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Spotting Tips
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Stain & Spot Removal

This will cover three steps:

  1. Required Stain Removal Solutions (What you need.)
  2. Stain and Spot Procedure (How to do it.)
  3. Stain Guide (Specific formula to remove various stains.)

1. Required Stain Removal Solutions

Vinegar Solution

Mix one-third cup of white household with two thirds cup of water.

Dry Clean Solution/

Non-oily Nail Polish Remover (acetone)

Use undiluted as directed.
Detergent Solution Mix one teaspoon of white neutral detergent (a mild dishwashing detergent containing no strong alkali's or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water.
Ammonia Solution Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half cup of water.
Enzyme Solution One tablespoon of any laundry detergent that contains enzymes. Do no use detergent with bleach.
Unscented Hairspray Great on ink and small tar spots.

2. Stain and Spot Procedure

To prevent permanent stains follow these basic rules for spills and spot removal.

#1  Immediately blot up spills using a clean white absorbent material (tissues, napkins, towels, etc.) 
#2

 

 

 

Pretest spot removal formulas in an inconspicuous area of the fabric. Put a few drops of formula on each colour in the textile and using your white-absorbent material, hold it against each colour, count to ten, then examine the results. If the dye has bled into the absorbent material, or if there has been a change in the coloured area, call Magiclean at (403) 229-3323 for advice.
#3

 

 

Do not over wet. Work with small amounts of formulas and blot frequently. Problems result from using large amounts. Blot DO NOT rub or brush. Excessive agitation may cause unsightly distortion, which may be permanent. 
#4 Work from the outer edge toward the centre of the stain.

 

#5 Have patience some stains respond slowly.
#6

 

 

Remember haphazard attempts at spot removal may result in individual stains and/or permanent damage to fabrics. If there are doubts about procedures, seek the advice of Magiclean at (403) 229-3323. We know that many stains will be permanent if the wrong remedies are used, sometimes resulting in the professional being unable to undo the damage. Untreated spills and spots will, with time darken or become hidden by soil. After the fabric is cleaned and the soil is removed, however, the forgotten stain will reappear to the owner’s displeasure.

Use each of the stain removal solutions in the stained area in the order indicated until the stain is removed. Apply small amounts of the cleaning solution with a clean, white, absorbent towel. Blot frequently and continue to apply and blot until the staining material is no longer transferred to the absorbent material. The final step is blot any remaining area with an absorbent towel; weight it down and allow at least six hours to dry

Some stains require special professional care. If the stain is not removed by a household method contact Magiclean at (403) 229-3323.

Note: Never mix ammonia and bleach during the cleaning operation.

3. Stain Guide      

Please choose from alphabet below, the first letter of the name of the stain you would like to treat.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Beer

  1. Mix one teaspoon of white neutral detergent (a mild liquid dishwashing detergent containing no strong alkali's or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water.
  2. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water.

Blood

  1. Mix one teaspoon of white neutral detergent (a mild liquid dishwashing detergent containing no strong alkali or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water.
  2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half cup water.
  3. Mix a solution of 1 teaspoon powdered enzyme laundry with 1 cup of warm water. Allow the solution to remain on the stain for 3-5 minutes.

Butter

  1. Apply a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent or alcohol (available at grocery, drug and hardware stores). Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizing backings, or stuffing materials. (Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or other flammables)
  2. Mix one teaspoon of white neutral detergent (a mild liquid dishwashing detergent containing no strong alkali's or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water.
  3. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water.

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Candle Wax

  1. Prior to spotting trim excess wax with sharp scissors. Avoid cutting fibres by trimming the wax only. This allows the spotting procedures to work on the wax below the surface.
  2. Apply a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent or alcohol (available at grocery, drug and hardware stores). Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizing backings, or stuffing materials. (Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or other flammables)
  3. Mix one teaspoon of white neutral detergent (a mild liquid dishwashing detergent containing no strong alkali's or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water.

Note: An alternative procedure includes a clothing iron (at low temperature) and paper grocery bag. Place bag on Top of stain and iron the bag until a wet spot appears. Shift bag to dry area and repeat until all wax has been transferred from the carpet to the bag. Please consult Magiclean for more details.

