMENT.

SPOTTING SOLUTIONS(Ramsey Spot & Stain Removers in italics)

Dry-cleaning Solvent (VDS) – Volatile Dry Spotter or Citrus Express.

1,1,1 – Tricholorethane, use in small amount – can be harmful to sizings, backings or stuffing materials. Do NOT use gasoline, lighter fluid, carbon tetrachloride or other flammable or toxic solvents.

POG (NVDS) – Paint, Oil, Grease. Non-volatile dry solvents are available form professional cleaning suppliers.

Detergent Solution (NDS) – Professional Spotter or Pre-Oil-Break.
Mix one teaspoonful of a colorless, mild detergent in a cup of lukewarm water.

Ammonia Solution (ADS) – Alkaline Conditioner or General Protein Spotter

Mix one tablespoon of clear household ammonia with one-half cup of water of 7% solution.

Vinegar Solution (Acid) – Tannin Stain Remover. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water. Professional cleaners may use up to 28% acetic acid solution or a tannin solution.

Enzyme Detergent (EDS) – Kil-Oder or Trailbreaker. Mix a solution of enzyme detergent following the directions on the label. Do NOT soak or over wet. Allow the solution to remains on the stain for the recommended length of time before removing. Professional cleaners may prefer to use digestors separate from detergents.

Bleach – Activated Color Booster. Use hydrogen peroxide or sodium perborate present in Snowy or Clorox II. Do NOT use chlorine bleach.

Special Solutions – Rust remover – Carpet Rust Remover, hydrofluoric or oxalic acid, bleaches – Activated Color Booster, strippers – Color-Brite, ink remover – Delible, candle wax- hot iron and brown paper bag.

BEER

Stain: Colorless to light yellow, slightly stiff

Contains: Hops, malts, alcohol, albumins, tannin

  1. Apply detergent solution (NDS) and blot.
  2. Apply vinegar solution (ACID), blot frequently.
  3. Rinse with water, blot until dry.

BLOOD

Stain: Reddish when fresh, dries to dark brown with irregular edge

Contains: Albumin, fat, fibrin, iron

  1. Apply cool detergent solution (NDS), blot.
  2. Apply cool ammonia.
  3. Apply enzyme detergent (EDS), blot.
  4. Rinse thoroughly with water, blot until dry.
  5. If stain remains, apply rust remover or oxalic acid solution.
  6. Bleaching with 3-5% hydrogen peroxide may be necessar

BUTTER AND MARGARINE

Stain: Greasy, yellowish-red, sometimes built-up

Contains: Vegetable dye, corn oil, milk, salt preservatives, vegetable fats.

  1. Apply dry-cleaning solvent (VDS).
  2. Apply detergent solution (NDS), blot until dry
  3. Apply vinegar solution (ACID), blot.
  4. Rinse with water, blot until dry.

CANDLE WAX

Stain: stiff and built-up

Contains: Petroleum, animal fats and oils, vegetable fats and oils, basic dyes

  1. Scrape off as much as possible with spatula or dull knife
  2. Apply dry-cleaning solvent (VDS).
  3. Apply POG (NVDS), blot.
  4. Apply dry-cleaning solvent (VDS), blot.

Alternate: Use a brown paper grocery bag and iron. Place bag over wax and iron on bag shifting until removed

CATSUP & TOMATO SAUCE

Stain: Reddish-brown, absorbed and built-up

Contains: Tomatoes, salt, sugar, spices, tannin, vinegar, onions

  1. Apply cool detergent solution (NDS), blot.
  2. Apply ammonia solution (ADS), blot.
  3. Apply enzyme detergent (EDS), blot.
  4. If stain remains, bleach with 3-5% hydrogen peroxide or sodium perborate
  5. Rinse thoroughly with water, blot until dry.

CHEWING GUM

Stain: Grayish or pink, rubbery, sticky, built-up

Contains: Chicle flavoring, sugar

  1. Harden gum with an ice cube until it is brittle enough to scrape off with dull knife or spatula
  2. Apply dry-cleaning solvent (VDS) to remove remaining traces. OR Use a commercial chewing gum remover.

