So because its the season it accumulates on carpets, usually I just soak and scrub (although its usually minor as there are rubber floor mats). Regardless, which product is the most effective on that carpet liner salt accumulation so that there is minimal soak necessary. Note: Bryan, I remember using a very strong salt stain remover that was acidic I believe but can't recall. Hopefully you can chime in. Anyways whats the general take on this?
Removing Road Salt (Dry) Salt is inert but be aware that once you add water ( by meting the snow / ice ) to salt it becomes alkaline (corrosive) take care to dry the affected area thoroughly after the salt has been removed and neutralize it with an mild acid (vinegar) Spray vinegar, agitate, allow to remain in place and then use an extractor. Actually, any mildly acidic product should neutralize alkaline salt crystals (Salt-X - http://www.saltx.com/saltx_base_order.htm ) Once the product has been tracked in, however, it needs to be cleaned up in a timely manner. Use a vacuum or a mop to clean up sodium chloride products. Mop up calcium chloride or magnesium chloride ice met with a good detergent. If dirt has been tracked in with a de-icer, a mildly acidic cleaning agent works best. Carpets damaged by tracked-in residue will typically require professional cleaning. Use a stiff brush to dislodge any loose road salt and then remove with a vacuum, spray the area with a carpet cleaner and let it soak in, the salt stains are highly alkaline once mixed with water, so I'd reach for an acidic product to counteract/neutralize. You might find that rinsing with a solution of vinegar /water helps. Repeat until most of the stain has been lifted. Finally clean carpets by spraying the area with a carpet shampoo like Folex or P21S Total Auto Wash and then rinse and remove with a carpet extractor. Using the vacuum, remove the excess moisture, loose dirt and the grime, allow carpets / mats to thoroughly dry before use, and then apply a fabric protection (303TM High Tech Fabric Guard) Be aware that once you add water to salt it becomes corrosive, so take care to dry the affected area thoroughly (inc the area underneath the carpet / backing) after the salt has been removed
ya, I have had 3 different versions of the salt remover stuff from different suppliers. If you need some I have a 1/3 of a gallon you can have. I think it was the same stuff you have seen before.
I find that pre treating the stains with diluted vinegar works really well. The acidity of the vinegar seems to break down the salt and then I just scrub it and extract with hot water.