Catsup (Ketchup)

  1. Mix one teaspoon of white neutral detergent (a mild liquid dishwashing detergent containing no strong alkali's or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water.
  2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half cup water.
  3. Mix a solution of 1 teaspoon powdered enzyme laundry with 1 cup of warm water. Allow the solution to remain on the stain for 3-5 minutes.

Chewing Gum

  1. Apply a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent or alcohol (available at grocery, drug and hardware stores). Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizing backings, or stuffing materials. (Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or other flammables)
  2. Mix one teaspoon of white neutral detergent (a mild liquid dishwashing detergent containing no strong alkali's or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water.

Chocolate

  1. Mix one teaspoon of white neutral detergent (a mild liquid dishwashing detergent containing no strong alkali's or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water.
  2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half cup water.
  3. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water.
  4. Mix a solution of 1 teaspoon powdered enzyme laundry with 1 cup of warm water. Allow the solution to remain on the stain for 3-5 minutes.

Cocktails

  1. Mix a solution of 1 teaspoon powdered enzyme laundry with 1 cup of warm water. Allow the solution to remain on the stain for 3-5 minutes.
  2. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water.

Coffee

  1. Mix one teaspoon of white neutral detergent (a mild liquid dishwashing detergent containing no strong alkali's or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water.
  2. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water.
  3. Mix a solution of 1 teaspoon powdered enzyme laundry with 1 cup of warm water. Allow the solution to remain on the stain for 3-5 minutes.
  4. Apply a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent or alcohol (available at grocery, drug and hardware stores). Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizing backings, or stuffing materials. (Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or other flammables)

Cosmetics

  1. Apply a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent or alcohol (available at grocery, drug and hardware stores). Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizing backings, or stuffing materials. (Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or other flammables)
  2. Mix one teaspoon of white neutral detergent (a mild liquid dishwashing detergent containing no strong alkali's or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water.
  3. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half cup water.

Crayon

  1. Apply a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent or alcohol (available at grocery, drug and hardware stores). Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizing backings, or stuffing materials. (Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or other flammables)
  2. Mix one teaspoon of white neutral detergent (a mild liquid dishwashing detergent containing no strong alkali's or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water.

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Egg

  1. Mix one teaspoon of white neutral detergent (a mild liquid dishwashing detergent containing no strong alkali's or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water.
  2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half cup water.
  3. Mix a solution of 1 teaspoon powdered enzyme laundry with 1 cup of warm water. Allow the solution to remain on the stain for 3-5 minutes.

Food Colouring

  1. Mix one teaspoon of white neutral detergent (a mild liquid dishwashing detergent containing no strong alkali's or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water.
  2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half cup water.

Fruit and Juices

  1. Mix one teaspoon of white neutral detergent (a mild liquid dishwashing detergent containing no strong alkali's or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water.
  2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half cup water.
  3. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water.
  4. Mix a solution of 1 teaspoon powdered enzyme laundry with 1 cup of warm water. Allow the solution to remain on the stain for 3-5 minutes.

Furniture Polish

  1. Apply a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent or alcohol (available at grocery, drug and hardware stores). Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizing backings, or stuffing materials. (Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or other flammables)
  2. Mix one teaspoon of white neutral detergent (a mild liquid dishwashing detergent containing no strong alkali's or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water.
  3. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half cup water.

Furniture Stain

  1. Apply a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent or alcohol (available at grocery, drug and hardware stores). Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizing backings, or stuffing materials. (Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or other flammables)
  2. Mix one teaspoon of white neutral detergent (a mild liquid dishwashing detergent containing no strong alkali's or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water.

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School Glue

  1. Mix one teaspoon of white neutral detergent (a mild liquid dishwashing detergent containing no strong alkali's or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water.

Carpenter's Glue

  1. Mix one teaspoon of white neutral detergent (a mild liquid dishwashing detergent containing no strong alkali's or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water.
  2. Apply a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent or alcohol (available at grocery, drug and hardware stores). Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizing backings, or stuffing materials. (Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or other flammables)

Glue, Contact Cement

  1. Apply a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent or alcohol (available at grocery, drug and hardware stores). Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizing backings, or stuffing materials. (Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or other flammables)
  2. Mix one teaspoon of white neutral detergent (a mild liquid dishwashing detergent containing no strong alkali's or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water.

