Your beloved carpet might have seen it all: wine spills, muddy footprints, or even puppy poop. And you probably think no stain will ever come between you and your carpet. That is until you encounter “the makeup mess.”
Getting makeup out of the carpet is an art form in itself. You can’t just run a vacuum over a smattering of eyeshadow (unless you’re looking to get a rainbow rug). Cleaning up needs to be based on the makeup’s ingredients (and there’s a lot!) so you can prevent that tiny glittery spot from turning into a disco ball-sized splotch.
Removing Face Powder
Let’s start with foundation and powdered makeup. This type of makeup usually contains talc, which has fine particles that adhere so well to your skin. But at the same time, they will also stick really well to the fibers of your carpet.
By Vacuuming
When it comes to getting powdered makeup out of a high pile carpet, your vacuum is your best friend. Aim it directly on top of the affected area and the powder should be lifted right off the carpet. Never use the vacuum on the entire surface or you might risk spreading the makeup.
By Scraping Excess Product and Using Soap and Water
Prevent getting skin tone stains on your carpet by immediately scraping off excess foundation with a spoon or a butter knife. This will help keep the powder from falling into the backing of your carpet.
After removing as much powder as you can, you can leave the rest of the mess to a mixture of cold water and a few drops of clear dish soap. Dip a piece of cloth or sponge into the soapy mix and then scrub away the remaining powder.
Using Makeup Remover
It’s a no-brainer to use a makeup remover for your powder problems. It is, after all, designed to remove makeup. Make sure to use an oil-free one, like micellar water, as makeup removers with oil tend to leave a residue. Dampen a paper towel and start dabbing away at your carpet’s stain.
Using Carpet Stain Remover
When these hacks fail, you can always turn to a carpet stain remover. Just make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using it.
Removing Liquid Foundation
Liquid foundation is one tough adversary to deal with especially as oil is one of its main ingredients. Luckily, there’s one dependable thing you can use to get rid of the foundation marks on your carpet—hydrogen peroxide. Turns out this antiseptic is actually an excellent household cleaner.
First, use tissue paper to absorb the excess foundation on the carpet. Next, dampen a cloth with 3% hydrogen peroxide and lightly tap on the affected spot. Lastly, freshen up your carpet with a spritz of water using a spray bottle.
Removing Eyeshadow
Eyeshadow spells double trouble. It’s pigmented and powdery. However, it’s no match for this decent duo: dependable vacuum and determined detergent. Vacuum the excess eyeshadow off the carpet then create a rich lather with the detergent. Soak a clean cloth in the mixture then use it to carefully wipe off the eyeshadow stain.
Removing Blush and Bronzer
Blush and bronzer are amazing—just a few swipes and you can look like a bronzed goddess fresh off a vacation on some faraway tropical island or a blushing bride walking down the aisle. Sadly, they never look good when they’re on your carpet. Here’s how to clean them up depending on the formula.
Powdered Blush and Bronzer
Start by vacuuming off excess particles on your carpet. If your carpet is washable and fits in your washing machine, treat the carpet casualty with a pre-wash stain remover before doing a spin cycle. For carpets that are too big or delicate for the washer, opt for a dry cleaning solvent instead.
Liquid Blush and Bronzer
This might seem like a surprising hack but shaving cream is known to remove liquid blush and bronzer. Shaving cream has ingredients that can attract and wash away oils, which are the main ingredients in liquid makeup.
Spray the shaving cream onto the blushed or bronzed blotch, then use a moist towel to scrub the stain in a circular motion. Once the shaving cream starts to change color, wipe it off then repeat the first step as needed.
Removing Eyeliner
Eyeliner and mascara can create dazzling eye looks, but they can also really damage a carpet. But don’t worry, you can remove the black stain on your carpet with one of these hacks.
Using Makeup Remover
A makeup remover is actually your best bet, and remember to stick to oil-free removers.
Never pour the remover directly on the carpet as this might cause the mascara or eyeliner to run. Instead, wet a clean cloth with the makeup remover then use it to absorb the black specks. Afterward, use cold water to clean up the remaining spots, then dry the area off with a microfiber cloth.
Using Vinegar
If you don’t have oil-free makeup remover on hand, try vinegar. First, mix 1 teaspoon of vinegar and ½ cup of warm water.
Dip a microfiber cloth into the vinegar and water mix, then pat on the smudge until it is no longer visible. Don’t leave your carpet with the eyeliner eyesore for too long or it will become permanent.
Removing Lipstick and Creamy Lip Products
Smearing wax and oil on your carpet is a nightmare. Now try adding a ruby red color to that mess—that’s lipstick. Whether your lipstick fell or you somehow managed to kiss the floor, that’s one mark you won’t want to leave on the carpet.
Using a butter knife or a spoon, carefully scrape off the creamy product. Blot the remnants with a cloth dipped in a mixture of hand soap, warm water, and vinegar. Keep blotting until the carpet smooch is gone.
Removing Long-Wearing Products
Your immaculate carpet doesn’t stand a chance when it meets the staying power of a 24-hour foundation. Or so you thought. Here are 2 cleaning hacks on how to get long-wearing makeup out of carpet:
Using Dry Cleaning Solvent (or Vodka)
A dry cleaning solvent can work wonders on different types of stains. Make sure to use the recommended amount only or you might end up with holes in your carpet.
If you’re iffy about using dry solvent, try vodka. No, it’s not for drinking your troubles away. Vodka is another surprising cleaning hack you might not have heard of, but it’s actually a good natural cleaner like vinegar.
Using Makeup Remover
Sweat, water, and tears can’t cut right through your 24-hour makeup. But at the end of the day, you’ve got your trusty makeup remover to wash it all away. With that thought, you can also use makeup remover to clean your foundation-crusted carpet.
Use a white or clear cream-based makeup remover on the tainted area and leave it on for 10 minutes. Dab on any remaining product with a cloth. If there are any stubborn residues left, use vodka or dry cleaning solvent. You know the drill: dampen cloth, dab, repeat.
Removing Nail Polish
Accidentally spilling nail polish on your carpet can be a disaster, but only if you don’t act quickly enough. Don’t let the lacquer get a chance to set and stick to your carpet. After all, the solution is probably right under your nose—a nail polish remover. If you don’t have one on hand, check out our guide to the best polish removers.
Douse a rag with nail polish remover then apply pressure onto the stain. Once the enamel transfers onto the rag, use a clean part of it or another piece of cloth to remove the residue.
When These Hacks Can’t Hack It
These cleaning hacks on how to get makeup out of carpet are good tips for homeowners and renters. But if you find yourself in danger of gouging a hole into your carpet, it might be time to get help from a professional carpet cleaner.
Also, remember that these hacks can’t magically make your carpet look brand new again. No matter how much you dab on the makeup stain, sometimes it will leave a faint little mark. If you simply can’t live with this blemish, just use it as an excuse to get a new carpet.