Spotting Guide

STAIN

Alcoholic Beverage
Asphalt
Beer
Betadine
Berries
Blood (wet)
Blood (dry)
Butter
Chewing Gum
Chocolate
Coffee
Cosmetics
Crayon
De-icer
Drinks, Colored
Drinks, Hot
(non - caffeine etc)
Drinks (Cola , etc.)
Excrement
Food dyes
Furniture Polish
Grease, Auto
Grease, Food
Ink, Ballpoint
Ink, Permanent
Ink, Washable
Lipstick
Milk
Mustard
Nail Polish

Paint - Latex (wet)
Paint - Latex (dry)
Paint - Oil
Rust
Tea
Tomato Stuffs
Toner, Copier, wet
Toner, Copier, dry
Urine
Vomit
Wax
Wine

PROCEDURE

A
B
A
P
A
COLD, A
COLD, A-2
A
C, then B
A-2
A-1**
A, B
B*
Vacuum, A
A*, P
A**

A
A
A*, P
A, B
B
A
B, P
P
A
B
A
A, P
Polish remover - using method B
A
B
B, P
P
A-1**
A
P
Vacuum, A
A -1
A, A - 1
P
Club soda, 7 up etc.

PROCEDURE A: 2 cups HOT water with 1 tsp. gentle laundry detergent (using a squirt bottle works best). Mist & blot multiple times. (Tide & Bold are too strong - use Sunlight or Woolite if possible). Final step is always absorb as much as possible, finish with step 5 below
PROCEDURE A-1: Same as above except a half and half solution of vinegar and hot water, this is best for natural fibres (cotton).
PROCEDURE A-2: Same as above except 2 Tbs. household ammonia to 1 cup hot water, not on natural fibres, use Procedure ‘A’ on them.
PROCEDURE B: Paint thinner applied with Q-tip. Can damage fabric construction if over applied. Provide adequate ventilation! A professional spotting agent we have available, would be a better choice of product. but this works.
PROCEDURE C: Freeze using ice cubes then chip away after thoroughly frozen.
P - Professional service required!!
(*) - Colors such as those found in soft drinks, Koolaid, candle wax etc. will redye most natural fabrics and some synthetics.
(**) - Solution may need to be heated hotter than the staining product.

METHODS TO REMOVE SPOTS

Remove spots as they happen while they are still spots. Failure to immediately address spills can result in permanent staining.
Remove as much solids as you can using spatula or spoon.
Absorb wet spills quickly with paper towels and absorb as much moisture as possible!
Always blot the fibre - NEVER scrub or rub, this causes fibres to fuzz & result in permanent damage and can widespread the issue!!
Final step is ALWAYS to put a stack of paper towels and hold down with a weight such as a book until dry (12-24 hours).
Follow the directions - they actually work when followed properly.
Good luck. If you’re unsure of what needs to be done, don’t panic, just call or send an email and I’ll spot it for you!

TREATING URINE & VOMIT EFFECTIVELY

URINE TREATMENT

Place stack of paper towels on top and extract as much moisture as possible.
Liberally apply a 1/2 &1/2 solution of vinegar and water. Repeat paper towel procedure. Do not rub or scrub carpet!
Repeat step two - you will need to use 1 1/2 times amount of solution as there was urine. Repeat paper towels.
Place dry paper towels over top again, and a sheet of plastic or wax paper, then a heavy book. Leave this for at least 12 hours or until dry. This can make the difference of a permanent or not permanent stain.
Follow these steps implicitly!!

VOMIT / FECAL STAIN

Remove all possible solids with spatula, cardboard etc.
Use hot water, flush the area numerous times. A wet/dry vacuum works well, otherwise use paper towels by the dozen.
If stains are persistent, add 1 tsp. of your laundry detergent to the hot water. A short soaking period may be required.
Blot until dry using paper towels. Place stack of paper towels over area with heavy books on top with wax paper or plastic bag in between to prevent damage to the books, leave for 12 hours until dry!!