Grease

  1. Apply a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent or alcohol (available at grocery, drug and hardware stores). Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizing backings, or stuffing materials. (Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or other flammables)
  2. Mix one teaspoon of white neutral detergent (a mild liquid dishwashing detergent containing no strong alkali's or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water.
  3. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half cup water.
  4. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water.

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Ice Cream

  1. Mix one teaspoon of white neutral detergent (a mild liquid dishwashing detergent containing no strong alkali's or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water.
  2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half cup water.
  3. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water.
  4. Mix a solution of 1 teaspoon powdered enzyme laundry with 1 cup of warm water. Allow the solution to remain on the stain for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Apply a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent or alcohol (available at grocery, drug and hardware stores). Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizing backings, or stuffing materials. (Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or other flammables)

Ink (use alcohol) (colourless hairspray also works)

  1. Apply a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent or alcohol (available at grocery, drug and hardware stores). Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizing backings, or stuffing materials. (Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or other flammables)
  2. Mix one teaspoon of white neutral detergent (a mild liquid dishwashing detergent containing no strong alkali's or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water.
  3. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half cup water.

Iodine, Merthiolate

  1. Mix one teaspoon of white neutral detergent (a mild liquid dishwashing detergent containing no strong alkali's or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water.
  2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half cup water.
  3. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water.

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Milk

  1. Mix one teaspoon of white neutral detergent (a mild liquid dishwashing detergent containing no strong alkali's or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water.
  2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half cup water.
  3. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water.
  4. Mix a solution of 1 teaspoon powdered enzyme laundry with 1 cup of warm water. Allow the solution to remain on the stain for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Apply a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent or alcohol (available at grocery, drug and hardware stores). Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizing backings, or stuffing materials. (Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or other flammables)

Mucilage (animal fat or plant sap) 

  1. Mix a solution of 1 teaspoon powdered enzyme laundry with 1 cup of warm water. Allow the solution to remain on the stain for 3-5 minutes.
  2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half cup water.

Mustard

  1. Mix one teaspoon of white neutral detergent (a mild liquid dishwashing detergent containing no strong alkali's or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water.
  2. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water.
  3. Mix a solution of 1 teaspoon powdered enzyme laundry with 1 cup of warm water. Allow the solution to remain on the stain for 3-5 minutes.

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Nail Polish

  1. Apply a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent or alcohol (available at grocery, drug and hardware stores). Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizing backings, or stuffing materials. (Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or other flammables)
  2. Mix one teaspoon of white neutral detergent (a mild liquid dishwashing detergent containing no strong alkali's or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water.
  3. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water.
  4. Mix one teaspoon of white neutral detergent (a mild liquid dishwashing detergent containing no strong alkali's or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water.

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Oils

  1. Apply a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent or alcohol (available at grocery, drug and hardware stores). Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizing backings, or stuffing materials. (Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or other flammables)
  2. Mix one teaspoon of white neutral detergent (a mild liquid dishwashing detergent containing no strong alkali's or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water.
  3. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half cup water.
  4. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water.

Ointment

  1. Apply a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent or alcohol (available at grocery, drug and hardware stores). Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizing backings, or stuffing materials. (Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or other flammables)
  2. Mix one teaspoon of white neutral detergent (a mild liquid dishwashing detergent containing no strong alkali's or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water.
  3. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half cup water.
  4. Mix one teaspoon of white neutral detergent (a mild liquid dishwashing detergent containing no strong alkali's or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water.

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Paint Oil

  1. Apply a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent or alcohol (available at grocery, drug and hardware stores). Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizing backings, or stuffing materials. (Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or other flammables)
  2. Mix one teaspoon of white neutral detergent (a mild liquid dishwashing detergent containing no strong alkali's or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water.
  3. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half cup water.

Paint, Water

  1. Mix one teaspoon of white neutral detergent (a mild liquid dishwashing detergent containing no strong alkali's or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water.
  2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half cup water.
  3. Apply a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent or alcohol (available at grocery, drug and hardware stores). Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizing backings, or stuffing materials. (Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or other flammables)

Perfume

  1. Mix one teaspoon of white neutral detergent (a mild liquid dishwashing detergent containing no strong alkali's or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water.
  2. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water.

