Stain Removal Tips

This video demonstrates some of the results that our professional Chem-Dry technicians can acheive. Naturally factors such as the longer the stain dwells, the condition of the carpet and what you use to attempt removal can all effect the ultimate outcome.

The tips below have been compiled by the IICRC, (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning & Restoration Certification.)They are guidelines only, and are offered for your use as a goodwill gesture and without obligation or responsibility on the part of Chem-Dry Acclaim, the Chem-Dry Master Franchise, and the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC).We strongly recommend that you consult or hire a professional carpet cleaner if the spots/stains on your carpet are too difficult for you to remove personally.

Before the next one happens to you, read the tips and suggestions we have compiled for you here and get some Chem-Dry professional home care products to wipe that stain clean when it inevitably happens. If your carpet has been treated with Chem-Dry’s Protectant, then you already have a huge advantage in removing stains!

Stain Removal Tips

Act Quickly – Time is of the Essence. Spills and stains should be dealt with  immediately. The longer a spot remains, the more difficult it will be to remove. Most stains that are allowed to dry overnight will become more difficult to remove. This also applies to hot tea and especially coffee, as they become heat set. So whenever possible always deal with any stains as soon as they happen.

Know what kind of stain you are working on as well as the type of fabric or surface it is on so you can choose the best product. View the list below to see which product to use for water or oil based spots.

Blot up spills with clean, white, absorbent slightly damp material (towels, napkins, tissues, etc.).  Do not use clothes with colors in it, as the dyes may transfer to the carpeting when you are trying to absorb the staining material.  Always work from the outside of the stained area towards the middle of the stain.  This will ensure that you do not spread the staining material any further.

Always blot the area with a towel – Do not rub or brush the stain. Doing so can damage the carpet fibers or your upholstered materials.  Remember to work from the outer edge of the spot towards the centere to prevent rings or spreading of the staining material.

Test all fabrics and carpets before cleaning by spraying a small amount of Chem-Dry Professional Strength Spot Remover or Chem-Dry Grease & Oil Remover on a hidden area (under a sofa cushion, on an area of carpet under or behind a piece of furniture.), blot gently with a clean dry and observe for 10 minutes. Make sure there is not carpet color removal onto the cloth and that, when dry, there is not a visible discoloration in the area you cleaned.

Do not over wet. Use small amounts of the spot removal agents and blot frequently. Let the solution dwell on the stain for 30-60 seconds before you try to remove it by blotting.  The solution needs time to break down the stain for easier removal.

Work from the outside edge of the stain to the inside to keep the stain from spreading.

Remove solid built-up materials with a rounded tablespoon, spatula, or the edge of a dull knife.  Do not get too aggressive with the removal process as you may damage the carpet fibers. Again, work from the outside of the stained area towards the middle of the stain

Rinse The final step is always to gently rinse the area with water, then absorb all the remaining moisture with absorbent towels.  Do not skip this step as over-damp or wet carpets can start a whole new set of problem by promoting mold and fungi growth if left to wet for too long.

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.  We understand that you want to fix the problem yourself in order to save money, but sometimes the “first loss if the smallest”…Call a Chem-Dry professional before you damage your carpet or upholstery investment!

Call Chem-Dry for expert spot & stain removal if these efforts do not work. Have a Chem-Dry Professional apply our PowerGaurd Protector with every cleaning to give you the best chance for removing stains.

Spot and Stain Remover

RESIST the urge to reach for the dish soap under the sink or to use other soap and water combinations that may have been passed on to you by your mother or from friends – they invariable lead to disaster when removing spots and stains, especially when used on upholstered items.

Chem-Dry Professional Strength Spot Remover

NOTE: These items can chemically damage carpet fibers which may require a Chem-Dry Professional’s assistance. Please be EXTREMELY careful with ink. For larger spills call your local Chem-Dry representative.

At Chem-Dry, we recommend that you use our Grease And Oil Remover and our Professional Strength Spot Remover for all spots and stains on your carpeting.  If you do not have these two products in your home, we recommend that you use only water.  To get our world famous stain extinguisher or spot remover go to our consumer products page by pressing the links above.

Stain Removal on Carpets

Using Chem-Dry’s exclusive stain remover, this is how you would deal with stains.

1. Blot up any surface liquid, or in the case of other spills, remove as much of the spillage as possible.
2. Holding the Chem-Dry Spot Remover™ approximately 12″ away, direct the spray to cover the whole of the stain.
3. Using the bottom of a dessertspoon, agitate the solution on and around the stained area.
4. With the cleaning cloth apply pressure and blot up the Chem-Dry Spot Remover™. Never rub the stain or you could damage your carpet.
5. It may be necessary to repeat the above process several times on particularly stubborn stains.

Stain Removal on Upholstery and Fabric

Using Chem-Dry’s exclusive stain remover, this is how you deal with stains.

1. Blot up any surface liquid, or in the case of other spills, remove as much of the spillage as possible.
2. Lightly spray the stained area with clean water.
3. Holding the Chem-Dry Spot Remover™ approximately 12″ away, direct the spray to cover the whole of the stain.
4. Using the bottom of a dessertspoon, agitate the solution on and around the stained area.
5. Blot up the Chem-Dry Spot Remover™ using the cloth, do not rub, until the stain disappears.
6. It may be necessary to repeat the above process several times on particularly stubborn stains.

Stubborn Stains and Spills

There are some spills and stains that are impossible for the householder to deal with. The Chem-Dry professional has the know-how, equipment and solutions necessary to remove most stubborn stains. We therefore recommend that in the event of such an emergency the following procedure will minimize damage.

Things That You Should Do

1. Act immediately before the spills or stain spreads too far or penetrates the fibers.
2. Scrape up as much as possible with a spoon or palette knife (i.e. a blunt edge).
3. Always work towards the center of the spillage to avoid spreading.
4. Blot up liquids with a clean cloth, towel or kitchen paper.
5. Use plain warm water to dampen and blot the spill without rubbing.
6. Keep spill or stain moist with a little water and keep a damp cloth spread over the area until help arrives.
7. Cover gloss paint with cling film or polythene to prevent drying.

Things That You Should Not Do

1. Do not lift the carpets or roll them up.
2. Do not rub the stain. Always blot it up.
3. Do not try to dry out by applying heat.
4. Do not use solvents, detergents, turpentine or other solutions.