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 GUIDES: CARPET STAIN REMOVAL

Most household stains can be removed using the Scotchgard "Easy as 1-2-3" method. Oil based stains, however, will require the use of a dry cleaning solvent prior to using this cleaning method:

Use the "Easy as 1-2-3" method to remove these stains as outlined below: Use Dry Cleaning Fluid to remove these stains:
  • alcohol
  • beer
  • blood
  • candy
  • catsup
  • chocolate
  • chocolate milk
  • clay
  • coffee (omit step 2)
  • cola
  • cologne
  • cranberry juice
  • food stains (general)
  • fruit juice
  • fruit punch
  • furniture polish (water based)
  • grape juice
  • graphite
  • gravy
  • ice cream
  • jelly
  • latex paint
  • liquor
  • milk
  • soft drinks
  • soil spots
  • syrup
  • tea (omit step 2)
  • tomato juice
  • urine
  • vomit
  • water colors
  • whiskey
  • wine

 
  • butter
  • calamine lotion
  • cooking oil
  • cosmetics
  • crayon
  • felt tip marker
  • furniture dye
  • furniture polish
  • glue**
  • grease (black)
  • gum**
  • hand cream
  • ink
  • lipstick
  • margarine
  • mascara
  • mayonnaise
  • nail polish
  • ointment
  • oil
  • oil paint
  • rouge
  • salad dressing
  • tar
  • varnish
  • wax**

 

*If the stain persists, add the vinegar/water solution outlined in Step 3 with the detergent solution outlined in Step 1. Follow Step 1 procedures.

**Freeze and remove solids before cleaning with dry cleaning fluid.
 

Step 1

Detergent Solution
  • Mix 1 teaspoon of mild laundry detergent (non-bleaching brands such as Tide or Surf) with two (2) cups of water. Stir the solution gently.
  • Using a clean white cloth, dampen the fibers in the stained area with the detergent solution.
  • If necessary, use your fingertips to work the solution into the base of the stain.
  • Re-wet the stained carpet fibers with clear, lukewarm water.
  • Cover the area with an absorbent, white towel and apply pressure to the blot.
  • Repeat the rinsing/blotting procedures until you are sure all traces of the detergent have been removed.
  • If the stains are removed, place white paper towels over the stained area.
  • Weight the towels with a heavy, colorfast object, such as a plastic wastebasket with a weight inside.
  • Change the paper towels as stains wick up until the area dries.

  • If stains remain (unless they are from coffee, tea or urine) proceed to Step 2. For coffee, tea and urine stains proceed directly to Step 3.

Step 2

Ammonia/Water

Note: Do not use on coffee, tea or urine stains


 

  • Mix one (1) tablespoon of non-bleaching, non-sudsing household ammonia with 1 cup of lukewarm water. Apply this solution as outlined in Step 1, rinsing the area in the same manner.

Even if stains disappear after using the ammonia solution, it is necessary to use Step 3—the vinegar solution—to neutralize the ammonia solution.
 
Step 3

Vinegar/Water

  • Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water. Apply this solution as outlined in Step 1 and 2.

  • Rinse and blot.

  • Fold paper towels with a heavy, colorfast object such as a plastic wastebasket with a weight inside.

  • Continue to change paper towels until the area is almost dry. Gently brush pile to lift tufts.

  • Allow carpet to completely dry before walking on carpet surface.

You must use Step 3 if you first used Step 2. It is important to neutralize the ammonia solution.
 

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