An expensive rug or carpet can be the pride of every home. However, particular stains such as lipstick can throw you into confusion, without knowing how to get rid of it effectively.
A shade of lipstick makes you among the prettiest in a
crowd, but it is a different case on the carpet and other household items. The
lipstick doesn't belong there.
Before anything, use a knife or a spoon to scrape off some
of the lipstick from the carpet. Try as much as possible not to push the stain
further into the carpet fabric.
The following steps will help you get rid of lipstick on the
carpet once and for all.
First method
- Using a damp cloth dipped in water, absorb any lipstick
residue on the carpet. Typically, this should be as soon as possible. The
grease remover in an all-purpose stain remover or dry cleaning fluid can come
in handy in getting rid of the lipstick. Grease is the main ingredient in
lipsticks, and you can handle the situation by spraying the stain remover on the
lipstick stain.
- But you may need to test the stain remover or the
cleaning fluid to determine its effect on the carpet. Spray it on an
inconspicuous part of the rug, and let it sit for a few minutes. Check the
extent of discoloration by rubbing a piece of cloth, and determine whether you
can live with it.
There is likelihood for the dry
cleaning fluid to leave your carpet discolored. You should, therefore, be
careful before making any decision to use it on the lipstick stain.
- The grease remover should transfer the stain to the
damp cloth. But sometimes the stain can prove a little stubborn, and that is
where you bring in the Calvary. Shift to rubbing alcohol and a sponge, and that
will pretty sure be the end of it - of course, the lipstick stain.
- You can as well try powdered detergent mixed into a
paste in warm water. Rub this paste on the carpet using a cloth.
- The last step is using a clean cloth to clean the area
where the lipstick used to be, and use a clean towel.
Second method
- You can blot the lipstick stain using a sponge and an appropriate cleaning product. Press several times on the stain with a clean sponge, switching to the clean side when it becomes heavily stained.
It is possible to spread or press the lipstick farther into the fibers if you use a rubbing action — press instead of rubbing.
- Alternatively, you can spray on the stain and let it sit for about 5 minutes. You can then blot using a sponge or a soft cloth and be careful not to spread it. However, you may need to check for discoloration. Various cleaning products can contain components that may discolor the carpet fibers.
- The final step is to rinse the area of any solvent remnants with clear and cool water. Leave wet paper towels, pressed down on the spot with a heavy object until they dry.
