Professional carpet stain guide
Find the stain. Match the product. Follow the steps.
Use this guide as a quick reference for common carpet spots and stains. Start with the safest procedure first, avoid over-wetting, and always test specialty spotters in an inconspicuous area before use.
Pro note: Blot or extract first, avoid scrubbing aggressively, and follow each product label. Some stains can cause permanent color loss or may require dye correction.
Core spotters used in this guide
Spot-N-Boost
Your main general spotter for filtration lines, ink, toner, grease, tar, lipstick, mascara, magic marker, and many mystery spots.
View productHel-Gel Orange
Citrus gel spotter for sticky residue, gum, oil, grease, tar, paint, lipstick, mascara, ink, and magic marker.
View productPIG-Out
Solvent-style specialty spotter for oil-based, adhesive, paint, polish, ink, wax, and cosmetic-type soils.
View productRed Vanish
Specialty red dye remover for red food and drink stains when normal spotting does not remove the remaining color.
View productProblem-B-Gone
Specialty stain remover for stubborn dye, tannin, mustard, curry, and other stains that need extended dwell time.
View productRust Assassin
Rust-specific stain remover for metal/rust stains. Use according to label directions and neutralize or rinse as needed.
View productUrine Eraser
Use for urine staining procedures where odor treatment may also be needed. Give proper dwell time.
View productCleanZyme
Enzyme cleaner, spotter, and odor remover for organic messes where odor control is part of the job.
View productStain lookup
Acne Medication
Recommended products: Spot-N-BoostHel-Gel Orange
- Extract or blot excess.
- Apply Hel-Gel ORANGE to fibers only; be careful not to get the Hel-Gel into the carpet backing or delamination could occur.
- Give 1 or 2 minutes dwell time.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If the medication has caused bleaching spot dying may be necessary.
Adhesive
Recommended products: Hel-Gel OrangePIG-Out
- Scrape off excess-- Apply Hel-Gel ORANGE or PIG Out.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- Repeat as necessary.
Alcohol (bevarages)
Recommended products: Spot-N-Boost
- Extract or blot excess.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost and extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
Asphalt
- Encircle the Spot with a barrier of Spot-N-Boost or any VacAway cleaning solution to keep from spreading during the next steps.
- Apply Hel-Gel ORANGE, PIG Out or Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- Repeat if necessary.
Beer
Recommended products: Spot-N-Boost
- Extract or blot excess.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost and extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
Beets
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Berries
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Betadine
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Blood
Recommended products: Rust Assassin
- Agitate.
- Extract or Blot
- If stain remains apply Rust Assassin.
- Agitate.
- Extract.
Butter
- Apply Spot-N-Boost, PIG Out or Hel-Gel ORANGE.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
Candle Wax
- Scrape off excess-- Cover with a white terry cloth towel or absorbent paper grocery bag (use side without writing or logo).
- Place an iron, low to med setting, on top of the absorbent material to melt the wax into the material (Never use this procedure on wool and use low heat to prevent melting the fibers on olefin).
- Apply PIG Out, or Hel-Gel ORANGE.
- Agitate---Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If a tinge of color remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Candy
- Scrape excess candy off-- Apply Hel-Gel ORANGE, Pig OUT or Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Carbon
- Try NOT to get these materials wet until you VACUUM extremely well.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Catchup
- Scrape, extract or blot excess as necessary.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Chalk
- Scrape, extract or blot excess as necessary.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Cheese
- Scrape, extract or blot excess as necessary.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Chewing Gum
- To allow product penetration, cut criss crosses into gum deposit or punch holes in it with an awl, nail, etc..
- Apply Hel-Gel ORANGE to all sides of the gum making sure it gets into all areas where gum is in contact with the fibers.
- Allow 1 - 5 minutes dwell time.
- Repeat as necessary until excess is removed.
- Apply PIG Out or Spot-N-Boost to remove any residual gum.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
Chocolate
- Scrape, extract or blot excess as necessary.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions
Clay (Red)
- Scrape, extract or blot excess as necessary.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions
Coffee
- Scrape, extract or blot excess as necessary.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions
Colas
- Scrape, extract or blot excess as necessary.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions
Cooking Oils
- Apply Spot-N-Boost, PIG Out or Hel-Gel ORANGE.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
Copier Toner
- Try NOT to get these materials wet until you VACUUM extremely well.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Correction Fluid
- Scrape, extract or blot excess as necessary.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Cosmetics
- Apply PIG Out, Spot-N-Boost, or Hel-Gel ORANGE.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If a tinge of color remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish and cover with plastic to allow slow drying.