CHOCOLATE

Stain: Brown with irregular edge, absorbed or built-up

Contains: Oil, grease, cocoa, butter, coloring, sugar, milk

  1. Scrape off as much as possible with spatula or dull knife
  2. Apply cool detergent solution (NDS), blot.
  3. Apply ammonia solution (ADS), blot.
  4. Apply vinegar solution (ACID), blot.
  5. Apply enzyme detergent (EDS), blot.
  6. Rinse thoroughly with water, blot until dry.

COCKTAILS

Stain: Colorless or light brown, absorbed

Contains: Alcohol, tannin, sugar

  1. Apply cool detergent solution (NDS), blot.
  2. Apply vinegar solution (ACID), blot.
  3. Rinse with water, blot until dry.

COFFEE

Stain: Brown with irregular edge, darkening with heat and age

Contains: Tannins, sugar, fatty acids, alcohols, oils, milk, cream

  1. Apply detergent solution (NDS), blot. (Use enzyme detergent if cream was present)
  2. Apply vinegar solution (ACID), blot. (Tannin spotter)
  3. Apply enzyme detergent (EDS), blot.
  4. Rinse with water, blot until dry.

*Ammonia will set stains on wool and silk but may help in removal from other fabrics.

COUGH SYRUP

Stain: Usually absorbed with an irregular edge, sticky when wet, stiff when dry

Contains: Honey, sugar, syrup, menthol, alcohol, flavoring, coloring matter.

  1. Apply detergent solution (NDS), blot.
  2. Apply ammonia solution (ADS), blot.
  3. Apply vinegar solution (ACID), blot
  4. Apply enzyme detergent (EDS), blot.
  5. Rinse thoroughly and blot until dry.

CRAYONS

Stain: Built-up, sometimes shiny

Contains: Wax, grease, pigment, coloring matter

  1. Apply dry-cleaning solvent (VDS).
  2. Apply POG (NVDS), blot.
  3. Apply dry-cleaning solvent (VDS), blot.
  4. Apply detergent solution, blot.
  5. Rinse with water, blot until dry.

 

EGG (Raw)

Stain: White and/or yellow, built up, coagulates with heat.

Contains: Albumins, oils, fats, coloring matter

  1. Blot up as much as possible
  2. Apply detergent solution (NDS), blot.
  3. Apply cold ammonia solution, blot.
  4. If stain remains, apply enzyme detergent (EDS).
  5. Rinse with water, blot until dry.
FOOD COLORING

Stain: Absorbed, irregular edge

Contains: Coloring matter, propylene glycol

  1. Apply detergent solution blotting frequently. A dried stain will probably spread when wet.
  2. Repeat step 1 until color is no longer transferred to the towel
  3. Apply ammonia solution, blot.
  4. Rinse thoroughly with water, blot until dry.
  5. Alternate: use saturated towel and iron in “dye transfer” system.

FRUIT JUCE

Stain: Light yellow or characteristic color of fruit, absorbed and splotchy with irregular edge

Contains: Tannin, acids, pup sugar, coloring matter

  1. Apply detergent solution, blot.
  2. Apply ammonia solution, blot.
  3. Apply vinegar solution, blot.
  4. Rinse with water, blot until dry.
  5. If stain remains, apply enzyme detergent (EDS), blot.
  6. Rinse with water, blot until dry.

 

FURNITURE STAIN

Stain: Brownish or reddish, absorbed, with irregular edge

Contains: Petroleum distillate, coloring matter

  1. Apply dry-cleaning solvent.

*NOTE: Newly developed water soluble paste paint stripper have had some

success in the removal of this type of stain.

  1. Apply POG, blot.
  2. Apply dry-cleaning solvent, blot.
  3. Apply detergent solution (NDS), blot.
  4. Rinse with water, blot until dry.

*This stain is almost impossible to remove completely

GLUE (School)

Stain: Stiff and shiny, usually built up

Contains: Starches, gelatins, albumins

  1. Apply water, blot.
  2. Apply detergent solution (NDS), blot.
  3. If stain remains, heat the detergent solution (NDS) slightly and repeat step 2
  4. Rinse with water, blot until dry

GRASS

Stain: Green and/or brown smudges

Contains: Tannin, acids oils, chlorophyll

  1. Apply arnyl acetate if available to remove chlorophyll, blot.
  2. Apply enzyme detergent (EDS), blot.
  3. Rinse with water, blot.
  4. Apply ammonia solution (ADS), blot.
  5. Apply vinegar solution (ACID), blot.
  6. Rinse with water, blot until dry.

