Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover

We purchased the Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover so our writer could put it to the test. Keep reading for our full product review.

Carpet spills are the bane of my existence. I’m clumsy, I drink coffee, and I have kids—accidents are inevitable and happen more often than I care to admit. For years, I made do with a “gentle” combination of baking soda and water or made multiple trips to the dry cleaners if the item was portable enough. I also spent hundreds of dollars on products laden with chemicals that promised to work miracles and never did. No matter what, my attempts to make carpet and upholstery stains disappear always left more of a mess than the initial stain. That is until I found Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover.

Folex Spot Remover is the only carpet cleaning product I’ve ever finished and repurchased (I’ve been buying giant size bottles over and over again for almost two years now). It is the only cleaner I trust on any new or precious upholstered furniture and rugs. With Folex, I don’t need to worry about owning a different stain remover for every kind of spill or stain; it works on almost anything, even clothes. This bottle of magic cleaner is extremely affordable, so there’s no real risk in trying it for yourself.

However, if you’re unsure or like to know everything about a product before you buy it, I put a fresh bottle of Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover through a series of stain removal tests around my home over a month and recorded its performance results.

Folex has been on the market for approximately 40 years. It’s a bestseller on Amazon with over 20,000 near five-star reviews. I was at my local hardware store the first time I used it after we had new carpets installed in our condo. I didn’t have high hopes (since I’d tried everything), but I was pleasantly surprised.

The process of cleaning a stain with Folex is simple. First, like any new cleaning product, test a hidden spot to make sure it doesn’t cause a color change. I haven’t had any weird reactions with anything I’ve used Folex on, but you never know. Some carpets are pre-treated with chemicals, so caution is best. After a spot test, spray the stain or spill with a generous amount of product, gently rub it in with your fingers, and blot it with an absorbent cloth to soak up excess moisture.

You’ll know it’s working because you’ll see the stain disappear as you spray and rub it. If it doesn’t work the first time, I repeat the steps until the stain starts to disappear. I often use more product than I think I’ll need, but it always works, and it’s inexpensive, so I don’t mind needing more. The formula is water-based, doesn't need rinsing afterward, and won't leave behind any residue. After I’m satisfied with the stain removal and have gently blotted away as much product as I can, I block off the area, so no one steps on it while it dries.

I’ve used it to clean up coffee, makeup, chocolate, wine, and grease stains and had success every time. For years, I’ve removed stains on carpets, rugs, sofa cushions, throw pillows, curtains (don’t ask), my car interiors, and the odd clothing stain. One of the new uses I tried during the testing month was my kitchen tile. It worked great. The only carpet stain I don’t use Folex for is pet potty accidents. Although it can remove the stain, choose a cleaner with enzymes that will fully break down and remove the urine stains' odor. Pets may repeat having accidents if they smell their urine spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this product have fragrance or harsh chemicals?

One of the great things about this product is that it doesn't contain any solvents or harsh chemicals, making it safe for kids and pets and non-irritating to the skin, when used as directed. And because it's odor-free, it doesn't have a weird smell.

How does Folex work?

To me, it’s magic, but scientifically speaking, Folex is a surfactant, which means it reduces the surface tension of the stain and frees it from the carpet. The formula sort of spreads out the stain in a way that allows you to blot it out of your carpet easily. According to the manufacturer, it’s also non-ionic, which means that it won’t attract dirt after it’s done its job.

Is Folex worth its price?

Getting your carpets and rugs cleaned by a professional can cost hundreds of dollars. Folex works just as well in most cases. Some carpet and upholstery stain removal products are sold at cheaper price points, but Folex costs less than $15 and is worth every penny, considering its results. Compared to other gentle products, it’s on the cheaper end. Regardless, I’d pay for this product over and over again without question.

Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover vs. Resolve Triple Oxi Advanced Carpet Stain Remover

If you want to save a few dollars at the cash register, then Resolve Triple Oxi Advanced Carpet Stain Remover is cheaper on the spot. However, a bottle of Folex lasts longer, and in the end, turns out to be the more economical option.

Resolve works great on tough stains like red wine and tomato sauce and comes in a handy spray bottle like Folex. The two spot cleaners work the same way, spray, dab, and walk away. No rinsing is needed afterward. Also, like Folex, it's pet-safe and kid-safe. It's a toss-up; both products appear to be equally effective and easy to use.