Cough Syrup
- Scrape, extract or blot excess as necessary.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Crayon
- Scrape loose crayon off-- Apply Hel-Gel ORANGE, PIG Out or Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Creosote
- Encircle the Spot with a barrier of Spot-N-Boost or any VacAway cleaning solution to keep from spreading during the next steps.
- Apply Hel-Gel ORANGE, PIG Out or Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- Repeat if necessary.
Curry
Recommended products: Problem-B-Gone
- Extract or blot excess.
- Apply Problem-B-Gone according to directions and never use heat as an accelerant-- Cover with plastic and allow several hours dwell time.
- Repeat with Problem-B-Gone as necessary.
Driveway Sealer
- Encircle the Spot with a barrier of Spot-N-Boost or any VacAway cleaning solution to keep from spreading during the next steps.
- Apply Hel-Gel ORANGE, PIG Out or Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- Repeat if necessary.
Drywall
Recommended products: Spot-N-Boost
- Scrape and vacuum excess.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
Eggs
- Scrape, extract or blot excess as necessary.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Fats
- Extract or blot excess.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost, PIG Out or Hel-Gel ORANGE.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
Feces
- Scrape, extract or blot excess as necessary.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Fertilizer
- Scrape, extract or blot excess as necessary.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Filtration Lines
Recommended products: Spot-N-Boost
- Dry vacuum very thoroughly.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- Repeat as necessary
- NOTE: These are the black or darkened areas along the baseboard, under closed doors, around furnace vents, along the sides of staircases, etc. This is caused by air movement where extremely fine soil is deposited on the fibers as the air moves under walls, closed doors, etc. The polluted air can be from a number of sources including candles, cigarette/cigar smoke, kerosene heaters, etc.
Fingerprint Dust
- Try NOT to get these materials wet until you VACUUM extremely well.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Food Coloring & Food Dye
Recommended products: Problem-B-GoneRed Vanish
- Use Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions on product labels.
Furniture Polish
- Extract or blot excess.
- Apply PIG Out followed by Spot-N-Boost.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If a tinge of color remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish and cover with plastic to allow slow drying.
Furniture Stains
- Apply PIG Out or Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate and blot dry with a clean white towel.
- If stain remains, apply Problem-B-Gone and cover with plastic to retard drying time. Process could take up to 12 hours to remove the stain.
- For difficult stains, repeat as necessary with fresh solution of Problem-B-Gone.
Gelatin
- Scrape, extract or blot excess as necessary.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Glass - Window Cleaners
Recommended products: Spot-N-BoostProblem-B-Gone
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains, apply Problem-B-Gone and cover with plastic to retard drying time. Process could take up to 12 hours to remove the stain. Irreversible bleaching can occur with some window cleaners, especially in sunlight.
Glue
Recommended products: Hel-Gel OrangePIG-Out
- Scrape off excess-- Apply Hel-Gel ORANGE or PIG Out.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- Repeat as necessary.
Graphite
- Try NOT to get these materials wet until you VACUUM extremely well.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Grass
- Scrape, extract or blot excess as necessary.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Gravy
- Scrape, extract or blot excess as necessary.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Gum (chewing)
- To allow product penetration, cut criss crosses into gum deposit or punch holes in it with an awl, nail, etc..
- Apply Hel-Gel ORANGE to all sides of the gum making sure it gets into all areas where gum is in contact with the fibers.
- Allow 1 - 5 minutes dwell time.
- Scrape with blunt object to remove gum.
- Repeat as necessary until excess is removed.
- Apply PIG Out or Spot-N-Boost to remove any residual gum .
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
Hair Dye
- Scrape, extract or blot excess as necessary.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Hand Crème
- Scrape, extract or blot excess as necessary.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Highlight Markers
- Scrape, extract or blot excess as necessary.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Honey
- Scrape, extract or blot excess as necessary.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Ice Cream
- Scrape, extract or blot excess as necessary.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Ink
- Absorb as much of the ink as possible with dry white paper towels.
- Encircle the spot with a barrier of Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish to keep it from spreading during the next steps.
- Apply PIG Out, Spot-N-Boost, or Hel-Gel ORANGE.
- Blot from the outside of the spot toward center.
