Preliminary Guidelines
Stumped by stubborn stains? So was I until I figured out a few basic guidelines. Give these tips a whirl before you read about the specific stain.
First the exception: Let the pros handle stains in linen, silk, wool including wool carpet, and Persian carpets. These fabrics are easily damaged.
* Mary’s #1 Rule - Give Your Product Time to Work. Apply the cleaner and give it 10 to 15 minutes to break down the stain.
* Mary’s #2 Rule – After removing the stain rinse with ¼ cup food grade distilled white vinegar per quart of water.
* Clean a spill immediately. Get it while it’s fresh - except mud. Old stains can take repeated application of the cleaner. Fresh stains usually pop out with the first application.
* Use a clean white rag to remove a stain. Ever wash a red shirt with white clothes? Use white rags and avoid colors from transferring.
* When working with fabrics always blot never rub. Rubbing breaks down the fibers and weakens the material. Reapply the cleaner rather than risk damage to the fabric.
* Move it – Blot and switch to a clean spot on your cloth so you don’t spread the stain.
When working with clothing put a piece of plastic between layers of clothing so the stains doesn’t transfer to the second layer. Then put a white towel on top of that to catch excess cleaners. Put plastic on the work surface to protect the work surface. Wash the garment after removing the stain then air dry. Dryer heat permanently sets the stain.
How to Blot: Punch your index knuckle into a barely damp rag. Work your knuckle forwards and backwards then left to right across the stain. For carpet, start with your wrist facing the right and twist your wrist clockwise. Carpet fibers are twisted clockwise. This removes stains from between the fibers without causing fuzzy carpet.
* Special Considerations: Always keep leather/ vinyl jackets, purses or furniture cleaned and conditioned regularly to prevent drying and cracking. Our Leather/Vinyl Cleaner and Conditioner does double duty as a cleaner and conditioner.
Note: Test first. Before using a cleaner on any fabric or surface, test an inconspicuous spot first for colorfastness. Caution: If you use a concentrated orange cleaner to remove oil and grease make certain it does not contain petroleum distillates. Read the MSDS (material safety data sheet) on the internet first. It might be called mineral spirits, Aliphatic Hydrocarbon or Hydrocarbon. Distillates have been linked to a variety of ailments including cancer. Avoid them.