*Bleaching (or professional stripping) may be necessary

GRAVY

Stain: Brownish, absorbed or built up

Contains: Meat extracts, starch, proteins, milk, flour seasonings

  1. Apply detergent solution (NDS), blot.
  2. Apply ammonia solution (ADS), blot.
  3. Apply vinegar solution (ACID), blot.
  4. Apply enzyme detergent (EDS), blot.
  5. Rinse with water, blot until dry.
GREASES

Stain: Grayish or brownish, absorbed or built up

Contains: Oils, sometimes soils

  1. Apply dry-cleaning solvent (VDS).
  2. Apply (POG) (NVDS), blot.
  3. Alternate steps 1 and 2 until stain is removed.
  4. If stain remains, apply detergent solution (NDS), blot.
  5. Apply ammonia solution (ADS), blot.
  6. Apply vinegar solution (ACID), blot.

ICE CREAM

Stain: Absorbed and built up, stiff when dry

Contains: Cream, milk, egg, sugar, fruits, extracts, coloring matter

  1. Apply detergent solution NDS, blot.
  2. Apply ammonia solution ADS, blot.
  3. Apply vinegar solution ACID, blot.
  4. Apply enzyme detergent (EDS), blot.
  5. Rinse thoroughly with water, blot until dry.
  6. Apply dry-cleaning solvent (VDS), blot.
INK (Ballpoint)

Stain: Can be any color, usually blue, absorbed

Contains: Basic or soluble aniline dyes, insoluble organic solvents, oils, resins, gums, binding agents such as shellac, varnish or petroleum.

  1. Apply dry-cleaning solvent (VDS)
  2. Apply POG (NVDS), blot.
  3. Apply dry-cleaning solvent (VDS), blot.
  4. apply amyl acetate if available, or acetone (except on acetate fibers)
  5. If stain remains, apply rust remover or oxalic acid solution.
  6. Bleaching (or professional stripping) may be necessary.
INK ( India)

Stain: Absorbed, usually black

Contains: Pigment (carbon black) dispersed in water with a binder.

  1. Apply dry-cleaning solvent (VDS).
  2. Apply POG (NVDS), blot.
  3. Apply dry-cleaning solvent NDS, blot.
  4. Apply detergent solution (NDS), blot.
  5. Apply ammonias solution (ADS), blot.
  6. Rinse with water, blot until dry.

JAM & JELLY

Stain: Reddish or bluish, absorbed and built up

Contains: Pulp of fruit, sugar, tannin preservatives

  1. Apply detergent solution (NDS), blot.
  2. Apply vinegar solution (ACID), blot.
  3. Rinse with water, blot.
  4. Apply enzyme detergent (EDS), blot.
  5. Rinse with water, blot until dry.
LIPSTICK

Stain: Red, pink, orange, soft and greasy

Contains: Pigment or dye in fat, waxes and oils

  1. Scrape off excess with spatula or dull knife
  2. Apply POG (VDS), blot, making sure not to reapply stain onto fabric.
  3. Apply dry-cleaning solvent (VDS), blot.
  4. Apply detergent (NDS), blot.
  5. apply ammonia solution, blot
  6. Apply vinegar solution, blot.
  7. Rinse with water, blot until dry. *Try to avoid wet cleaning on wool. Use POG and dry-cleaning solvents as long as possible.
MERTHIIOLATE & MERCUROCHROME

Stain: Orange-red, absorbed

Contains: Eosin dye in alcohol solution

  1. Apply detergent solution (NDS), blot.
  2. Apply ammonia solution (ADS), blot.
  3. Rinse thoroughly with water, blot.
  4. Rinse with water, blot until dry.