- Repeat as necessary.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If a tinge of ink remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish and cover with plastic to allow slow drying.
Insecticides
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Red Vanish or Problem-B-Gone according to directions.
- NOTE: Many insecticides permanently stain, bleach, or discolor carpet fibers with no chance of restoring the carpet to the original color without spot dyeing. When attempting to correct without spot dying apply Spot-N-Boost.
Iodine
- Extract or blot excess as necessary.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Jam
- Scrape, extract or blot excess as necessary.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Jelly
- Scrape, extract or blot excess as necessary.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Juice stains
- Scrape, extract or blot excess as necessary.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Ketchup
- Scrape, extract or blot excess as necessary.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Kool Aid
Recommended products: Problem-B-GoneRed Vanish
- Use Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions on product labels.
Lacquer
- If wet, Extract or blot excess.
- Apply PIG Out, or Hel-Gel ORANGE.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Lipstick
- Extract or blot excess.
- Apply PIG Out, Spot-N-Boost, or Hel-Gel ORANGE.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If a tinge of color remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish and cover with plastic to allow slow drying.
Magic Marker
- Extract or blot excess as necessary.
- Apply PIG Out, Spot-N-Boost or Hel-Gel ORANGE.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Makeup
- Extract or blot excess as necessary.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost, PIG Out or Hel-Gel ORANGE.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Margarine
- Extract or blot excess as necessary.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost, PIG Out or Hel-Gel ORANGE.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
Mascara
- Extract or blot excess as necessary.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost, PIG Out or Hel-Gel ORANGE.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If a tinge of color remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish and cover with plastic to allow slow drying.
Medicine (most)
- Scrape, extract or blot excess as necessary.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Merthiolate
- Extract or blot excess.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Mildew
- Scrape, extract or blot excess as necessary.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Milk
- Scrape, extract or blot excess as necessary.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Mold
- Scrape, extract or blot excess as necessary.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Mustard
Recommended products: Problem-B-Gone
- Apply Problem-B-Gone according to directions and never use heat as an accelerant-- Cover with plastic and allow several hours dwell time.
- Repeat with Problem-B-Gone as necessary
- NOTE: Because it contains a disperse dye, mustard can very difficult to remove.
Nail Polish
- If wet, Extract or blot excess.
- Apply PIG Out or Hel-Gel ORANGE.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Paint
Recommended products: Hel-Gel OrangePIG-Out
- If wet, Extract or blot excess.
- Apply PIG Out or Hel-Gel ORANGE.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- Repeat as necessary.
Paraffin
- Scrape off excess-- Cover with a white terry cloth towel or absorbent paper grocery bag (use side without writing or logo).
- Place an iron, low to med setting, on top of the absorbent material to melt the wax into the material (Never use this procedure on wool and use low heat to prevent melting the fibers on olefin).
- Apply PIG Out, or Hel-Gel ORANGE.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If a tinge of ink remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Parking Lot Sealer
- Encircle the Spot with a barrier of Spot-N-Boost or any VacAway cleaning solution to keep from spreading during the next steps.
- Apply Hel-Gel ORANGE, PIG Out or Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- Repeat if necessary.
Peanut butter
Recommended products: Spot-N-Boost
- Scrape or extract excess.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
Pee
- Procedure for stains only NOT odor: Extract or blot excess.
- Apply Urine Eraser or Problem-B-Gone and give plenty of dwell time.
- Stains will usually disappear as carpet dries.
- Repeat if necessary.
Perfume
Recommended products: Spot-N-Boost
- Extract or blot excess.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
Plant Food
- Scrape, extract or blot excess as necessary.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Plaster
Recommended products: Spot-N-Boost
- Scrape and vacuum excess.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
Plumbers Putty
- Extract or blot excess.
- Apply PIG Out, Spot-N-Boost, or Hel-Gel ORANGE.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If a tinge of color remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish and cover with plastic to allow slow drying.
Pollution Stains
Recommended products: Spot-N-Boost
- Dry vacuum very thoroughly.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- Repeat as necessary.
- NOTE: These are the black or darkened areas along the baseboard, under closed doors, around furnace vents, along the sides of staircases, etc. This is caused by air movement where extremely fine soil is deposited on the fibers as the air moves under walls, closed doors, etc. The polluted air can be from a number of sources including candles, cigarette/cigar smoke, kerosene heaters, etc.
