the basic formulation of this invention , itself useful for cleaning a wide range of substrate materials from deposits and stains is an aqueous solution of edta versene 100 , glycol ether dpnp , acetone , acetic acid , and fragrance . this solution is biodegradable with 0 % voc content , and is applicable to a wide range of materials without damaging them . it is best to wash it out after the solution has done its work — it does leave a small but usually unobjectionable deposit . the components of the solution are benign , and if left in place will cause no damage to the substrate ( soiled ) material to which the solution is applied , nor to persons who come in contact with it . the combination of components used herein appears to function synergistically , by mechanisms which are not fully understood at this time . what has become apparent is that the total composition functions to a degree of effectiveness much greater than already - known compositions useful for the intended purposes , and that elimination of any of the components greatly reduces the effectiveness of the composition . as a preliminary observation , it should be noted that purified water ( either distilled , de - ionized or softened ), is preferred . if it is used , the solution will be clear . if water is used which is not purified , then the solution is likely to be cloudy and sometimes less acceptable to the user . however , some users might actually prefer a cloudy or milky composition . use of tap water will usually result in this . the result of this is that , no matter where the composition is mixed , using local water supplies , the resulting composition is the same . the above basic formulation , for which more detailed specifications will be given below removes beverages and their stains and removes protein based foods , sauces and condiments . it can be used on all substrates such as clothing , carpets , athletic shoes , wall , floors , wall papers , and many others . some stains and deposits are more resistant to the basic formulation , usually because their dyes or other colorizers must be attended to either by decolorizing them , or by solubilizing them . examples of these materials are various inks . these are notoriously difficult to remove using other products without damage to cloth , with the use of cleaning solutions generally available in a household , and with the skill and knowledge of the householder . especially this is the situation where water - based formulations are needed . this invention provides excellent results without recourse to aromatic or petroleum solvents . the modified formulation to be described can be directly applied to many troublesome stains and left there . the stain quickly disappears . washing out the garment or blotting it is optional , but it is best practice to wash it out , or at least to blot it out . there will be no damage to any but the most fragile fabrics and none to many of such fabrics . the modified formulation is also useful for wood stripping , when some color removal is desired . in all the the formulations and guidelines given below , at least one substance from each group must be included . the amount of part a ., de - ionized water , will vary depending on the dpnp and db percentages selected for part c .) the amount of part a ., de - ionized water , will vary depending on the eb and db percentages selected for part c .) this invention is not to be limited to the embodiments described in the description which are given by way of example and not of limitation , but only in accordance with the scope of the appended claims .