Apparel/Fabrics
Acne
Many acne medications contain benzoyl peroxide which is a strong oxidizing and/or bleaching agent. It is capable of destroying most dyes. Spots may not appear for hours, days or months. Compounds containing benzoyl peroxide are not water soluble so are difficult to wash off. A stain may appear to have been washed off when it really has not. Some spots may appear slightly pinkish or yellow, depending on dye, or blue. Some spots may appear slightly pinkish or white. Once a textile product has been chemically stained, there is nothing that can be done to restore the material to its original color or condition.
Cough Syrup
Soak in a solution of 1 quart warm water, 1/2 teaspoon liquid hand dishwashing detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar for 15 minutes. Rinse with water. Sponge with alcohol. Wash. Soak in solution of 1 quart warm water and 1 tablespoon sodium perborate bleach for 30 minutes. Treat with a commercial pre-wash spot and stain remover. Wash.
Iodine
- Rinse from back of stain with cool water. Use color remover if fabric is white. Follow package directions. Rinse and launder.
- Sponge with water. Add 1 teaspoon of sodium thiosulfate crystals to 1/2 cup warm water and stir until completely dissolved. Wet the stain with this solution. Add a few drops of ammonia. Flush with water. Repeat if stain remains.
Mercurochrome, Methiolate
- Hold under cool running water to rinse out as much stain as possible. Soak for 30 minutes in a solution of 1 quart warm water, 1/2 teaspoon light-duty liquid detergent, and 1 tablespoon ammonia. Rinse. If stain remains, soak in a solution of 1 quart warm water and 1 tablespoon white vinegar for 1 hour. Rinse thoroughly. Let dry. Bleach with chlorine bleach, if safe for fabric. Launder.
- If stain remains, apply alcohol and cover with a pad dampened with alcohol. Let stand as long as stain is being removed. Rinse with water. Bleach. Launder.
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
Synthetic Fibers, Wool
(Mercurochrome, Iodine)
- Quickly blot up the excess spill, being extremely careful not to spread the stain. Apply full-strength white vinegar to an absorbent cloth and sponge the stain. Blot. Follow with an application of a commercial household cleaner such as 409, Fantastic, etc. Agitate. Blot using an absorbent cloth or sponge. If the spot remains, try a solution of 1 part clear ammonia to 4 parts water. Once again apply this solution to an absorbent pad and agitate as you apply pressure. Blot thoroughly. Rinse with clear water. If stain remains, call a professional.
- In case you would like to continue yourself, purchase a package of Rit Color Remover and mix according to directions. Apply a cotton ball or absorbent pad and place on stained area. Blot with an absorbent pad. Rinse and blot up excess liquid.
CAUTIONS:
- The commercial color remover may remove the stain, but it is also capable of removing the color from the carpet. Use this at your own risk.
- 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.
NOTE: Stains caused by agents that were intended to stain in the first place are tough to remove. Medicines such as mercurochrome and iodine are in this category.
Hard Surface Floors
Brick, Concrete, Stone
Wipe up excess spill and wash with a solution of Washing (Sal) Soda or detergent (not soap) and water. Use a cloth or soft-bristled brush to scrub. Rinse thoroughly with clear water and allow to dry.
Resilient (Asphalt, Cork, Linoleum, Polyurethane, Vinyl)
- Wipe up excess spill with a cloth dipped in warm, susdy water. R;!,ce well and wipe dry.
- If any stain remains, cover with an absorbent pad soaked in rubbing alcohol. Let it remain in place for several minutes, then wipe stain with a cloth dampened with ammonia. Rinse well with a cloth moistened with warm sudsy water, then re-wipe with a cloth dampened with clear water. Allow to dry.
CAUTIONS:
- Do not use ammonia on linoleum or vinyl floors.
- Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
- Be sure to store and dispose of products/cans/containers as recommended. Keep out of reach of children.
- When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate ventilation.
Furniture
Wood
Mix dishwashing detergent in hot water and swish to make a great volume of suds. Dip at cloth in only the foam and apply to the stain. Rinse with a clean cloth dampened with clear water. Fuff, polish or was as soon as possible.