Pop
- Scrape, extract or blot excess as necessary.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Potting Soil
- Dry vacuum until all loose soil is removed.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Pumpkin
- Scrape, extract or blot excess as necessary.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Red Clay
- Scrape, extract or blot excess as necessary.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Red stains from foods & drinks (Red dye #40)
Recommended products: Problem-B-GoneRed Vanish
- Use Red Vanish or Problem-B-Gone according to directions on product labels.
Rubber Cement
Recommended products: Hel-Gel OrangePIG-Out
- Scrape off excess.
- Apply Hel-Gel ORANGE or PIG Out.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- Repeat as necessary
Rust
Recommended products: Spot-N-BoostRust Assassin
- Apply Rust Assassin (while carpet is still dry if possible).
- Agitate.
- Extract or neutralize with an alkaline cleaner and blot dry with a clean white towel.
- NOTE: A great non-acidic spotter for rust is Spot-N-Boost.
Sauces
- Scrape, extract or blot excess as necessary.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Sealer Driveway
- Encircle the Spot with a barrier of Spot-N-Boost or any VacAway cleaning solution to keep from spreading during the next steps.
- Apply Hel-Gel ORANGE, PIG Out or Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- Repeat if necessary.
Shellac
- If wet, Extract or blot excess.
- Apply PIG Out or Hel-Gel ORANGE.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Shoe Polish
- If wet, Extract or blot excess.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost, PIG Out, or Hel-Gel ORANGE.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If a tinge of color remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish and cover with plastic to allow slow drying.
Soda Pop
- Scrape, extract or blot excess as necessary.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Soft Drinks
- Scrape, extract or blot excess as necessary.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Soil Filtration Lines
Recommended products: Spot-N-Boost
- Dry vacuum very thoroughly.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- Repeat as necessary.
- NOTE: These are the black or darkened areas along the baseboard, under closed doors, around furnace vents, along the sides of staircases, etc. This is caused by air movement where extremely fine soil is deposited on the fibers as the air moves under walls, closed doors, etc. The polluted air can be from a number of sources including candles, cigarette/cigar smoke, kerosene heaters, etc.
Soot
- Try NOT to get these materials wet until you VACUUM extremely well.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Spackling
Recommended products: Spot-N-Boost
- Scrape and vacuum excess.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
Starch
- Scrape, extract or blot excess as necessary.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Sugar
- Scrape, extract or blot excess as necessary.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Syrups
- Scrape, extract or blot excess as necessary.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Tannin stains
- Scrape, extract or blot excess as necessary.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Tar
- Encircle the Spot with a barrier of Spot-N-Boost or any VacAway cleaning solution to keep from spreading during the next steps.
- Apply Hel-Gel ORANGE, PIG Out or Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- Repeat as necessary
Tea
- Scrape, extract or blot excess as necessary.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Tobacco stains
- Scrape, extract or blot excess as necessary.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Toilet bowl cleaner
Recommended products: Spot-N-Boost
- Extract or blot excess.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
Toner (copier)
- Try NOT to get these materials wet until you VACUUM extremely well.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Urine
- Procedure for stains only NOT odor: Extract or blot excess.
- Apply Urine Eraser or Problem-B-Gone and give plenty of dwell time.
- Stains will usually disappear as carpet dries.
- Repeat as necessary.
Varnish
- If wet, Extract or blot excess.
- Apply PIG Out or Hel-Gel ORANGE.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Vomit
- Scrape, extract or blot excess as necessary.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Water Colors
- Scrape, extract or blot excess as necessary.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Wax (Candle / Paraffin)
- Scrape off excess-- Cover with a white terry cloth towel or absorbent paper grocery bag (use side without writing or logo).
- Place an iron, low to med setting, on top of the absorbent material to melt the wax into the material (Never use this procedure on wool and use low heat to prevent melting the fibers on olefin).
- Apply PIG Out or Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
Window Cleaners
Recommended products: Spot-N-BoostProblem-B-Gone
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains, apply Problem-B-Gone and cover with plastic to retard drying time. Process could take up to 12 hours to remove the stain. Irreversible bleaching can occur with some window cleaners, especially in sunlight.
Wine
- Scrape, extract or blot excess as necessary.
- Apply Spot-N-Boost.
- Agitate.
- Extract or blot dry with a clean white absorbent towel.
- If stain remains apply Problem-B-Gone or Red Vanish according to directions.
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