MILDEW

Stain: Grayish or brownish fungus with black spots. *May permanently damage fibers

  1. Apply enzyme detergent (EDS), blot.
  2. Apply ammonia solution, blot.
  3. Rinse thoroughly with water, blot.
  4. Apply solution of oxidizing bleach (chlorine or perborate) * Do not use chlorine bleach on wool or silk.
  5. Rinse thoroughly with water, blot until dry.

MILK

Stain: Usually white, sometimes lighter in the center with heavier build up around the edges

Contains: fats, albumins, water

  1. Apply cool detergent solution, blot.
  2. Apply ammonia solution, blot.
  3. Apply vinegar solution, blot.
  4. Rinse with water, blot until dry.
  5. Apply enzyme detergent, blot.
  6. Rinse with water, blot until dry.
  7. Apply dry-cleaning solvent, blot.

MUCILAGE

Stain: Either built up or slightly absorbed, stiff with an irregular edge when dry

Contains: Albumins, animal proteins and gums

  1. Apply hot enzyme detergent solution, blot. (For protein stains)
  2. Apply ammonia solution, blot.
  3. Rinse thoroughly with water, blot until dry.
MUD

Stain: Grayish, brownish, reddish, or yellowish, absorbed and built-up

Contains: Soil with greases and oils, clay, iron

  1. Brush or scrape off as much as possible.
  2. Apply detergent solution, blot.
  3. Apply ammonia solution, blot.
  4. Rinse thoroughly with water, blot until dry.
  5. If stain remains, apply POG and dry-cleaning solvent alternately, blot until dry.

MUSTARD

Stain: Yellowish, absorbed or built-up

Contains: Mustard seed, vinegar, salt, tumeric, oils, spices, flavorings

  1. Apply detergent solution, blot.
  2. Apply vinegar solution, blot.
  3. Apply enzyme detergent, blot.
  4. If stain remains, rust remover (oxalic acid solution) or bleaching may be necessary. *Do not use ammonia or alkalies.

NAIL POLISH

Stain: Usually pink or red, stiff, shiny & built up

Contains: Red dye or pigment in a liquid cellulose acetate base solvent, plasticizer

  1. Apply dry-cleaning solvent (VDS).
  2. Apply POG (NVDS), blot.
  3. Apply amyl acetate if available, or nail polish remover – PRETEST FIRST.
  4. If stain remains, apply detergent solution (NDS), blot until dry.
  5. Apply ammonia solution, blot.
  6. Apply vinegar solution, (ACID), blot.
  7. Rinse with water, blot until dry.
OILS

Stain: Circular, elongated or cross-shaped, darkening with age

Contains: Petroleum distillate or vegetable oil, polyglycerides, methylsilicate, preservatives

  1. Apply dry-cleaning solvent (VDS).
  2. Apply POG (NVDS), blot.
  3. Alternate dry-cleaning solvent (VDS) and POG (NVDS), blotting frequently.
  4. Apply detergent solution (NDS), blot.
  5. Apply ammonia solution, blot.
  6. Apply vinegar solution, blot.
  7. Rinse with water, blot until dry.

PAINT (Oil)

Stain: Usually built up and stiff
Contains: Pigments, drying oils, resins, gums, volatile solvents. *Check label on paint for specific thinner or solvent

  1. Apply dry-cleaning solvent.
  2. Apply POG, blot.
  3. Apply dry-cleaning solvent, blot –
Alternate steps 2 and 3 until stain is removed.

If stain persists weight down the stain with towels dampened with dry-cleaning solvent for several hours to loosen, blot with solvent

  1. Apply several drop s of detergent solution (NDS) and work into the stain, blot.
  2. Apply ammonia solution (ADS), blot.

Alternate steps 2 and 3 and 6 until stain is removed.

  1. Rinse thoroughly with warm water, blot until dry.
PAINT (Water)

Stain: Absorbed or built up, stiff when dry

Contains: Water, latex, pigments, emulsifiers, preservatives

  1. Apply detergent solution, blot.
  2. Apply ammonia solution, blot.
  3. Rinse with water, blot until dry.
  4. Apply POG (NVDS), blot.
  5. Apply dry-cleaning solvent (VDS), blot.