Upholstered Furniture
Blended Fibers, Fiberglass, Fur, Leather, Natural Fibers, Synthetic Fibers, Vinyl, Vinyl Coated, Wool
- Sponge stain with alcohol. Dilute the alcohol with 2 parts of water for use on acetate. Test colored materials before using. If stain remains, place a pad of alcohol saturated cotton on the stain and keep wet until the stain is gone (1 hour or more). On fabrics that will not stand alcohol, wet the stain with liquid detergent to which a few drops of ammonia has been added. Then rinse with water. Repeat if needed.
- Try full-strength white vinegar followed by a light spraying with a general multi-purpose cleaner. If stain remains, try a sol uti on of 1 part clear ammonia to 4 parts water. Agitate, blot, then rinse with clear water. Blot thoroughly and air dry!
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 upholstery, be careful not to overwet the fabric. Solvents can destroy the foam padding.
- Over wetting with water may cause the finish on the upholstery fabric to migrate and thus leave a circle in treated area.
- Ammonia damages silk and wool. If you must use on these fibers, dilute with equal amounts of water and use sparingly.
- Alcohol will damage acetate, triacetate, modacrylics and acrylic fibers. Dilute with 2 parts water on acetate.
- Vinegar should be diluted with 2 parts water and 1 part vinegar if used on cotton or linen. Use vinegar with care on linen and cotton.
NOTE: Medicines such as mercurochrome, methiolate, and iodine are all but impossible stains to remove– particularly on upholstery. If the stain is fresh and you respond immediately, you can expect to remove some of the stain. However, don’t get your hopes up. You’ll probably have to call a professional.
Leather
These medicines will immediately discolor leather. Once contact has been made, there is no way to remove the stai n.
Walls and Ceilings
Acoustical Tile, Dry Wall/Gypsum Board, Glass, Mirror, Plaster, Paper, Tile, Wood Panellng
These medicines will immediately discolor leather and suede. Once contact has been-made, there is no way to remove the discoloration.
Wood (Painted, Stained, Plastic Coated)
Mix dishwashing detergent in hot water and swich to make a great volume of sude. Dip a cloth in only the foam and apply to the stain. Rinse with a clean cloth dampened with clear water. Buff, polish or wax as soon as possible.
Other/interior
Fiberglass (Iodine)
Saturate a clean, absorbent cloth with acetone (nail polish remover) or a paint thinner such as turpentine. Lightly rub the affected area until the stain disappears. Use a dampened clean cloth or sponge to wipe off the treated surface.
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.
Exterior Surfaces
Foundations
Wood
Mix dishwashing detergent in hot water and swish to make a great volume of suds. Dip a cloth in only the foam and apply to the stain. Rinse with a clean cloth dampened with clear water.
CAUTIONS:
- Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
- Be sure to store and dispose of productslcanslcontainers as recommended. Keep out of reach of children.
Porches, Decks, Patios
Brick, Concrete, Cement, Stone
Wipe up excess spill and wash with a solution of Washing (sa/) Soda or detergent (not soap) and water. Use a cloth or soft-bristled brush to scrub. Rinse thoroughly with clear water and allow to dry.
CAUTIONS:
- Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
- Be sure to store and dispose of products/canslcontainers as recommended. Keep out of reach of children.
Wood (Painted, Stained)
Mix dishwashing detergent in hot water and swish to make a great volume of suds. Dip a cloth in only the foam and apply to the stain. Rinse with a clean cloth dampened with clear water.
CAUTIONS:
- Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
- Be sure to store and dispose of products/cans/containers as recommended. Keep out of reach of children.
Siding/walls
Brick, Brick Veneer, Cement, Concrete, Stone
Wipe up excess spill and wash with a solution of Washing (sal) Soda or detergent (not soap) and water. Use a cloth or soft-bristled brush to scrub. Rinse thoroughly with clear water and allow to dry.
CAUTIONS:
- Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
- Be sure to store and dispose of products/cans/containers as recommended. Keep out of reach of children.
Masonite, Hardboard, Wood (Painted, Stained, Shingles, Shakes)
Mix dishwashing detergent in hot water and swish to make a great volume of suds. Dip a cloth in only the foam and apply to the stain. Rinse with a clean cloth dampened with clear water.
CAUTIONS:
- Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
- Be sure to store and dispose of productslcanslcontainers as recommended. Keep out of reach of children.