Throughout the last few years, we here at Craig’s Carpet have put together a list of home remedies for your stain removal needs.  We hope you find this information helpful.
Please contact us if you have any further questions.

STAIN: Colorless to light yellow, slightly stiff
CONTAINS: Hops, malt, alcohol, albumins, tannin
1) Apply cool detergent solution; blot.
2) Apply vinegar solution; blot frequently.
3) Rinse thoroughly with water; blot until dry.
STAIN: Reddish when fresh, dries to dark brown with irregular edge
CONTAINS: Albumin, fat, fibrin, iron
1) Apply cool detergent solution; blot.
2) Apply cool ammonia solution; blot.
3) Apply enzyme detergent; blot.
4) Rinse thoroughly with water; blot until dry.
5) If stain remains, apply rust remover or oxalic acid solution.
6) Bleaching with 3-5% hydrogen peroxide may be necessary.
STAIN: Greasy, yellowish-red, sometimes built-up
CONTAINS: Vegetable dye, corn oil, milk, salt, preservatives, vegetable fats
1) Apply dry-cleaning solvent; blot.
2) Apply detergent solution; blot until dry.
3) Apply vinegar solution; blot.
4) Rinse with water; blot until dry.
STAIN: Stiff and built-up
CONTAINS: Petroleum, animal fats and oils, vegetable fats and oils, basic dyes
1) Scrape off as much as possible with spatula or dull knife.
2) Apply dry-cleaning solvent.
3) Apply POG; blot.
4) Apply dry-cleaning solvent; blot.
STAIN: Reddish-brown, absorbed and built-up
CONTAINS: Tomatoes, salt, sugar, spices, tannin, vinegar, and onions
1) Apply cool detergent solution; blot.
2) Apply ammonia solution; blot.
3) Apply enzyme detergent; blot.
4) If stain remains, bleach with 3-5% hydrogen peroxide or sodium perborate.
5) Rinse thoroughly with water; blot until dry.
STAIN: Grayish or pink, rubbery, sticky, built-up
CONTAINS: Chicle flavoring, sugar
1) Harden gum with an ice cube until it is brittle enough to scrape off with dull knife or spatula.
2) Apply dry-cleaning solvent to remove remaining traces, or use a commercial chewing gum remover.
STAIN: Brown with irregular edge, absorbed or built-up
CONTAINS: Oil, grease, cocoa, butter, coloring, sugar, milk
1) Scrape off as much as possible with spatula or dull knife.
2) Apply cool detergent solution; blot.
3) Apply ammonia solution; blot.
4) Apply vinegar solution; blot.
5) Apply enzyme detergent; blot.
6) Rinse thoroughly with water; blot until dry.
STAIN: Colorless or light brown, absorbed
CONTAINS: Alcohol, tannin, sugar
1) Apply detergent solution; blot.
2) Apply vinegar solution; blot.
3) Rinse with water; blot until dry.
STAIN: Brown with irregular edge, darkening with heat and age
CONTAINS: Tannins, sugar, fatty acids, alcohols, oils, milk, cream
1) Apply detergent solution; blot (use enzyme detergent if cream was present).
2) Apply vinegar solution; blot.
3) Apply enzyme detergent; blot.
4) Rinse with water; blot until dry
 

