Apparel/Fabrics
- Treat stain with a commercial pre-wash spot and stain remover on both sides of stain. Wait 2 minutes. Launder with bleach that is safe for fabric. If stain remains, apply a few drops of hydrogen peroxide or sponge with rubbing alcohol. Use 1 part alcohol to 1 parts water for acetate fabrics.
- Sponge with a commercial cleane* as long as any stain is being removed. Allow to dry. Apply amyl acetate and rub stain gently with a pad of absorbent material dampened with amyl acetate. Flush with the commercial cleaner. Allow to dry. Sponge with water. Apply diluted liquid hand dishwashing detergent and a few drops vinegar. Tamp with brush or use side of spoon and gently scrape stain, face down on non-absorbent material. Continue as long as stain is being removed. Flush with water. Allow to dry. Sponge with alcohol and rub gently with a pad dampened with alcohol.
*Look for products containing petroleum distillates or hydrocarbon such as trichloroethane, xylene, methylenechloride, methane, benzene and/or naphtha. These chemicals may be found in such spot removers and cleaners as Guardsman’s Afta, Dap Cleaner and Thinner, Goof Off, M-1 Remover, Goo Gone, K2r.
CAUTIONS:
- Always read the care label before trying any stain removal method. Do not use any products or procedures prohibited by the care label.
- Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
- Always pretest each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area first to determine colorfastness.
- Be sure to store and dispose of products/cans/containers as recommended. Keep out of reach of children.
- When using caustic or commercial cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate ventilation.
Carpet
Blended Fibers, Hemp, Jute, Natural Fibers, Synthetic Fibers, Wool
Mix 2 tablespoons oxalic acid and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Add 8 tablespoons of glycerin and stir. Continue stirring while adding enough butyl (not rubbing) alcohol to make the mixture clear. Apply the solution to the stain and leave it in place for a FEW MINUTES ONLY. Blot up the solution using clean cloths. Flush with water and blot again or extract with a wet-vac.
NOTES: Oxalic acid can be found in hardware stores in the paint section. Oxalic acid is widely used as a rust remover and sometimes labeled “wood bleach.” Glycerin can be found in drug stores. Do not throwaway any remaining cleaning solution. Place in a glass jar with a tight fitting lid and attach a label. This solution can also be used to remove alcoholic beverages, beer, coffee, fruit juice, certain types of ink, soft drinks, tea, tobacco and wine stains from carpet.
CAUTIONS:
- Grass is a tanning stain and difficult to treat and remove. You will need to wear gloves while preparing and using the solution.
- Always pretest each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area first to determine colorfastness.
- When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate ventilation. Do not have an open flame near flammable cleaning solutions. Wear rubber gloves.
- Alcohol will damage acetate, triacetate, modacrylics and acrylic fibers. Dilute with 2 parts water on acetate.
- Vinegar should be diluted with 2 parts water to 1 part vinegar if used on cotton or linen.
Upholstered Furniture
Blended Fibers, Fiberglass, Natural Fibers, Synthetic Fibers
- Mix 1 teaspoon of a white dishwashing detergent with 1 cup luke-warm water. Whisk to make a foam. Apply the foam to a folded, absorbent cloth and sponge the stain. When all soil is removed, sponge the stain with cool, clear water, being careful to remove all soap residue. Blot thoroughly and allow to dry.
- If a stain remains, use a 3 percent hydrogen peroxide bleach on the stain. Thoroughly rinse with clear water. Blot well and allow to dry.
NOTE: 3 percent hydrogen peroxide is sold in drugstores as a mild antiseptic. It is a good bleach, safe for most surfaces and all fibers. Dyed fabrics should always be tested for colorfastness.
CAUTIONS:
- Do not use the stronger hydrogen peroxide sold for bleaching hair.
- Always pretest each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area first to determine colorfastness.
- When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate ventilation. Do not have an open flame near flammable cleaning solutions. Wear rubber gloves.
- Overwetting with water may cause the finish on the upholstery fabric to migrate and thus leave a circle in the treated area.
Natural Fibers, Synthetic Fibers, Wool
- Sponge the stain gently using the least toxic commercial dry-cleaning solvent. * Allow to dry.
- If any stain remains, make a Dry Spotter by combining 1 part coconut oil (mineral oil may be substituted) and 8 parts dry-cleaning solvent. * Apply the Dry Spotter to an absorbent pad and place on the stain, pressing down to insure the Dry Spotter gets into the stain. Let it stand as long as any stain isbeing removed. Change the pad as it picks up the stain, keeping both the stain and pad moist with the Dry Spotter. Sponge 1nd flush with the rJry-cieaning solvent. * Blot and allow to dry thoroughly.
*Look for products containing petroleum distillates or hydrocarbon such as trichloroethane, xylene methylenechloride, methane, benzene and/or naphtha. These chemicals may be found in such spot removers and cleaners as Guardsman’s Afta, Dap Cleaner and Thinner, GOOF OFF, M-l Remover, Goo Gone, K2r, etc.
CAUTIONS:
- Always pretest each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area first to determine colorfastness.
- When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate ventilation. Do not have’ an open flame near flammable cleaning solutions. Wear rubber gloves.
- When using solvent-based cleaners on carpet or upholstery, be careful not to overwet the carpet or the fabric. Solvents can destroy the carpet backing and foam padding used in upholstery.
Exterior Surfaces
Porches, Decks, Patios
Brick, Concrete, Cement, Masonry, Stone
Make a solution of Washing (sal) Soda or detergent (not soap) and water. Use a cloth or soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the stain. Rinse thoroughly with clear water and allow to dry.
Wood
Make a solution of mild soap and lukewarm water. Swish to create a great volume of suds. Dip a sponge in the suds and apply to the stain. Rinse with a sponge dampened with clear water. Wipe dry.