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Despite our best efforts, dirt and mud get everywhere, causing unsightly stains. Follow these tips to make a clean getaway.
The first step in removing dirt and mud stains is to identify the stained material.
ÂBelow are the most common types of materials that can become mud-stained, with steps on how to remove dirt and mud from each:
- Non-washable fibers such as Acetate, Burlap, Fiberglass, Rayon, Rope,Silk, Triacetate, Wool
- Washable fibers such as Acrylic Fabric, Cotton, Linen, Modacrylic,Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, Spandex
- Hard surfaces such as Acrylic Plastic, Alabaster, Aluminum, Asphalt, Bamboo, Brass, Bronze, Cane, Ceramic Glass/Tile, Chromium, Copper, Cork, Enamel, Glass, Grout,Iron, Linoleum, Marble, Paint (flat or gloss), Plexiglas, Polyurethane, Porcelain Dishes, Porcelain Fixtures, Stainless Steel, Tin, Vinyl Clothing, Vinyl Tile, Vinyl Wallcovering, Zinc
- Stone surfaces such as Bluestone, Brick, Concrete, Flagstone, Granite,Limestone, Masonry Tile, Sandstone, Slate, Terrazzo
- Carpet (synthetic or wool)
- Special fabrics such as Felt, Fur (natural or synthetic), Leather, Suede
- Silver
- Wallpaper
- Wood
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Contents
- Non-washable Fibers
- Washable Fibers
- Hard Surfaces
- Stone Surfaces
- Carpet
- Special Fabrics
- Silver
- Wallpaper
- Wood
Non-washable Fibers
Learn how to remove dirt and mud stains from Acetate, Burlap, Fiberglass, Rayon, Rope, Silk, Triacetate, Wool:
- Let mud dry, then brush (the method of using a stiff-bristled brush to sweep staining material up onto a piece of paper) off the excess.
- This should remove the stain, but if any remains sponge (the method of using a dampened pad to apply light strokes, moving outward from the center of the stain) the area with water and apply a few drops wet spotter and a few drops white vinegar.
- Cover with an absorbent pad dampened with wet spotter. Let stand as long as any stain is being removed.
- Change the pad as it picks up the stain.
- Keep stain and pad moist with wet spotter and vinegar.
- Flush (the method of applying stain remover to loosen staining material and residue from stain removers) with water and repeat wet spotter/flushing until no more stain is removed.
- If stain remains, apply rubbing alcohol to the area and cover with an absorbent pad dampened with alcohol. (Do not use alcohol on acetate, rayon, or triacetate.)
- Let the pad stand as long as any stain is being removed.
- Change the pad as it picks up the stain.
- Keep the stain and pad moist with alcohol.
- If stain persists, moisten the area with an enzyme presoak (follow directions on label; caution, some enzyme presoaks are not designed for use on silk or wool.)
- Cover with a clean pad that has been dipped in the solution and wrung almost dry. Let it stand for 30 minutes.
- Add enough solution to keep the area warm and just moist.
- When no more stain is being lifted, flush thoroughly with water and allow to dry.
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Washable Fibers
Follow these steps to remove dirt and mud stains from Acrylic Fabric, Cotton, Linen, Modacrylic, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, Spandex:
- Let mud dry, then brush off excess. Laundering should remove any remaining stain.
- If more treatment is needed, sponge the stain with rubbing alcohol. (Do not use alcohol on acrylic or modacrylic.)
- Flush with water. If stain persists, sponge it with a dry-cleaning solvent such as K2r Spot Lifter or Afta Cleaning Fluid.
- Allow to dry, then launder.
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Hard Surfaces
Follow these steps to remove dirt and mud stains from Acrylic Plastic, Alabaster, Aluminum, Asphalt, Bamboo, Brass, Bronze, Cane, Ceramic Glass/Tile, Chromium, Copper, Cork, Enamel, Glass, Grout, Iron, Linoleum, Marble, Paint (flat or gloss), Plexiglas, Polyurethane, Porcelain Dishes, Porcelain Fixtures, Stainless Steel, Tin, Vinyl Clothing, Vinyl Tile, Vinyl Wallcovering, Zinc:
- Scrape (the method of using a dull tool to gently lift off excess solid or caked-on stains) any excess with a dull knife or spatula.
- Wipe the surface with a cloth or sponge dipped in warm sudsy water.
- Rinse well and wipe dry.
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Stone Surfaces
Follow these steps to remove dirt and mud stains from Bluestone, Brick, Concrete, Flagstone, Granite, Limestone, Masonry Tile, Sandstone, Slate, Terrazzo:
- Carefully remove excess.
- Wash with a solution of washing soda (not soap) and water. Use a cloth or soft-bristled brush to help clean.
- Rinse thoroughly with clear water and allow to dry.
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Carpet
Follow these steps to remove dirt and mud stains from carpet:
- To avoid forcing it further into pile, allow mud to dry before treating it.
- Gently brush loose soil, then vacuum as usual. If a stain remains, spray with an aerosol carpet shampoo.
- When the shampoo has dried, vacuum.
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Special Fabrics
Follow these steps to remove dirt and mud stains from Felt, Fur (natural or synthetic), Leather, Suede:
- Allow mud to dry, then gently brush off.
- Mix a solution of mild soap in lukewarm water. Swish to create a great volume of suds.
- Apply only the foam with a sponge.
- Wipe area with clean dry cloth.
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Silver
Follow these steps to remove dirt and mud stains from silver:
- Wash as soon as possible in hot sudsy water.
- Rinse in hot water and dry immediately with a soft cloth to prevent tarnish.
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Wallpaper
Follow these steps to remove dirt and mud stains from wallpaper:
- Brush off any excess dirt.
- With a cloth or sponge dampened with cool clear water, wipe the stained area.
- Overlap strokes to avoid streaking. Gently pat dry.
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Wood
Follow these steps to remove dirt and mud stains from wood:Â
- Remove any excess dirt with a brush.
- Mix dishwashing detergent in hot water and swish to make a great volume of suds.
- Dip a cloth in only the foam and apply to the stain.
- Rinse with a clean cloth dampened with clear water.
- Polish or wax as soon as possible.
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