Folex is a carpet spot remover that people often look up before buying, usually with questions about whether it works on pet accidents, wine, or old stains. The maker describes it as a water-based spray with a non-ionic surfactant and no solvents, and it is meant for any colorfast material that can be dampened with water. That covers carpet, rugs, upholstery and fabric, so the same basic method applies across them.
Always test a hidden area first by spraying it, letting it dry, and checking for any color change. Apply a generous amount to the spot, gently agitate, and blot with a clean absorbent cloth. Let the material dry completely before you walk on it or use it.
What it is
Folex is a carpet spot remover sold as a water-based spray with a non-ionic surfactant. The maker says it contains no solvents and is free of VOCs, CFCs and petroleum, and its safety data sheet lists no hazardous ingredients with a pH of 8 to 10. The maker does not disclose its full ingredient list, and the two named versions are FOLEX Instant Carpet Spot Remover and FOLEX Professional Carpet Spot Remover.
According to the maker
What to use it on
Carpet spots
Carpet is the surface the maker names first, as long as it is colorfast and can be safely dampened with water. Folex is meant for pet accidents, grease, ink, red wine, coffee, blood, rust, food, cosmetics, dirt and grime.
Test a hidden area before you treat the visible spot, and follow the same steps each time. Once the carpet is fully dry, you can walk on it again.
Upholstery and couches
The maker lists upholstery as a material Folex can be used on, provided it is colorfast and can be safely dampened with water. Test a hidden area on a cushion or the underside first, as the maker directs for any material.
Apply the same method as on carpet, using a generous amount on the spot and blotting with a clean absorbent cloth. Skip any couch fabric that could be damaged by water, because the maker says not to use it on those materials.
Clothing and fabric
Fabric that is colorfast and can be safely dampened with water fits the maker's description, so clothing can be treated the same way. Test a hidden area of the garment first and watch for any color removal or change.
Apply a generous amount on the stain, gently agitate, and blot it with a clean absorbent cloth. Dye stains from red drinks, yellow mustard or hair dye can permanently change color, so the maker warns about those in particular.
Old and dye stains
The maker says Folex removes most old stains, including grease, ink, coffee, rust and cosmetics. Dye-based stains behave differently, because Folex only removes the excess dye and cannot reverse the color.
Red drinks, yellow mustard and hair dye left on a surface can permanently change its color. For these stains, the hidden-area test matters most before you start.
5 steps
How to use it
- 1
Test a hidden area first
Spray a small hidden area and let it dry completely. Then look for any color removal or color change before going further. Do not continue if the test shows a change.
- 2
Apply a generous amount to the spot
Spray a generous amount directly onto the spot. The directions include no pre-soak step before you apply it.
- 3
Gently agitate the spot
Work the product into the stain with a gentle motion. The maker gives no set time for this step, so use your judgment and keep the motion gentle.
- 4
Blot with a clean absorbent cloth
Blot the spot with a clean absorbent cloth to lift the stain and liquid. No rinsing or vacuuming is required after this step.
- 5
Let the material dry completely
Allow the carpet or material to dry before use. Walk across a carpet only once it is fully dry, as the maker's FAQ advises.
Where not to use it
The maker says not to use Folex on any carpet or material that could be damaged by water, or that is not colorfast or color stable. It also will not remove factory-applied stain-resistant treatment, and the maker names no specific fibers. For a material you are unsure about, run the hidden-area test first and skip any surface that changes color or could be harmed by water.
Safety
The safety data sheet does not classify Folex as hazardous and lists no signal word or hazard statements. The maker says no respirator, gloves, eye protection or ventilation are needed under normal use, though you should wash your hands before eating, drinking or smoking. Keep it out of reach of small children, store it away from freezing, and keep it away from other chemicals, since the maker names no specific incompatibility.
Never mix chlorine bleach with vinegar or other acids, ammonia or rubbing alcohol. Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222.
Versions the maker sells
Where to buy
FOLEX Instant Carpet Spot Remover
Sponsored links: as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Product facts come from the maker's own instructions and labels.
Questions
Is Folex safe for pets and children?
The maker says Folex is safe for children and pets if it is used as directed. Keep the product out of reach of small children, and let the area dry completely before anyone or any pet walks across it.
Does Folex work on old stains?
The maker says it removes most old stains, along with pet accidents, grease, ink, red wine, coffee, blood and food. It will not reverse dye stains such as red drinks, yellow mustard or hair dye. Test a hidden area first if the old stain is a dye stain.
Do you need to rinse or vacuum after using Folex?
No. The maker's directions say no rinsing or vacuuming is required after blotting. The only drying step is to let the carpet or material dry completely before use.
Can you use Folex on wool or delicate fabrics?
The maker names no specific fibers, so it does not confirm that wool or any other fiber is safe. Test a hidden area, and skip any material that could be damaged by water or is not colorfast. For delicate fabric, the hidden-area test is the only check the maker describes.
Is Folex the same as Folex Professional?
The two versions named are FOLEX Instant Carpet Spot Remover and FOLEX Professional Carpet Spot Remover. The maker's details cover one version only, and they don't say how the two differ. Check the label of the Professional version before using it.
Can you use Folex in a carpet cleaning machine?
The maker's directions describe applying Folex by hand to the spot and do not mention a carpet cleaning machine. Stick to the spot method described above unless the maker's directions say otherwise.
Does Folex need ventilation or gloves?
The maker says no ventilation is needed, and no respirator, gloves or eye protection are needed under normal use. The safety data sheet lists no hazardous ingredients and gives a pH of 8 to 10. Wash your hands before eating, drinking or smoking as a simple precaution.
Will Folex remove stain protection on carpet?
No. The maker says Folex will not remove factory-applied stain-resistant treatment. Dyed stains can permanently change color, so the hidden-area test is the best check before use.
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How we know this
Every use, amount and warning here comes from the maker's product pages, labels and safety data sheets.