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FAQ’s: De-Solv-it® PRO CONTRACTORS SOLVENT™
## What are the primary differences between CITRUS SOLUTION, LAUNDRY SAVER and CONTRACTORS’ SOLVENT? +
CITRUS SOLUTION is better suited for everyday icky, sticky, gooey, oily, waxy, household-related challenges around the home, on skin, clothing, carpet and upholstery. It has more rinsability (which helps when used on laundry) and doesn’t usually require a soap and water rinse like similar products. It also removes A LOT MORE challenges such as pasta sauces, fresh paints and stains and even bug residue.
LAUNDRY SAVER will remove some of what CITRUS SOLUTION removes but targets more specific protein, grease, oil, mustard and even baby-related stains. CITRUS SOLUTION and LAUNDRY SAVER are wonderful complements to each other as they collectively remove over 90% of the tougher household and laundry stains you may encounter...EVEN AFTER THE DRYER..
PRO CONTRACTORS’ SOLVENT is a stronger version of CITRUS SOLUTION and removes even tougher challenges including cured silicone, roofing tar, asphalt and caulks.
## Can I use CONTRACTORS' SOLVENT on my automobile or motorcycle to remove asphalt, soot, sap, tar, stickers and other challenges? +
Yes. CONTRACTORS' SOLVENT is safe to use on your automobile, using instructions for hard surfaces. CONTRACTORS' SOLVENT will not harm dry paint or clear-coat finishes. This product is an excellent wax remover so after removing asphalt, grease and tar, you may want to rewax your vehicle. To clean interior stains, use the instructions for carpeting and upholstery. CONTRACTORS' SOLVENT may also be used on vinyl and non-tinted glass since tint is usually applied with adhesive. Be sure to wash CONTRACTORS' SOLVENT off rubber surfaces after use.
## Can CONTRACTORS' SOLVENT be used on clothing? +
Yes. Many of our customers love it in the laundry room though CITRUS SOLUTION and LAUNDRY SAVER are typically better prewashes. For heavier oil, grease and tar, apply and let work for 2-3 minutes. After treating, the tar will be able to be scraped off easily from surface and then wash clothes as normal to remove any leftover residue. Check each item before putting them back into the dryer, repeat cleaning of any areas as necessary.
## Is there a difference between CONTRACTORS' SOLVENT and MECHANICS' SOLVENT? +
Both are PRO STRENGTH, however MECHANICS' SOLVENT has a high dielectric strength greater than 50,000V which means it can be used safely on running electrical motors to clean soot, grease, oil, lube and other tough challenges. Both are outstanding in parts washers to clean tools, equipment, parts and much more. Even skin.
## Can CONTRACTORS' SOLVENT be used on leather? +
CONTRACTORS' SOLVENT is not generally recommended on materials such as leather, silk, or suede as it will likely darken these materials. In some cases where the material can be rinsed with mild soap and water you may see less darkening. Certainly many customers have opted for slightly darker leather versus discarding the item.
## Can CONTRACTORS' SOLVENT be used on carpet? +
As long as CONTRACTORS' SOLVENT does not reach the carpet backing (which typically is made of adhesive which CONTRACTORS' SOLVENT is an EXCELLENT remover of) and stays on the carpet pile itself, you may, but only with heavy caution and according to product instructions. Simply spray CONTRACTORS' SOLVENT on a clean, white rag and work the problem substance out of the carpet. When you're done, gently wash the carpet area with mild soap and water and rinse well with clean water. Repeat if necessary. For best results, extract with a wet-dry vac or carpet cleaning machine to extract all of the soap.
## Does CONTRACTORS SOLVENT remove dry paint? +
No, unless it’s fresh. Some customers have success removing overspray from automotive finishes, vinyl and other dry surfaces but typically CONTRACTORS SOLVENT will remove fresh paint, even from dry painted surfaces. CONTRACTORS' SOLVENT willy remove spills and fresh paint splatter and stain from hard surfaces, clothing, carpet and upholstery.
Also, CONTRACTORS' SOLVENT will not harm hair and therefore is also an excellent paint brush cleaner when you are done with the job!
First, remove as much of the paint with rags or paper towels. Then apply CONTRACTORS' SOLVENT according to the surface spilled or over-sprayed on. (Never apply this product directly to carpeting due to its composition of adhesive backing. As long as CS stays ontop of the pile you're okay, so we recommend applying to paper towels and "wicking/absorbing" the paint up from carpeting.) As long as the paint or stain isn't set, CONTRACTORS' SOLVENT is a terrific remover of oil-based, spray and other fresh paints and stains.
## CONTRACTORS' SOLVENT removes fresh paint but won't harm dry paint? +
Yes. CONTRACTORS' SOLVENT will remove fresh oil-based paint and stain, model paint, spray paint and other wet paints FROM DRY PAINT. This can be very beneficial removing cured silicone, adhesives, paint and other tough challenges on painted walls, furniture, autos, interior and exterior surfaces and furniture without harming the surface.
## How long does it take for CONTRACTORS' SOLVENT to work? +
CONTRACTORS' SOLVENT begins to work instantly on most challenges it removes. The rule of thumb is the darker and more opaque the challenge, such as asphalt, tar, oil, grease, wet oil-based paint, etc, the faster it's removed. Conversely, some lighter colored, aged floor adhesives can take up to thirty minutes to soften before easily scraped. Some clear or white silicones can take around ten minutes to lift from the surface depending on external factors. We recommend with any challenge take a small area, apply CONTRACTORS' SOLVENT, keep it moist until the bond is broken and you've achieved desired results. Then you'll know how much and how quickly CONTRACTORS' SOLVENT will perform on larger areas. Remember, if CONTRACTORS' SOLVENT says it will remove it, it's 100% guaranteed it will.
## Can I use CONTRACTORS' SOLVENT on glass? +
Yes. CONTRACTORS' SOLVENT™ is non-corrosive and will not harm glass or most other hard surfaces including fiberglass and porcelain. CONTRACTORS' SOLVENT is used quite often on windows, glass and wood frames, mirrors, shower doors and other glass surfaces. After removing the fresh stain, soap scum, adhesive or other challenge with CONTRACTORS' SOLVENT™, wipe with a wet cloth or paper towel. Then finish up with your favorite glass cleaner for best results.
## After CONTRACTORS' SOLVENT removes the floor adhesive, caulk or silicone, do I need to prep the surface before applying more adhesive? +
Only if CONTRACTORS SOLVENT hasn’t been completely removed with a thorough rinse. If you're applying more adhesive or tile, etc., we recommend an extra mild soap and rinse and dry time before reapplying adhesive. Some bathroom remodelers prefer to add a step by applying fresh alcohol on some shower/tub surfaces but it is at your discretion and preference. CONTRACTORS' SOLVENT is actually water rinsable but the added wash is an extra precaution. Note: please be sure you're using CONTRACTORS' SOLVENT to remove caulk or adhesive not grout. CONTRACTORS' SOLVENT will not remove grout.
## Can I dilute CONTRACTORS' SOLVENT? +
CONTRACTORS' SOLVENT contains no water, only 100% active ingredients and therefore is non-dilutable. A little goes a LONG ways however, so there is still great economy as is. We do offer an All Purpose Cleaner Degreaser that is great for everyday cleaning and can be diluted per instructions.