Stain Remover Guide: Shoe Polish Remover, Tar Remover, Tea Stain, Terrazzo Floor Cleaning

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Shoe polish – Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid, or carbon tetrachloride).

2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.

3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

4. OR Seek the help of a professional carpet cleaner.

Soft Drinks – Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.

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

3. Repeat step one.

4. Sponge with clear water. Blot.

Soy Sauce – Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.

2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half-cup of water. Blot.

3. Repeat step one.

4. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

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Tar (asphalt) – Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid, or carbon tetrachloride).

2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.

3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Tea – Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.

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

3. Repeat step one.

4. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Terrazzo Floors – Stain Removal

Caution: Follow directions carefully when you use chemicals to remove stains. Always “remove the stain remover” as soon as its job has been done. Remember many of these substances are on the “Not recommended list” for general floor care, but must be used if the stain is to be removed.

Try the following methods for these common stains. Try the first method listed first, and go to the second only if this doesn’t work. For unknown stains or heavy staining, consult a professional.

Stain Guide :  A-D | E-G | H-I | M-O | P-R | S-U | V-X

The Author:

Anne Field, Extension Specialist, with credit to MSU Extension