Spot and Stain
Removal Guidelines
For the Professional
Carpet Cleaner

from Bane-Clene®

Spot and Stain Removal

Bane-Clene has published a very complete Spotting Guide covering carpet spot and stain removal in great detail — call for your copy.

The Spotting Guide is also included in Bane-Clene’s chemist’s manual, "The Chemistry of Making and Maintaining Carpets and Rugs".

We also have available the excellent Carpet Spot and Stain Removal Guide from Pro’s Choice.

Here are some general guidelines that must be followed in spotting:

  • Unless the spot or stain problem is soot or other carbon material, it is normally best to simply clean the carpet first and then treat any remaining spots and stains - because most will come out with the cleaning, plus the excess material must be removed for the spotter to be fully effective.
  • Pretest all spotters in an inconspicuous area. Particularly check for colorfastness.
  • Avoid over wetting. Over wetting may cause damage to the backing and may result in the spot wicking back up within a few days.
  • Do nothing when trying to remove the spot or stain from the carpet to void the warranty.
  • BLOT, do not rub!
  • Work from the edges of the spill to the center to prevent spreading of the spill.
  • Use clean, white, absorbent towels.
  • Use drip-spout bottles and apply to the towel - do not pour spotters onto the carpet or upholstery. Solvent spotters may dissolve fabric adhesives or backing. Keep your spotter bottles in your spotting kit and off the carpet.
  • If working on a zippered upholstery cushion, place a dry absorbent towel under the fabric.
  • Never put wet cushions back onto the sofa or on carpet.
  • To avoid water rings on a cushion when removing a spot, clean the entire cushion face rather than just a spot.
  • Unless otherwise instructed, extract after removing spots and stains from carpet, rugs or upholstery.
  • Unless otherwise instructed, dry as quickly as possible. Use extra dry strokes and blowers or hair dryer.
  • For a heavy spill, after blotting and extraction, leave a folded weighted white towel or towels or Stain Blotter on the area overnight to prevent wicking as the last step. This is because MOST of the spot is actually in the pad and backing!
  • For extreme wicking problems from spills, such as in a cafeteria or lunchroom, on level loop carpet, dry bonnet the area after cleaning, do a Brown Out® rinse and apply ARA. Cleaning with SCR Soil Crystallization Rinse instead of your normal detergent may also very significantly reduce reappearing spots and stains.
  • Increase fresh airflow when using solvents and avoid breathing the vapors.
  • When using solvents such as Saf-T-Solv™, always wear rubber gloves.
  • Avoid doing anything to making the spot or stain YOUR problem by making it bigger or making it a different color or by causing any damage.
  • BE PATIENT!
  • ALWAYS under-promise and over-deliver (most cleaners do the opposite).

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