Removing Synthetic Stains From Carpet

Synthetic stains come from science. These include kool-aid, medications, processed foods, etc. Molecular Modification is the act of adding or taking away an unwanted element so that it is no longer visible or no longer the same element. There is a great need in our industry for spotters that make difficult stains invisible. Reducers make synthetic dyes like red kool-aid invisible.

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1. Identifying the source: Work with the customer to identify how the stain came about.

2. Extract from the carpet: Remove as much of the staining material that is not bonded to the fiber. This extraction process also serves to rinse out residues of other spotters that may have been used.

3. Follow the extraction with numerous dry strokes: We do not want much water left in the fiber to dilute the strength of the spotter.

4. For Polyester carpet: This extraction step will generally be the only step necessary to remove the staining material. Additional steps may be required if the stains penetrated into the foundation or pad level of the carpet.

5. For nylon carpet: The first step would be to apply a reducing spotter. Give a short dwell time.

6. Accelerate the reducer with heat: By using a damp towel and iron on the lowest steam setting or special steamer. Watch carefully (check after 30 seconds) as you can remove more color than the stain alone.

7. Extract again: Follow up with another extraction and several dry strokes to see the results of the application and remove any active residual from the spotter.

8. Repeat as necessary.

9. Sometimes both organic and synthetic dyes are used: Keep in mind that in some cases synthetic dyes may be added for additional color. In this case, after thorough extraction, apply a peroxide-based spotter for a dwell time of 10 to 15 minutes following directions on the label.

10. Thoroughly rinse as the final step.

Wool carpet demands special attention, experience, and patience as the strength of the reducing spotter needs to be below 3%.