For some reason, makeup on a carpet always makes it look like a crime scene. While a dirty carpet may make your house look messy, makeup stains seem to take it to another level. And the worst part is, they are also harder to clean as the stains tend to spread when you try rubbing it off.
So how do you get makeup out of a carpet? First things first, you need to realize that different makeup products require different cleaning approaches. You cannot remove lipstick from the carpet using the same method you used to remove liquid eyeliner or blush. Keep reading to learn different ways of eliminating different makeup products stains from a rug.
Standard Carpet Cleaning Method
What You Will need:
- Vacuum cleaner
- Detergent
- Microfiber cloths
- Spoon or scoop
- Water
- A towel
- Water
The basis for cleaning up makeup stains are the same. The different chemicals needed to lift stains created by different ingredients in the different types of makeups vary. First, you need to scoop up the makeup using a spoon or a mini scoop. Then you need to use a soap solution to blot out the stain.
Then rinse it off and vacuum your carpet until it dries up. Or use the towel to absorb the water by leaving it on the spot until the carpet is relatively dry. If this approach does not work, you can use the specified methods to remove different makeup stains on the carpet.
Specific Carpet Cleaning per Makeup Type
Eyeliner
Mix one tablespoon of ammonia and half a cup of warm water and use a microfiber cloth to blot out the eyeliner. Work from the inside out to avoid smudging the eyeliner stain. Repeat the process until the stain disappears.
Then rinse the area and dry it with your vacuum or using a dry towel. For best results, clean eyeliner stains immediately, especially if it is a waterproof eyeliner.
Highlighter
Use a damp paper towel to blot the stain and absorb the highlighter from the carpet before you clean the carpet. Then mix a few cups of warm water with non-bleach laundry detergent and use it to clean the carpet. Rinse and repeat once the stain clears and dry the carpet.
Foundation
Use a spoon or scoop to pick up the foundation. Then apply clear waterproof makeup remover on the spot and let it sit for at least ten minutes. Then blot it away using a damp paper towel. Next, mix ammonia or flavor-free vodka with water and use it to clean up the stain. Once the stain is removed, rinse the spot and dry the carpet.
Eyeshadow
Apply a few drops of hydrogen peroxide in the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Then blot it off using a clean cloth. Preferably one that does not have a dye that can run from the hydrogen peroxide. Use a damp cloth to remove all traces of hydrogen peroxide to prevent it from fading the dye on the carpet. Then pat it dry using a dry towel.
Lipstick
To remove lipstick stains from the carpet, use a solution of two tablespoons of liquid detergent and vinegar mixed with two cups of lukewarm water. Use a sponge to apply the cleaning solution on the carpet then blot it dry using a white towel.
Nail Polish
Apply a non-acetone based nail polish remover to the carpet and let it soak in for a few minutes. Then use a wet cloth to dab onto the stain until it comes off. Then use a clean damp cloth to rinse off the nail polish remover from the carpet. Place a dry towel on the spot to soak up the water.
Mascara
Use eye makeup remover to loosen the eyeliner form the carpet. Let it sit for a few minutes before blotting it using a microfiber cloth. Then rinse the carpet using a clean damp cloth to remove any leftover mascara and eye makeup remover. Then proceed to dry the carpet using a dry towel or cloth.
Powder makeup, Blush, and Bronzer
First, vacuum the carpet to remove as much powder makeup, blush, or bronzer off the carpet as possible. Then use a clean cloth to dab dry-cleaning solvent onto the stain. To remove the solvent, simply blot it using a clean towel. Any leftover will gradually evaporate.
Check this too: Best Mascara for Bottom Lashes
How to Avoid Permanent Makeup Stains on your Carpet
To prevent your carpet from being permanently stained, always blot away the makeup as soon as it spills. Use a non-dyed cloth to avoid creating new stains from running dyes from the fabric.
Additionally, you should always blot instead of rubbing to prevent smudging the makeup and spreading it on your carpet.
Start cleaning the stain from the edges towards the center when blotting. Lastly, do not scrub the makeup as this will cause the dyes to sink into the carpet pads, permanently staining it.
For oily makeup, pour some cornstarch on the stain and leave it for a few hours. This will soak up all the oil residue making it easier to clean-up the makeup. Some people swear by WD-40 for carpet stain removal. Use this in place of detergent for stubborn stains.
Different cleaning solutions may not work for some makeup stain, especially the waterproof ones. Keep trying until you find what works. Or just avoid makeup application on your carpet. If this is not possible, place an old rug over your carpet to prevent spilling your makeup.