Makeup mishaps are bound to happen whether you use makeup to do fast touch-ups before leaving or are trying a new look. In some cases, your carpets will pay the price for these accidents, ranging from splashes of foundation to smears of mascara.
These will appear impossible to remove, but you can easily clean them with a few simple steps and tools to make your carpets look new and clean once more.
Let’s explore the finest strategies to learn how to remove makeup from carpets.
Understanding the Makeup Stain Cleaning Challenge
You should first know why makeup stains are too difficult to eliminate before starting the cleaning process.
Most cosmetic products are made to be resistant to water and oils. These products are also designed to last a long time. That’s because your makeup is designed to remain on your face all day, so it’s no surprise that it latches onto your carpets for long periods.
Products such as foundation or lipstick combine waxes and pigments to securely bind with carpet fibres, making stains more difficult to remove.
The good news is that you can efficiently remove them without ruining your carpet with the correct techniques and cleaning agents.
Blot, Don’t Rub
If you discover the stain early on, grab a fresh cloth or paper towel and gently blot the spot to absorb as much product as you can.
Rubbing the stain will simply drive the makeup farther into the carpet fibres, making removal more difficult and possibly even spreading the stain over a bigger region. Blotting lifts excess product without spreading it.
Before applying any cleaning solution, gently pick loose particles using a vacuum cleaner. This will remove powdered substances like eyeshadow products.
Choose the Right Cleaner
It’s important to choose a cleaner that corresponds to the stain you are dealing with.
For example, foundation and concealers are oil-based products that demand solutions that combat grease. Use a combo of dish soap and warm water for such stains. Add a few drops of the soap to a bowl of warm water then gently stir.
On the other hand, lipsticks and lip gloss often contain waxy or greasy ingredients. To remove these, apply rubbing alcohol or a nail polish remover on a cotton ball or rag.
The pigmented and waxy nature of mascara and eyeliner makes them hard to remove without a mild solution of hydrogen peroxide or a makeup remover free of oil.
Remember to always do a spot test on a covert part of your carpet to ensure that your cleaning solution won’t cause any discolouration or damage.
Apply and Blot the Stain
Instead of splashing your liquid cleaner straight onto the carpet, use a clean cloth with your solution to avoid oversaturation, which could harm the carpet backing or spread the stain.
Working your way from the outside into the centre, gently wipe the stain with a damp towel. Repeat this step a few times as needed using fresh parts of the cloth. Steer clear of scrubbing since it ruins carpet fibres.
Blotting with a combination of dish soap and water should gently remove oil-based stains such as foundation or lipstick. Keep dabbing until the stain fully covers your cloth. Then, rinse the area with some clean water to get any soapy residue off.
Tackle Stubborn Stains with Baking Soda
It’s time to call in a reliable domestic hero if the stain still remains after blotting: baking soda!
Well-known for its absorbent qualities, baking soda soaks up the last of the oils and pigments, which helps with treating makeup stains.
Sprinkle baking soda directly on a damp stain, then let it sit for roughly fifteen minutes. You’ll notice the colour of the baking soda changing as it absorbs the pigment.
Once done, vacuum the baking soda and examine the stain again for any remaining product. Repeat the previous steps if necessary.
Applying baking soda and blotting using dish soap or an alcohol-based cleanser works particularly well for liquid makeup incidents.
Rinse and Dry
This will eliminate any lasting traces of cleaning chemicals. To rinse, softly dab the area with a cloth that is wet with clean lukewarm water.
This helps eliminate any residue or soap left over that can draw in dirt later on.
Cover the wet area with a fresh towel, and then apply pressure to absorb as much moisture as you can. To guarantee that the towel absorbs all the water, weigh it down with a heavy item for several hours.
Steer clear of walking in the treated area until it’s totally dry to avoid flattening the carpet fibres.
Alternative Cleaning Hacks Using Household Items
Don’t have specialised cleaners at hand? Don’t worry! Several common household products can assist with makeup stains.
Shaving creams are surprisingly good at removing makeup as they break down oil-based stains. Add a tiny bit of it straight to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Blot with a damp cloth afterwards.
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the stain, then dab it with a fresh cloth. The acidity of vinegar breaks down greasy cosmetic items without producing a strong odour.
When you have to act quickly and don’t have conventional cleaning supplies within reach, these quick remedies could save the situation.
Preventing Future Makeup Stains
Although the aforementioned tips can definitely save your carpets, it’s better to avoid these mishaps altogether.
Set your makeup in an area with no carpets to avoid any spills. You can use vanity tables, bathroom counters, or a separate makeup station.
In addition, place a protective mat beneath your makeup station. Doing so will prevent any powder from falling onto your carpets.
Always make sure that makeup containers are securely kept away and tightly closed.
These easy tips will help you keep your carpets clean and reduce the chances of cosmetic disasters.
When to Call in Professional Carpet Cleaners
Calling in a professional carpet cleaner is your best option if the stain is too stubborn to handle and is ruining expensive carpets.
Professionals know exactly how to remove makeup from them. They have the correct tools and cleaning products to remove such stains without causing any damage.
The pros also offer specialised cleaning services for stains that are difficult to remove with DIY remedies.
Conclusion
Although removing makeup from your carpet is difficult, it’s doable with the correct techniques.
There are different cleaning methods for every sort of stain, from blotting and using the correct cleaners to experimenting with other home remedies.
So, next time you spill your foundation or drop your lipstick, don’t panic. Just grab your cleaning tools and get started!