RUBBER CEMENT

Stain: White or clear, built-up, possibly sticky or shiny

Contains: Rubber (synthetic or natural), resin, solvent

  1. Roll the glue off if it has hardened sufficiently.
  2. Apply dry-cleaning solvent (VDS).
  3. Apply POG (NVDS).
  4. Apply dry-cleaning solvent, (VDS), blot.
  5. Apply detergent solution, (NDS), blot.
  6. Rinse with water, blot until dry.
RUST

Stain: Reddish-brown, absorbed or built-up

Contains: Oxides of iron

  1. Apply rust remover or warm oxalic acid solution.
  2. Allow to stand for 10-15 minutes.
  3. Repeat with hot solution. Rinse with ammonia.
  4. Rinse thoroughly with water, blot until dry.

SHOE POLISH

Stain: Usually black or brown, absorbed or built-up

Contains: Waxes, resins, solvents, dyes, shellac, alcohol, tannin

  1. Apply dry-cleaning solvent (VDS).
  2. Apply POG (NVDS), blot.
  3. Apply dry-cleaning solvent (VDS), blot.
  4. Apply detergent solution (NDS), blot.
  5. Apply ammonia solution (ADS), blot.
  6. Rinse thoroughly with water, blot until dry.
  7. If stain persists, bleaching (or professional stripping) may be necessary.
SOFT DRINKS

Stain: Colorless, yellowish, reddish or brownish, darkening with age

Contains: Tannin, sugar, vegetable coloring, flavoring, fruit extracts

  1. Apply cold detergent solution (NDS), blot.
  2. Apply ammonia solution, (ADS), blot.
  3. Apply vinegar solution (ACID), blot.
  4. Rinse with water blot until dry.

SOOT

Stain: Back spots or smudges

Contains: Carbon, sulphur compounds, sometimes grease

  1. Apply dry-cleaning solvent (VDS), blot
  2. Apply detergent solution (NDS), blot.
  3. Apply ammonia solution, blot.
  4. Rinse thoroughly with water, blot until dry.
TAR & ASPHALT

Stain: Back, shiny, built-up or absorbed, distinctive odor

Contains: Coal tar or petroleum, sulphur compounds

  1. Scrape off as much as possible with spatula or dull knife.
  2. Apply dry-cleaning solvent (VDS).
  3. Apply POG (NVDS), blot.
  4. Rinse with (VDS).
  5. Apply detergent solution (NDS), blot.
  6. Rinse with water, blot until dry.
TOOTHPASTE

Stain: Whitish or greenish, absorbed and built-up

Contains: Soap, bleaching compound, flavoring, fluoride compound

  1. Apply detergent solution, blot.
  2. Apply vinegar solution (ACID), blot.
  3. Apply ammonia solution (ADS), blot.
  4. Rinse thoroughly with water blot until dry.

URINE

Stain: Yellowish or brown, darkening with age, absorbed

Contains: Urea, uric acid, ammonia, organic acids, pigments, cholesterol, albumins, proteases

  1. Blot up as much as possible if still wet.
  2. Apply detergent solution, (NDS), blot.
  3. Apply ammonia solution (ADS), blot.
  4. Apply vinegar solution (ACID), blot.
  5. Rinse thoroughly with water blot until dry.
  6. If stain remains, apply rust remover or oxalic acid solution.
  7. Bleaching with 3-5% hydrogen peroxide or sodium perborate might be necessary. *Urine stains may cause permanent dye removal from fibers.

VOMIT

Stain: Various colors, absorbed and built-up

Contains: Food mucus, albumins, acids

  1. Blot up as much as possible.
  2. Apply enzyme detergent (EDS), blot.
  3. Apply ammonia solution (ADS), blot.
  4. Apply vinegar solution (ACID), blot.
  5. Rinse thoroughly with water blot until dry.

WINE

Stain: Reddish or purplish, absorbed

Contains: Alcohol, sugar, tannin, coloring matter

  1. Apply detergent solution, (NDS), blot.
  2. Apply vinegar solution (ACID), blot.
  3. Apply ammonia solution (ADS), blot.
  4. If necessary, bleach with 3-5% hydrogen peroxide or sodium perborate.
  5. Rinse thoroughly with water blot until dry.

 

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