* AMMONIA WILL SET STAINS ON WOOL AND SILK, BUT MAY HELP IN REMOVAL FROM OTHER FABRICS

STAIN: Usually absorbed with an irregular edge, sticky when wet, stiff when dry
CONTAINS: Honey, sugar, syrup, menthol, alcohol, flavoring, coloring, water
1) Apply detergent solution; blot
2) Apply ammonia solution; blot.
3) Apply vinegar solution; blot.
4) Apply enzyme solution; blot.
5) Rinse with water; blot until dry
STAIN: Built-up, sometimes shiny
CONTAINS: Wax, grease, pigment, coloring matter
1) Apply dry-cleaning solvent.
2) Apply POG; blot.
3) Apply dry-cleaning solvent.
4) Apply detergent solution; blot.
5) Rinse with water; blot until dry
STAIN: White and/or yellow, built-up, coagulates with heat
CONTAINS: Albumin, oils, fats, coloring, matter
1) Blot as much as possible.
2) Apply detergent solution; blot.
3) Apply cold ammonia solution; blot.
4) If stain remains, apply enzyme detergent.
5) Rinse with water; blot until dry
STAIN: Absorbed, irregular edge
CONTAINS: Coloring matter, propylene glycol
1) Apply detergent solution, blotting frequently.
ooA dried stain will probably spread when wet.
2) Repeat step 1 until color is no longer transferred to the towel.
3) Apply ammonia solution; blot.
4) Rinse with water; blot until dry
STAIN: Light yellow or characteristic of color of fruit; absorbed and splotchy with irregular edge
  
CONTAINS: Tannin, acids, pulp, sugar, coloring matter
1) Apply detergent solution; blot.
2) Apply ammonia solution; blot.
3) Apply vinegar solution; blot.
4) Rinse with water; blot until dry
5) If stain remains, apply enzyme detergent; blot.
6) Rinse with water; blot until dry
STAIN: Brownish or reddish, absorbed with irregular edge
CONTAINS: Petroleum distillate, coloring matter
1) Apply dry-cleaning solvent; blot.
2) Apply POG; blot.
3) Apply dry-cleaning solvent; blot.
4) Apply detergent solution; blot.
5) If stain remains, apply enzyme detergent; blot.
6) Rinse with water; blot until dry.

* BLEACHING (OR PROFESSIONAL STRIPPING) MAY BE NECESSARY
STAIN: Brownish or reddish, absorbed with irregular edge
CONTAINS: Petroleum distillate, coloring matter
1) Apply water; blot.
2) Apply detergent solution; blot.
3) If stain remains, heat the detergent solution slightly and repeat step 2.
4) Rinse with water; blot until dry.
STAIN: Green and/or brown smudges
CONTAINS: Tannin, acids, oils, chlorophyll
1) Apply amyl acetate, if available, to remove chlorophyll; blot.
2) Apply enzyme detergent; blot.
3) Rinse with water; blot.
4) Apply ammonia solution; blot.
5) Apply vinegar solution; blot.
6) Rinse with water; blot until dry.

* BLEACHING (OR PROFESSIONAL STRIPPING) MAY BE NECESSARY
STAIN: Brownish, absorbed and built-up
CONTAINS: Meat extracts, starch, proteins, milk, flour, and seasonings
1) Apply detergent solution; blot.
2) Apply ammonia solution; blot.
3) Apply vinegar solution; blot.
4) Apply enzyme detergent; blot.
5) Rinse with water; blot until dry.
STAIN: Grayish or brownish, absorbed or built-up
CONTAINS: Oils, sometimes soils
1) Apply dry-cleaning solvent.
2) Apply POG; blot.
3) Alternate steps 1 and 2 until stain is removed.
4) If stain remains, apply detergent solution; blot.
5) Apply ammonia solution; blot.
6) Apply vinegar solution; blot.
7) Rinse with water; blot until dry.

* BLEACHING (OR PROFESSIONAL STRIPPING) MAY BE NECESSARY
STAIN: Absorbed and built-up, stiff when dry
CONTAINS: Cream, milk, egg, sugar, fruits, extracts, coloring matter
1) Apply detergent solution; blot.
2) Apply ammonia solution; blot.
3) Apply vinegar solution; blot.
4) Apply enzyme detergent; blot.
5) Rinse thoroughly with water; blot until dry.
6) Apply dry-cleaning solvent; blot.
STAIN: Can be any color, usually blue, absorbed
CONTAINS: Basic or soluble aniline dyes, insoluble organic solvents, oils, resins, gums, binding agents such as shellac, varnish, or petroleum
  
