We’re endlessly inspired by the artistry happening in the makeup industry today, but it can be a menace to the beautiful carpet. The more popular makeup becomes, the more likely your lovely carpet is at risk of an accident or spill. But these accidents don’t need to leave permanent reminders and unsightly stains. Follow these tips on how to get makeup out of carpet, to ensure your mishaps fade quicker than the fad.
Tip 1: The key to entirely removing any carpet stain, especially makeup, is doing so quickly. The longer the makeup is left to soak into the carpet fiber, the more likely it is to leave a permanent stain. Once it reaches the carpet backing, it will be much more difficult to remove.
As soon as makeup gets on the carpet, remove it. If it’s a foundation or another cream-based makeup, use a utensil like a butter knife or small spatula to gently pick up as much excess as possible.
Tip 2: Keep the stain small by working from the outside toward the inside. Do not push the makeup further onto more of the carpet. Start at the stain’s edge and gently dab up the excess makeup with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel. You’ll want to be careful not to be overly aggressive and push the makeup further into the carpet fiber.
Once you have as much makeup lifted from the carpet as you can, it’s time to begin the cleaning process.
Tip 3: Water is usually enough if you clean it right away. Using a clean cloth and lukewarm water, begin lightly dabbing at the makeup, again working from the outer edges toward the center. Keep going until there is no makeup left.
If water alone doesn’t remove the stain, you need to move on to a mild solvent.
Tip 4: Dish soap is a lifesaver. Combine a small amount of dish soap with lukewarm water and, again, using a clean cloth, repeat the process of dabbing at the outside of the stain and working your way toward the center. Use plain water to remove the soap and another clean cloth to dry the carpet.
It will be easiest to see if there is a stain after the carpet has dried completely and you’ve vacuumed where the makeup was on the carpet.
If you have a tough stain and can still see it, you’ll have to try more drastic measures.
Tip 5: Potato starch is your secret weapon. For a persistent stain, moisten it with lukewarm water and shake a small amount of potato starch on the resistant spot. Potato starch is a powder extracted from potatoes and sold in most grocery stores and online.
Let the potato starch set on the stain for about 24 hours until the spot is arid, and then vacuum. The stain should be gone. If not, repeat the process.
Tip 6: Chemical n-heptane. As a last resort, for only the most persistent, set-in stains, you can try a chemical-based stain-removing agent such as n-heptane, a colorless liquid with a mild, gasoline-like odor, but be careful to follow the instructions.
Do not use chlorine or bleach-based products, and test a small, inconspicuous spot before using any chemicals. Consult your manufacturer’s care instructions before trying any methods to ensure your carpet’s best results and long life.
