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Carpet Stain Removal Guide

For best results in removing most household spills and stains, we suggest using Scotchgard™ Oxy Spot & Stain Remover. This revolutionary 2-in-1 cleaner with Scotchgard Protector eliminates most tough stains and prevent future soiling.

If you have a stain emergency, click on the stain category below for an alternative solution.

Water-Based Stains
Alcohol Grape Juice
Baby Formula Graphite
Beer Ice Cream
Blood Jelly
Candy Latex Paint
Catsup Liquor
Chocolate Milk Milk
Clay Soil Spots
Cola Soft Drinks
Cologne Syrup
Cranberry Juice Tomato Juice
Felt Tip Marker Water Colors
Food Stains (general) Watermelon
Fruit Juice Whiskey
Fruit Punch Wine
Furniture Polish
(water-based)
Vomit

Special Water-Based Stains
Coffee Tea
Urine  
Greasy, Oil-Based Stains
Butter Margarine
Chocolate Mascara
Cooking Oil Mayonnaise
Cosmetics Nail Polish
Crayon Oil
Furniture Dye Oil Paint
Furniture Polish
(oil-based)
Ointment
Glue* Peanut Butter
Gravy Rouge
Grease (black) Salad Dressing
Gum* Spaghetti
Hand Cream Wax*
Ink Varnish
Lipstick  
*Freeze and remove solid materials before using cleaning fluid.


Reappearing Stains
It is not unusual for stains to sometimes reappear after spot-cleaning. Wicking occurs when a liquid has been spilled on the carpet (usually a large quantity) and cleaning attempts remove only the stain and liquid from the carpet fibers. Liquid still remains in the carpet backing or padding. Through capillary action, the stain can "wick" back up into the carpet fibers. Residual resoiling occurs if staining substances or cleaning products are left in the carpet and attract soil.

These stains are not permanent and typically can be removed by simply repeating these appropriate step-by-step directions listed on the above chart. Here are some additional suggestions:

  1. Avoid overwetting the carpet backing during spot-cleaning and rising. Blotting to remove excess moisture reduces the occurence of wiking stains.
  2. Use a "wet-vac" to extract liquid from the area if possible. Paper toweling placed over the cleaned area and weight with a color-fast object will help absorb resurfacing stains. Use of fans to decrease the drying time will also help.
  3. If you are still unable to resolve the problem, our stain removal experts at the Scotchgard Serice Center will work with you over the phone to remove these stains. Contact them at 1-800-433-3296 for assistance.

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