1) Apply dry-cleaning solvent.
2) Apply POG; blot.
3) Apply dry-cleaning solvent; blot.
4) Apply detergent solution; blot.
5) Apply ammonia solution; blot.
6) Rinse with water; blot until dry.
STAIN: Absorbed, usually black
CONTAINS: Pigment (Carbon Black) dispersed in water with a binder
1) Apply dry-cleaning solvent.
2) Apply POG; blot.
3) Apply dry-cleaning solvent; blot.
4) Apply detergent solution; blot.
5) Apply ammonia solution; blot.
6) Rinse with water; blot until dry.
STAIN: Reddish or bluish, absorbed and built-up
CONTAINS: Pulp of fruit, sugar, tannin, preservatives
1) Apply detergent solution; blot.
2) Apply vinegar solution; blot.
3) Rinse with water; blot.
4) Apply enzyme detergent; blot.
5) Rinse with water; blot until dry.
STAIN: Red, pink, orange, soft and greasy
CONTAINS: Pigment or dye in fat, waxes and oils
1) Scrape off excess with spatula or dull knife.
2) Apply POG; blot, making sure not to reapply stain onto fabric.
3) Apply dry-cleaning solvent; blot.
4) Apply detergent; blot.
5) Apply ammonia solution; blot.
6) Apply vinegar solution; blot.

* TRY TO AVOID WET CLEANING ON WOOL. USE POG AND DRY-CLEANING SOLVENTS AS LONG AS POSSIBLE.
STAIN: Orange-red, absorbed
CONTAINS: Eosin dye in alcohol solution
1) Apply detergent solution; blot.
2) Apply ammonia solution; blot.
3) Apply vinegar solution; blot.
4) Rinse with water; blot until dry.
STAIN: Grayish or brownish fungus with black spots
* may permanently damage fibers
1) Apply enzyme detergent; blot.
2) Apply ammonia solution; blot.
3) Rinse thoroughly with water; blot.
4) Apply solution of oxidizing bleach (chlorine or pervorate).
* Do not use chlorine bleach on wool or silk
5) Rinse thoroughly with water; blot until dry.
STAIN: Usually white, sometimes lighter in the center
  
with heavier buildup around the edges.
CONTAINS: Fats, albumins, water
1) Apply cool detergent solution; blot.
2) Apply ammonia solution; blot.
3) Apply vinegar solution; blot.
4) Rinse with water; blot until dry.
5) Apply enzyme detergent; blot.
6) Rinse with water; blot until dry.
7) Apply dry-cleaning solvent; blot.
STAIN: Either built-up or slightly absorbed, stiff with an irregular edge when dry
CONTAINS: Albumins, animal proteins, and gums
1) Apply hot enzyme detergent solution; blot.
2) Apply ammonia solution; blot.
3) Rinse with water; blot until dry.
STAIN: Grayish, brownish, reddish, or yellowish; absorbed and built-up
CONTAINS: Soil with greases and oils, clay, iron
1) Brush or scrape off as much as possible.
2) Apply detergent solution; blot.
3) Apply ammonia solution; blot.
4) Rinse with water; blot until dry.
5) If stain remains, apply POG and dry-cleaning solvent alternately; blot until dry.
STAIN: Yellowish, absorbed or built-up
CONTAINS: Mustard seed, vinegar, salt, turmeric, oils, spices, flavorings
1) Apply detergent solution; blot.
2) Apply vinegar solution; blot.
3) Apply enzyme detergent; blot.
4) If stain remains, rush remover (oxalic acid solution) or bleaching may be necessary.
* DO NOT USE AMMONIA OR ALKALIES !
STAIN: Usually pink or red, stiff, shiny, and built-up
CONTAINS: Red dye or pigment in a liquid cellulose acetate base,
solvent, plasticizer
1) Apply dry-cleaning solvent.
2) Apply POG; blot.
3) Apply amyl acetate if available, or nail polish remover – PRETEST FIRST.
4) If stain remains, apply detergent solution; blot until dry.
5) Apply ammonia solution; blot.
6) Apply vinegar solution; blot
7) Rinse with water; blot until dry.
STAIN: Cingular, elongated or cross-shaped, darkening with age
CONTAINS: Petroleum distillate or vegetable oil, Polyglycerides,
methyl silicate, preservatives
1) Apply dry-cleaning solvent.
2) Apply POG; blot.
3) Alternate dry-cleaning solvent and POG; blotting frequently.
4) Apply detergent solution; blot.
5) Apply ammonia solution; blot.
6) Apply vinegar solution; blot
7) Rinse with water; blot until dry.
STAIN: Usually built-up and stiff
CONTAINS: Pigments, drying oils, resins, gums, volatile solvents
* Check label on paint for specific thinner or solvent – OR :
1) Apply dry-cleaning solvent.
2) Apply POG; blot.
3) Apply dry-cleaning solvent; blot.
4) Alternate steps 2 and 3 until stain is removed.
5) If stain persists, weigh down stain with towels dampened with dry-cleaning
 
