Frequently Asked Questions

General

What Makes Spot Shot_® Different From Other Products of This Type?
How Does Spot Shot Work?
What Does Spot Shot Have In It?
Can Spot Shot Be Used Around Children and Pets?
Does Spot Shot Work on All Types of Carpet?
Does Spot Shot Work on Pet Stains?

Instructions for Use

How Do You Use Spot Shot Instant Carpet Stain Remover?
Do I Need to Test for Colorfastness?

Tough/Old Stains

Will Spot Shot Remove Old Stains?
What's The Best Way To Treat Old or Really Tough Stains With Spot Shot?
What Kinds of Stains Does Spot Shot Not Remove?

Other Uses

Does Spot Shot Products Work on Upholstery?
Will Spot Shot Work on Clothing?

Professional Line

How Do I Use Spot Shot Large Area Multi-Purpose Foam Cleaner?
How Do I Use Spot Shot Large Area Multi-Purpose Foam Cleaner On Carpet?

What Makes Spot Shot_® Different From Other Products of This Type?

Spot Shot Instant Carpet Stain Remover is a powerful cleaner specifically formulated to remove spots and stains instantly and without scrubbing. Practically speaking, most of the other popular products of this type are actually general cleaners. Spot Shot is formulated with powerful cleaning agents created to specifically remove tough water and oil-based stains including pet stains, cola, wine, urine, shoe polish, grease, ink, and lipstick. Spot Shot Carpet Stain Remover won't turn hard and "crusty" when allowed to dry like other leading brands that leave a soapy residue.

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How Does Spot Shot Work?

Spot Shot's formula penetrates deep into carpet fibers where it's patented formula acts to break the physical bond of stain particles from the carpet fiber and pad, allowing them to be blotted-up and completely out of your carpet.

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What Does Spot Shot Have In It?

Spot Shot is a water-based cleaner and one of its main ingredients is 2-Butoxyethanol, which is a superior chemical for removing difficult oil-based stains. The rest of the formula is a trade secret that we would like to keep to ourselves. However, we can assure you that Spot Shot contains no ingredients that might be detrimental to user or the environment.

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Can Spot Shot Be Used Around Children and Pets?

Used as directed, Spot Shot can be used around children and pets. However, like most cleaning products, Spot Shot should not be put in eyes or mouth. For these reasons, children and pets should be kept away from treated areas until they have completely dried. Any possibility of product residue being transferred from treated areas (where treated areas have not been rinsed or blotted completely) to children's hands or pet's paws must be avoided.

If you have any questions regarding Spot Shot's safety or use, please call the toll-free WD-40 24-Hour Health & Safety Information line at 1-888-324-7596.

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Does Spot Shot Work on All Types of Carpet?

Spot Shot works on most carpet types. However, consumers should always test for colorfastness (as with any chemical they use on their carpet). Some wool carpets or rugs are not colorfast, and special attention must be paid to this type of carpet.

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Does Spot Shot Work on Pet Stains?

YES! Spot Shot is great on pet stains. The odor sometimes associated with pet stains will also be eliminated when Spot Shot removes the stain.

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How Do You Use Spot Shot Instant Carpet Stain Remover?

Be sure to read and follow the package directions:

1. Thoroughly blot or vacuum the affected area.
2. Shake can for 2-3 seconds, tilt at 60% angle and spray stain.
3. Blot treated stain with an absorbent cloth (preferably white).
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the stain is gone.
5. Swab area with a damp cloth to remove any residue that might be left behind.

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Do I Need to Test for Colorfastness?

All carpets must be pre-tested for color-fastness (in an obscure area). To Test for Colorfastness:

1. Apply Spot Shot to a scrap piece or obscure area of carpet.
2. Allow test area to dry completely - at least 12 hours (avoid drying in direct sunlight).
3. Observe for color stability. If color is affected do not use.

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Will Spot Shot Remove Old Stains?

YES! Spot Shot will remove old stains unless those stains have been "set" with a variety of detergents or chemicals in other products, or the heat from steam cleaners.

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What's The Best Way To Treat Old or Really Tough Stains With Spot Shot?

For the best results on old stain:

1. Spray Spot Shot on the stain.
2. LET STAND FOR 60 SECONDS to loosen the stain and then blot.
3. If the stain begins to lift, but isn't removed completely, repeat the treatment.
4. Rinse treated area with clear, cool water.
5. Blot all water from treated area with white paper towels.

For really tough or old stains that don't loosen after 60 seconds:

1. Spray Spot Shot on the stain.
2. Place a thick layer of white paper towels over the treated area.
3. Put pressure on the stain and paper towels by placing a cookie sheet on top of the paper towels and setting a very heavy item on top of the cookie sheet.
4. Leave over-night.
5. Rinse treated area with clear, cool water.
6. Blot all water from treated area with white paper towels.

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What Kinds of Stains Does Spot Shot Not Remove?

There are basically two types of stains that Spot Shot will not remove: Red fruit juice dye and Rust. Red fruit juices or fruit flavored-drinks (i.e., Kool-Aid_®) can contain a dye which is very difficult to remove from carpet. Rust stains are metal-based and the agent needed to remove rust (hydrofluoric acid) cannot be put in a metal container. However, Spot Shot can be effective on these stains if they are fresh and treated properly.

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Does Spot Shot Products Work on Upholstery?

We do not recommend use of Spot Shot Carpet Stain Remover on upholstery. Spot Shot Carpet Stain Remover works on carpet by loosing and drawing stains away from carpet fibers. When you use the same formula on upholstery, there is risk that the stains may actually spread across the flat fabric surface.

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Will Spot Shot Work on Clothing?

Yes. While Spot Shot is formulated for use on carpet fibers, it can also be an effective spot remover on washable fabrics. However, first test all fabrics for colorfastness and DO NOT use Spot Shot on silks, fabrics marked "dry-clean only", or non-colorfast fabrics.

For best laundry results, use Spot Shot as your first stain remedy. We cannot guarantee Spot Shot's effectiveness on stains that have been treated with other products. Many staining agents contain dyes or acids, or stains created by extreme heat (i.e., scalding liquids), may cause a permanent modification to fabric. Some stains are not removable.

LAUNDRY DIRECTIONS:

1. Test ALL fabrics for colorfastness
   • Spray on obscure area and press firmly with a white paper towel or cloth.
2. Confirm that the fabric is colorfast
   • If any dye appears on the towel or cloth, the fabric is not colorfast.
3. Spray stained area thoroughly-saturating stain
   • For particularly difficult stains, you may want to agitate the stain after applying
     Spot Shot.
4. Wait at least 60 seconds after applying Spot Shot, then wash item in regular detergent, according to fabric manufacturer's directions.
   • DO NOT ALLOW SPRAY TO DRY ON FABRIC!

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How Do I Use Spot Shot Large Area Multi-Purpose Foam Cleaner?

1. Vacuum or wipe down loose particles.
2. Spray the surface thoroughly.
3. Allow foam to sit for 45 seconds. Do NOT allow product to dry on surface (except carpet)
4. Using a damp sponge, cloth or brush (if necessary) gently scrub the treated area.
5. Wipe surface clean with a soft, dry cloth.

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How Do I Use Spot Shot Large Area Multi-Purpose Foam Cleaner On Carpet?

1. Vacuum the area to be cleaned.
2. Spray thoroughly with an even layer onto carpet. Do NOT saturate carpet.
3. Work the foam into carpet using a clean, damp mop and allow to dry (at least 15 minutes)
4. Vacuum cleaned area.

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