Spotting Tips

DRAKES

QUALITY Upholstery & Carpet Cleaning Services

Spotting Tips

We are pleased to announce that over the past few years, there have been a number of exciting developments with regard to the chemicals our industry utilizes. Many are now safe, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly. Additionally, there are lots of chemicals formulated for specific purposes.

Part of our goal, as a comprehensive service, includes educating our customers on safely removing stains in between regularly scheduled service calls.

Many of the spot removers readily available to consumers only complicate spot removal. The most common problem is the excessive foam or residue that is left behind. This residue acts as a magnet for new soil and is often interpreted as a "reappearing" stain. We should emphasize that the new dirt/soil can easily be removed, the residue cannot...it can take several separate cleanings to remove.

DRAKES recommends its customers use professional spot removers. We are happy to provide them for you, at our cost, or inform you where you may purchase them on your own. It is to our benefit, as well as yours, that professional products are used...this helps with appearance retention and maximizes the life of your carpets and upholstery.

BASICS OF SPOT REMOVAL

TYPE OF SPOT REMOVER NON - OIL BASED

General Purpose Professional Spotter Everyday dirt tracked in

General Purpose Professional Spotter Food spills

General Purpose Professional Spotter Beverage spills

Specialized Professional Spotter* Coffee

Specialized Professional Spotter* Wine

Specialized Professional Spotter* Punch

Specialized Professional Spotter* Pet Urine

TYPE OF SPOT REMOVER/td> OIL BASED

Dry Cleaning Solvent* Grease

Dry Cleaning Solvent* Make-Up

Dry Cleaning Solvent* Oil-Based food (e.g.: butter, oil, oily pizza, melted cheese, etc.)

TYPE OF SPOT REMOVER(Best left to the professionals at DRAKES)

LESS COMMON

Call DRAKES Bleach Spills

Place a terry cloth towel over wax, apply a hot iron, use a clean area of towel until wax is gone Wax Drippings

Use an Ice Cube to freeze the gum, scrape gently to remove (or use a specialized freezing agent) Gum

Call DRAKES (very dangerous process) Rust Stains

Light snipping of fibers with very sharp scissors (call DRAKES, many burns must be patched) Cigarette Burns

*These must be very carefully applied according to instructions on the label, and/or your technician's advice.

While there are some "homemade spotters" that are effective in removing many common stains, the use of these will most likely void the warranty on most new generation stain-resistant carpeting. Therefore, we do not recommend the use of vinegar, ammonia or dish detergent solutions unless you do not have a warranty or for some reason do not want to maintain a current warranty.

Spot Removal:

First - determine what the stain is, if possible.
Remove as much of the excess by wiping or scraping it up.
Blot up as much of the moisture as possible by applying pressure to the area using paper towels or a clean white cloth.
Apply the appropriate spot remover as directed. (Do a test for color fastness in an inconspicuous area. Closets are good choices.)
Always work toward the center of the stain so you do not spread it.
Repeat as necessary, trying not to over wet.
Never use bleach!

If you are not successful, do not panic! simply contact DRAKES and we will most likely be able to correct the problem.