solvent for several hours to loosen; blot with solvent.
6) Apply several drops of detergent solution and work into the stain; blot.
7) Apply ammonia solution; blot.
8) Alternate steps 2, 3, and 6 until stain is removed.
9) Rinse thoroughly with warm water; blot until dry.
STAIN: Absorbed or built-up, stiff when dry
CONTAINS: Water, latex, pigments, emulsifiers, preservatives
1) Apply detergent solution; blot.
2) Apply ammonia solution; blot.
3) Rinse with water; blot until dry.
4) Apply POG; blot.
5) Apply dry-cleaning solvent; blot.
STAIN: White or clear, built-up, possibly sticky or shiny
CONTAINS: Rubber (synthetic or natural), resin, solvent
1) Roll the glue off if it has hardened sufficiently.
2) Apply dry-cleaning solvent.
3) Apply POG; blot.
4) Apply dry-cleaning solvent; blot.
5) Apply detergent solution; blot.
6) Rinse with water; blot until dry.
STAIN: Reddish-brown, absorbed or built-up
CONTAINS: Oxides or iron
1) Apply rust remover or warm oxalic acid solution.
2) Allow to stand for 10-15 minutes.
3) Repeat with hot solution.
4) Rinse thoroughly with water; blot until dry.
STAIN: White or clear, built-up, possibly sticky or shiny
CONTAINS: Rubber (synthetic or natural), resin, solvent
1) Apply dry-cleaning solvent.
2) Apply POG; blot.
3) Apply dry-cleaning solvent; blot.
4) Apply detergent solution; blot.
5) Apply ammonia solution; blot.
6) Rinse thoroughly with water; blot until dry.
7) If stain persists, bleaching (or professional stripping) may be necessary.
STAIN: Colorless, yellowish, brownish, or reddish, darkening with age
CONTAINS: Tannin, sugar, vegetable coloring, flavoring, fruit extracts
1) Apply cold detergent solution; blot.
2) Apply ammonia solution; blot
3) Apply vinegar solution; blot.
4) Rinse with water; blot until dry.
STAIN: Black spots or smudges
CONTAINS: Carbon, sulphur compounds, some grease
1) Apply dry-cleaning solvent; blot.
2) Apply detergent solution; blot
3) Apply ammonia solution; blot.
4) Rinse thoroughly with water; blot until dry.
STAIN: Black, shiny, built-up or absorbed, distinctive odor
CONTAINS: Coal tar or petroleum, sulphur compounds
1) Scrape off as much as possible with spatula or dull knife.
2) Apply dry-cleaning solvent.
3) Apply POG; blot.
4) Apply detergent solution; blot
5) Rinse with water; blot until dry.
STAIN: Whitish or greenish, absorbed or built-up
CONTAINS: Soap, bleaching compound, flavoring, fluoride compound
1) Apply detergent solution; blot.
2) Apply vinegar solution; blot.
3) Apply ammonia solution; blot.
4) Rinse thoroughly with water; blot until dry.
STAIN: Yellowish or brown, darkening with age, absorbed
CONTAINS: Urea, uric acid, ammonia, organic acids, pigments, cholesterol, albumins, proteoses
  