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Rubber Cement

  1. Apply a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent or alcohol (available at grocery, drug and hardware stores). Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizing backings, or stuffing materials. (Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or other flammables)
  2. Mix one teaspoon of white neutral detergent (a mild liquid dishwashing detergent containing no strong alkali's or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water.

Rust

  1. Apply lemon juice (natural or concentrated) directly to stain and blot with absorbent towel. White household vinegar can be substituted for lemon juice. Call Magiclean if stain persists.

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Shoe Polish

  1. Apply a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent or alcohol (available at grocery, drug and hardware stores). Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizing backings, or stuffing materials. (Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or other flammables)
  2. Mix one teaspoon of white neutral detergent (a mild liquid dishwashing detergent containing no strong alkali's or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water.
  3. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half cup water.

Soft Drinks

  1. Mix one teaspoon of white neutral detergent (a mild liquid dishwashing detergent containing no strong alkali's or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water.
  2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half cup water.
  3. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water.

Soot

  1. Apply a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent or alcohol (available at grocery, drug and hardware stores). Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizing backings, or stuffing materials. (Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or other flammables)
  2. Mix one teaspoon of white neutral detergent (a mild liquid dishwashing detergent containing no strong alkali's or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water.
  3. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half cup water.

Syrup

  1. Mix one teaspoon of white neutral detergent (a mild liquid dishwashing detergent containing no strong alkali's or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water.
  2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half cup water.
  3. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water.
  4. Mix one teaspoon of white neutral detergent (a mild liquid dishwashing detergent containing no strong alkali's or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water.

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Tar, Asphalt

  1. Apply a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent or alcohol (available at grocery, drug and hardware stores). Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizing backings, or stuffing materials. (Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or other flammables)
  2. Mix one teaspoon of white neutral detergent (a mild liquid dishwashing detergent containing no strong alkali's or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water.

Tea

  1. Mix one teaspoon of white neutral detergent (a mild liquid dishwashing detergent containing no strong alkali's or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water.
  2. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water.
  3. Mix a solution of 1 teaspoon powdered enzyme laundry with 1 cup of warm water. Allow the solution to remain on the stain for 3-5 minutes.
  4. Apply a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent or alcohol (available at grocery, drug and hardware stores). Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizing backings, or stuffing materials. (Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or other flammables)

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Unknown Stains

  1. Apply a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent or alcohol (available at grocery, drug and hardware stores). Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizing backings, or stuffing materials. (Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or other flammables)
  2. Mix one teaspoon of white neutral detergent (a mild liquid dishwashing detergent containing no strong alkali's or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water.
  3. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half cup water.
  4. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water.
  5. Mix a solution of 1 teaspoon powdered enzyme laundry with 1 cup of warm water. Allow the solution to remain on the stain for 3-5 minutes.

Urine

  1. Mix one teaspoon of white neutral detergent (a mild liquid dishwashing detergent containing no strong alkali's or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water.
  2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half cup water.
  3. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water.

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Vomit

  1. Mix one teaspoon of white neutral detergent (a mild liquid dishwashing detergent containing no strong alkali's or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water.
  2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half cup water.
  3. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water.
  4. Mix a solution of 1 teaspoon powdered enzyme laundry with 1 cup of warm water. Allow the solution to remain on the stain for 3-5 minutes.

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Water Stains

  1. Apply a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent or alcohol (available at grocery, drug and hardware stores). Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizing backings, or stuffing materials. (Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or other flammables)
  2. Mix one teaspoon of white neutral detergent (a mild liquid dishwashing detergent containing no strong alkali's or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water.
  3. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half cup water.
  4. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water.

Wine

  1. Mix one teaspoon of white neutral detergent (a mild liquid dishwashing detergent containing no strong alkali's or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water.
  2. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water.
  3. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half cup water.

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Magiclean Disaster Restoration is part of
The Goliath Group of Companies
 
Magiclean Disaster Restoration
(403) 229-3323
#300 - 2408 10th Ave SW, Calgary AB T3C-0K6