Frequently Asked Questions

General

What Makes Spot Shot_® Different From Other Carpet Stain Removers?
How Does Spot Shot Work?
What Does Spot Shot Aerosol Have In It?
What's different about Spot Shot Trigger Formulas?
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?

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?

Instructions for Use

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

What Makes Spot Shot_® Different From Other Carpet Stain Removers?

All Spot Shot products are formulated with powerful cleaning agents to instantly eliminate tough new and OLD spots and stains - and their odors, without scrubbing!

Old stains Pet messes Coffee/Tea/Cola Dirt/Grime Greasy Food Fruit Juice Ink Red Wine Ketchup Chocolate Mustard And More!

Most other products of this type are actually general cleaners. Spot Shot products won't turn hard and "crusty" when allowed to dry like other leading brands that leave a soapy residue. Spot Shot also powers out tough laundry stains.

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How Does Spot Shot Work?

Spot Shot formulas penetrate deep into carpet fibers where it breaks the physical bond of stain particles and odor molecules from the carpet fibers and pad, allowing them to be blotted-up completely out of your carpet.

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What Does Spot Shot Aerosol Have In It?

Spot Shot aerosol is a water-based cleaner and one of its major ingredients is 2-Butoxyethanol, proven as a superior remover of difficult oil-based as well as old stains. Spot Shot aerosol formula also contains odor neutralizers to eliminate even the worst odors and leave a clean, light fragrance. The rest of the formula is a trade secret we prefer to keep to ourselves. However, we can assure you that Spot Shot aerosol formula contains no ingredients that might be detrimental to users or the environment when used as directed. Available in 14 and 21 oz.

Spot Shot Instant Carpet Remover aerosol formulation has been awarded the Carpet & Rug Institute (CRI) Seal of Approval for product safety and performance.

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What's different about Spot Shot Trigger Formulas?

Spot Shot Instant trigger products deliver a unique combination of proven power to remove the toughest new and OLD stains. Certified Non-toxic and Biodegradable.

• Spot Shot cleans better than the competition¹
• Consumers say they would use Spot Shot trigger products instead of and more often than their current brand.¹

In addition, Spot Shot environmentally-friendly trigger formulas feature (MSDS):

No-VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)

No Phosphates

Certified Biodegradable by Scientific Certification Systems

Recyclable Packaging

Anti-resoling agents to protect carpets from future stains

Dual-odor eliminators

Spot Shot permanently eliminates tough, even old, stains, including:

Old stains Pet messes Coffee/Tea/Cola Dirt/Grime Greasy Food Fruit Juice Ink Red Wine Ketchup Chocolate Mustard And More!

Spot Shot Instant Carpet Stain & Odor Eliminator trigger formulations have been awarded the Carpet & Rug Institute (CRI) Seal of Approval for product safety and performance. Available in 22 and 32 oz.

¹"Green" Spot Shot Trigger-Spray Product Test, December 2007
*Use as directed.

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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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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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How Do You Use Spot Shot Instant Carpet Stain Remover?

Be sure to read and follow the package directions.

Aerosol:

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.

Triggers:

1. Remove loose dirt and blot wet soils with a clean absorbent cloth.
2. Spray stain area.
3. Blot or rub gently with a clean, damp, colorfast cloth or sponge.
4. Rinse cloth or sponge and repeat as necessary.

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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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