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Interior Stains and Salt Deposit Removal

Stains and salt deposits in the interior of a vehicle are removed before shampooing or deep cleaning areas. Stains include soils such as blood, urine, vomit, fats, grease, oil, food particles, coffee, and milk are removed along with the connected malodors. Both stains and salt deposits can accumulate anywhere in the interior; however, are most typical on floor carpet and seat areas. 

To remove soils, stains and the connected odours from a vehicle’s interior, either PREZYME or BIO PLUS is used. Both PREZYME and BIO PLUS contain enzymes. Enzymes are biological additives that are used to break down organic matter (soils) into smaller particles. The smaller particles can then be separated, emulsified by surfactants, and washed out of the cleaning surface. BIO PLUS is available in an aerosol container size that is ready to use and PREZYME is available in larger container sizes as a concentrate.

To remove salt deposits from a vehicle’s interior, COUNTERACT is used. Salt deposits and stains are alkaline substances (a pH level above 7). COUNTERACT is formulated to be an acidic cleaner (a pH level below 7). When COUNTERACT is applied to salt deposits, it neutralizes, effectively dissolving the unwanted deposits and stains. If salt deposits and stains are not removed using an acidic cleaner, the areas are left with undissolved salt deposits and become hazy.

The time to complete the interior stains and salt deposit removal is dependent on the interior surface area of the vehicle, and the intensity and number of stains and salt deposits. Once the interior stains and salt deposit removal is complete, the areas of application will be free from stains and salt deposits, and ready for shampooing or deep cleaning.

Safety supplies include goggles, an apron, rubber boots, and impervious gloves.
You will require a vacuum (wet-dry vacuum, if possible) to complete this task. View the products used tab for Auto Valet products and accessories relating to this detailing task.

AREAS OF APPLICATION

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Interior Carpet

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Interior Surfaces

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Seats

Directions

METHOD 1: FOR SALT DEPOSIT REMOVAL

STEP 1: PREPARE THE AREAS OF APPLICATION

Ensure the areas of application are free from dust, debris, and pet hair. 

STEP 2: DILUTE THE CLEANER

In a 1 L spray bottle, dilute 500 mL of COUNTERACT per 500 mL of water (1:1). Use COUNTERACT with an acid resistant trigger sprayer nozzle.

STEP 3: APPLY AND AGITATE THE SALT STAIN REMOVER

Spray the diluted COUNTERACT solution onto soiled areas. Allow the solution to work in the area for 1 to 2 minutes. Scrub the areas of application with a stiff-bristled scrub brush.

STEP 4: REVIEW YOUR WORK

Review your work. Repeat step 3 until deposits are completely removed. Once salt stain deposits are removed, finish cleaning the carpet with a carpet cleaning technique or rinse with water.
 

METHOD 2: FOR STAIN REMOVAL

OPTION 1 - CONCENTRATED PRODUCT

Uses PREZYME.

STEP 1: PREPARE THE AREAS OF APPLICATION

Ensure the areas of application are free from dust, debris, and pet hair. 

STEP 2: DILUTE THE CLEANER

In a 1 L spray bottle, dilute 85 mL of PREZYME per 1 L of warm water (1:12). Use PREZYME with a trigger sprayer nozzle.

STEP 3: APPLY THE CLEANER

Shake the diluted PREZYME well before using. Spray the diluted PREZYME onto a cloth or applicator to dampen it. Apply the dampened cloth or applicator by working it in and around the soiled areas. Immediately spray the area with undiluted PREZYME. Leave the areas of application to sit for 30 minutes.

STEP 4: RINSE AND REMOVE THE CLEANER

Rinse the areas of application with water, either using a carpet extraction machine or by applying water and using a wet vacuum to remove the water. Remove the excess liquid using a wet vacuum or towel. If necessary, retreat the areas of application, repeating steps 2 to 3.
 

OPTION 2 - READY-TO-USE AEROSOL

Uses BIO PLUS.

STEP 1: PREPARE THE AREAS OF APPLICATION

Ensure the areas of application are free from dust, debris, and pet hair.

STEP 2: APPLY THE CLEANER

Shake the BIO PLUS aerosol well before using it. Invert and spray the carpet, keeping the spray nozzle 15 cm (6”) away from the area of application. Allow for the BIO PLUS foam to remain on the areas of application for 2 to 5 minutes. For severe stains, cover the treated area with a damp towel (keeping the area moist allows enzymes to continue working longer).

STEP 3: REMOVE THE CLEANER

Remove BIO PLUS with a damp sponge, cloth, or wet vacuum. For stubborn stains, retreat the areas of application, repeating steps 2 to 3.

Tips

  • When using PREZYME, apply enough product to moisten the area of application. Do not over-saturate the area; remove excess liquid by using a wet vacuum, vacuuming the area vigorously. Do not allow PREZYME to dry.
  • For best results when diluting PREZYME, use warm water between 35˚C to 45˚C (95˚F to 113˚F).
  • Be sure to carefully read and follow all product instructions and precautions, on the product labels.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Warm water is considered to be between 35˚C to 45˚C (95˚F to 113˚F). Use warm water when diluting PREZYME for best results.

PREZYME and BIO PLUS contain enzymes. Enzymes are biological additives that are used to break down organic matter (soils) into smaller particles. The smaller particles can then be separated, emulsified by surfactants, and washed out of the cleaning surface. Other (regular) cleaners do not contain enzymes making them less effective in breaking down organic soils, stains, and the malodors connected with them.

Yes, PREZYME and BIO PLUS are similar in usage applications. BIO PLUS is available in an aerosol container size that is ready to use and PREZYME is available in larger container sizes as a concentrate.

Use COUNTERACT to effectively dissolve and remove salt deposits and stains from a vehicle’s interior carpet and upholstery surfaces.

Calcium deposits, salt deposits and stains, are alkaline substances (a pH level above 7). COUNTERACT is formulated to be an acidic cleaner (a pH level below 7). When COUNTERACT is applied to salt deposits, it neutralizes, effectively dissolving the unwanted deposits and stains. Other (regular) cleaners are less acidic; leaving the salt deposits undissolved and causing hazing.