Shaw Manufacturer Cleaning and Removal Procedures.

Shaw

Spot and stain removal is the reaction to an unplanned accident. Therefore, it is desirable to have the needed materials handy by planning ahead of time. The professional cleaning companies have spot removal kits in convenient carrying cases that contain all the necessary materials. For assistance with specific stain removal procedures, contact Shaw Industries Technical Services Department through the Information Center at 1-800-441-SHAW.

General Instructions

*Scoop up any solids gently with a spoon or dull knife. Absorb wet spills as quickly as possible by blotting with white paper or cloth towels.

*Always blot, never scrub or rub abrasively, because it may create a fuzzy area. When blotting, work from the outer edge in toward the center of the spot to avoid spreading the spill and enlarging the problem.

*Thorough removal of both the stain material and the detergent residue is critical to prevent resoiling. Water extraction is the best way to accomplish this. Many cleaning equipment manufacturers offer small extraction machines specially designed for spot cleaning. These are small, lightweight and highly portable. They do an excellent job of rinsing after spot cleaning. They are also an excellent way to deal with body fluids on the carpet. For additional information on these machines call the Shaw Technical Services Department.

*Place several layers of white towels on the spot to draw out any remaining moisture. Weight them down with a heavy object that will not transfer color, such as a plastic jug of water.

Removal Procedures

A.WATER SOLUBLE STAINS – Absorb as much as possible with white towels. Blot the affected area with more towels dampened with cool water until no more color transfers to the towels. If any of the stain remains, use a detergent solution of ½ teaspoon (no more) of CLEAR liquid hand dishwashing detergent (do not use those containing lanolin or hand lotion) to quart of water in a clean spray bottle. You may also use a general purpose spot cleaner with a pH less than 10.
For printed carpets, do not use cleaning agents with a pH higher than 8. Spray lightly onto the spot and blot repeatedly with white towels. Rinse thoroughly by spraying with clean water, and the blot or extract. Do not use too much detergent because the residue will contribute to rapid resoiling.

A-1. Either: apply a white vinegar solution (one part white vinegar to one part water) to a white towel and blot or spray onto spot. Continue as in “A” or use a slightly acidic spotter made for coffee, tea, and other tannin stains rather than the detergent.

A-2. Either: apply a solution of household ammonia (one tablespoon of ammonia to one cup water) to a white towel and blot or spray onto spot. Continue as in “A” or use an alkaline spotter made for removing blood and protein stains rather than the detergent. Do not use on printed styles.

B. GREASE – Blot as much as possible with white towels. Apply a solvent designed for grease removal to a towel and blot. Use sparingly and do not pour or spray directly on the carpet pile as damage to the backing or adhesive underneath may result. Use the towels to transport the solvent to the carpet. Repeat until no more color transfers to the towel. Protective gloves should be worn because the solvent will quickly remove oils from the skin and may result in irritation. Provide adequate ventilation and do not use flammable solvents! Rinse thoroughly by spraying with clean water, and then blot or extract. If needed, continue with procedures in “A”.

C. FREEZE areas with chewing gum and candle wax with ice or a commercially available product in an aerosol can. Shatter with a blunt object and vacuum before the ships soften. Follow up with solvent as in “B”.

D. Several commercial preparations are available to remove medical stains such as Betadine, but they should be used with caution. A 5% sodium thiosulfate solution (from a photography store) may be used. For stains that are more than a few hours old, this solution should be warmed. Another effective treatment, which can be used on solution dyed carpet, is Streepene (Sodium Hydrosulfite). For further assistance, consult a professional cleaner.

E. RUST can be removed in most cases with a 10% solution of oxalic acid. Stubborn cases require 5% hydroflouric acid which is difficult to obtain and dangerous to use. Both should be used only by a trained professional.

F. SPECIAL PROCEDURES FOR SOLUTION DYED (PIGMENTED) CARPETS ONLY

**WARNING!**

Only carpets which are 100% dyes are resistant to bleaching. Do not use this procedure unless you are absolutely sure the carpet is solution dyed – carpet dyed with other methods will be damaged. Do not use this procedure on printed carpets. Carpets with blends of solution dyed and conveniently dyed fibers will be damaged by bleach. If in doubt, call 1-800-441-SHAW for specific fiber content of your carpet.

For solution dyed carpets with stains such as food dyes, fruit drink stains, and coffee not removed by procedure A-1, use a solution of one part chlorine bleach to five parts water. Do not exceed this concentration – never use full strength bleach. Professional cleaners have products that may be more effective.

Wearing rubber gloves and eye protection, apply the bleach solution to a white towel and blot it onto the stain. Do not pour the bleach directly onto the carpet. Allow 15 minutes for the treatment to work.

ANOTHER CAUTION!

Follow with a thorough rinsing or extract with a wet vac or extraction machine to remove excess bleach. Bleach remaining in the carpet can degrade the fiber over time. Full-strength bleach can degrade the fiber and damage some backings. Do not track to other areas where there might be conventionally dyed carpet.

RECOMMENDED PROCEDURES BY STAIN TYPE

*PRO---CONSULT PROFESSIONAL CLEANER

Adhesive: carpet B, B, *PRO
Alcoholic Beverages A
Asphalt B, *PRO
Beer A
Betadine D, *PRO
Blood: wet A
dry A-2
Butter B
Chewing Gum C
Chocolate A-2
Coffee A-1, F, *PRO
Cola Drinks A
Cosmetics B, A, F, *PRO
Crayon B
Deicer, Salt Vacuum, A
Excrement A
Food Dyes A, F, *PRO
Furniture Polish A, B
Grease: Auto B
Food A
Ink: Ballpoint B
Permanent B, F, *PRO
Washable A
Lipstick B
Milk A
Mustard A, F, *PRO
Nail Polish Polish Remover
Paint: Latex, Wet A
Latex, Dry B
Rust E, *PRO
Tea A-1, F, *PRO
Toner: Copier Vacuum, A
Unknown B, A, *PRO
Urine A-1
Vomit A-1
Wax C
Wine A-2

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615-221-4100
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3656 Trousdale Drive
Suite 108
Nashville, TN. 37204