STAIN REMOVAL FROM START TO FINISH

The following are GENERAL stain removal tips and instructions that can be used with most spot and stain removal products. They’re only guidelines. Make sure you review and know the directions given on your product, in case it’s the exception. Also understand the product’s warnings.

PREPARATION:
Always remove any and all liquid or solid substance from the area you will be working on before you apply any product. To soak up excess liquid you can use towels first and then paper towels to extract as much of the moisture out as possible.

TIP: Place a towel under the bottle of the spot remover. This is in case it accidentally knocks over or leaks.

TIP: Test the product on an inconspicuous area of your carpet, if you’re unsure of how the carpet will react. Perhaps you can test it in a closet.

WARNING: Do not get desperate and scrub your carpet too hard for any reason. You can create permanent damage.

APPLICATION:
Spray the product on a cloth first and then press it down on the stain.
OR
Spray directly on the carpet. You can experiment with either using a wide spray or a focused spray depending on the size and the severity of the stain. The benefit of the wide spray is that the area will dry faster. The benefit of the focused spray is that you can penetrate deeper into the fibers. Just be careful not to soak the carpet.

AGITATION:
Agitation speeds up and helps break down soils, spots, and stains. You can agitate with clean sneakers, a towel, your fingers (with or without a plastic glove), or a soft brush. If the stain has been completely removed, then you have succeeded. IF NOT...

TIME:
Sometimes time is your best weapon. Use it. It’s amazing what can happen with a little patience. Let it sit for 5, 10, or 30 minutes. You may want to agitate it some more.

REPEAT IF NECESSARY:
Absorb as much of the product out and reapply the product using agitation and time. If you need to try another product make sure the area is dry first, in this way, the fibers will be able to receive and absorb the next product more thoroughly.

DRY, DRY, DRY:
The last step in all spot and stain removal is to dry the area as well as possible. This is a priority every time you work on a spot or stain. Use white hand towels, paper towels, and a fan or a heater to accomplish this. Additionally you can open windows for heat and airflow OR turn up the heat if it's cold or wet outside.

The Preparation and the Drying will help improve your chances of a stain not returning the next day, the next week, or the next month.

QUICK AND EASY SHORTCUT:
The above instructions are intended for difficult stains. What if you just have tiny spots around the house that aren’t stains? Generally, spots are easy to remove and stains are not.
Spray just enough of your spot remover on the spot so that it can be removed.
Agitate it and absorb it with a towel and then absorb more moisture out with a paper towel.
OR
Agitate it and absorb it with paper towels.
Let it dry on its own if it’s slightly moist.