1) Blot up as much as possible if still wet.
2) Apply detergent solution; blot.
3) Apply ammonia solution; blot.
4) Apply vinegar solution; blot.
5) Rinse thoroughly with water; blot until dry.
6) If stain remains, apply rust remover or oxalic acid solution.
7) Bleaching with 3-5% hydrogen peroxide or sodium perborate might be necessary
* URINE STAINS MAY CAUSE PERMANENT DYE REMOVAL FROM FIBERS
STAIN: Various colors, absorbed and built-up
CONTAINS: Food, mucus, albumins, acids
1) Blot up as much as possible.
2) Apply enzyme detergent; blot.
3) Apply ammonia solution; blot.
4) Apply vinegar solution; blot.
5) Rinse thoroughly with water; blot until dry.
STAIN: Reddish or purplish, absorbed
CONTAINS: Alcohol, sugar, tannin, coloring matter
1) Apply detergent solution; blot.
2) Apply vinegar solution; blot.
3) Apply ammonia solution; blot.
4) If necessary, bleach with 3-5% hydrogen peroxide or sodium perborate.
5) Rinse thoroughly with water; blot until dry.
•
Spills and stains should be treated immediately.  The longer a spot remains, the more difficult it will be to remove.
• Blot up spills with clean, white, absorbent materials (towel, napkin, etc.).
• Remove solid built-up materials with a rounded tablespoon, spatula, or the edge of a dull knife.
•
Pretest spot-removal agents in an inconspicuous spot (under a sofa cushion, on an area of carpet under or behind a piece of furniture).  Apply several drops of solution on the article and rub with a white cotton towel.  If color transfers to the towel from the fabric or carpet, of if the color of the carpet starts to change, call Craig’s.  You will need professional help!
•
Do not over wet.  Use small amounts of the cleaning agents and blot frequently.  Always blot.  Do not rub or brush.
• Work from the outer edge of the spot to the center to prevent rings.
•
Treat the stained area with each spotting solution until the stain is gone.  IT MAY NOT BE NECESSARY TO COMPLETE THE ENTIRE SERIES OF STEPS.  The final step is always to gently rinse the area with water then absorb all the remaining water with a clean white towel.
•
Some stains respond very slowly.  Not all stains will be able to be removed.  Due to differences in fabric, fibers, dyes, and length of time stain has been on the carpet or fabric has a lot to do with whether or not the stain will come out! Some stains require professional treatment.
 
Ammonia Solution
Mix one tablespoon of clear household ammonia with one-half cup water.
Bleach
Use hydrogen peroxide or sodium perborate; present in Snowy or Clorox II.  Do not use chlorine bleach.
Detergent Solution
Mix one teaspoon of colorless, mild detergent or dishwashing liquid in a cup of lukewarm water.
Dry-cleaning Solvent
Volatile dry spotter or a commercial spotter such as Carbona, Energine, K2R.  Use in small amounts – can be harmful to sizings, backings, or stuffed materials. 
• • Do NOT use gasoline, lighter fluid, or carbon tetrachloride • •
Enzyme Detergent
Mix a solution of enzyme detergent following the direction on the label.  Do not soak or over-wet.  Allow the solution to remain on the stain for the recommended time before removing.  (Professional cleaners may prefer to use digestors separate from detergents.)
POG
Paint, Oil, and Grease remover found in hardware stores.
(maybe called by another name)
Vinegar Solution
Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup water.  (Professional cleaners may use up to 28% acetic acid solution.)