Carpets

[tw33k2514]

If I had to pick the weakest spot in my detailing arsenal it would have to be carpets. I currently have APC+ and Folex, but sometimes I run into stuff that neither of these can touch.

So that brings me to my question. What do you guys use on the really tuff stains? Coffee, grease ect..

I do not have an extractor yet, so keep that in mind.

[ProMoDe]

OPC works great at 3:1.

[JonMiles]

Sounds like you need to invest in a steamer or extractor. Heat helps break stuff up better than anything. I have a cheap $100 steamer that I take on mobile jobs that works wonders with folex and some agitation.

[tw33k2514]

Yeah, I am going to buy a steamer. An extractor is just not in the budget right now.

[shoeless89]

I use Folex and APC+ at 10:1 or 4:1 for really bad spots. I got my Mytee and it makes things so much easier! The next toys I have my eye on are the Flex PE-15 and VX5000 steamer

[rakkvet]

I purchased a Bridgepoint Spotting kit from the local carpet cleaning supply store. I've taken several carpet cleaning courses there also. If you ever get the opportunity to take classes like this you will step up your detailing quite a bit.

[FUNX650]

Hi Ben...

I agree that carpet stain removal is troublesome. Often as troublesome as fabric upholstery stain removal.

It starts, IMO, with identifying the type of stain that's present. There are inorganic, organic...and I put ink stains in a seperate niche. I also put stains into one of seven categories:

1.) Grease/tar/adhesives...(inorganic)
2.) Pet stain/odor/neutralizer (uric acid)
3.) Rust stains.
4.) Coffee/tea...(tannins)
5.) Blood/Ketchup/Mustard.....(protein/organic)
6.) Red dye/Red juices.
7.) Inks.

There are companies that sell stain-specific removers....Usually a little more expensive...But by far the best route to take, IMHO.

If cleaners such as Folex, APC's, P21S TAW, etc. won't budge the stains, it's good to have the stain-specific removers handy.

-Steamers/extractors are very good tools to also have in your arsenal someday.
-Sometimes janitorial/carpet-cleaning brick&mortars hold classes in regards to this matter.

Hope this helps some.



Bob

[rakkvet]

Just to add to what Bob said. Inorganic stains are usually removed with a solvent based cleaner. Thats what the spotting chemical is called usually.

Mustard (tumer) and red dye are some of the toughest stains to remove. One of the reasons is that the same stuff used to dye carpets at the carpet mills is in mustard and red dyes.

[tw33k2514]

I don't think you have ever posted something that hasn't been extremely helpful Bob.

This helps a lot! I am going to look into classes for sure. Because when I ask customers what they care about the most.. 9 times out of 10 it is carpet stains.

[FUNX650]

Just to add to what Bob said. Inorganic stains are usually removed with a solvent based cleaner. Thats what the spotting chemical is called usually.

Mustard (tumer) and red dye are some of the toughest stains to remove. One of the reasons is that the same stuff used to dye carpets at the carpet mills is in mustard and red dyes.

Good info Tim. Thanks.

I've never had complete success in totally removing indelible inks, just a "looks better"...
Any ideas/suggestions for removing this type of 'stain'??



Bob