Oops, there’s a spill.
This is something some of us, more often than not, experience when applying makeup, especially in a rush. So naturally, when you spill foundation on your carpet, the next thing you are looking into is how to get foundation out of carpet.
If you’ve ever been in this position and don’t know what to do, it’s okay, you are in the right place. You don’t have to worry about your makeup leaving a permanent mark on your carpet. You can get the stain out with easy home hacks.
Keep on reading to find out how to remove makeup out of carpet.
How to get foundation out of carpet
1. Use baking soda
Baking soda is absorbent and can break down oil. Foundation (especially liquid ones) is usually oil-based, therefore, it is easy to absorb oil from surface tops and fibers.
To use baking soda:
- Pour baking soda powder into the area the foundation spilled.
- Leave for 15 minutes to absorb the foundation.
- Scrape with a flat edge (spatula or butter knife).
- Repeat the process until foundation stain comes off completely.
- Then use a microfiber towel to dampen the area and clean it. Instead of water, a solvent is best because it breaks down the oil of the foundation further.
2. Use dish soap
A dish soap also has properties that can break down foundation oil and scoop it easily off a carpet.
To do this:
- Scoop as much foundation as you can off the carpet before it dries.
- Mix dish soap in lukewarm water.
- With a dampened washcloth, blot the stain on the carpet. Don not scrub, but dab. This keeps the stain from spreading.
- Repeat this until the foundation is out of carpet.
- Use another washcloth with clean water to remove residue soap.
- Dry the area with a fan or dryer.
- Vacuum the area when dry.
3. Use a carpet stain remover
Carpet stain removers are cleaning solutions that work with the fibers of the carpet to remove tough stains.
To use:
- Scoop leftover foundation as neatly as possible (use a spatula or butter knife).
- Use a wet cloth to remove an extra stain.
- With a carpet stain remover of your preference, dissolve the foundation on the carpet.
- Avoid agents with bleach because they can discolor the carpet after cleaning. Use only solutions that have gentle ingredients.
- Dry off, then vacuum the area.
Note: before using the stain remover, test on a small part of the carpet to avoid discoloring the carpet.
4. Try hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical that works to break down microorganisms and molecules. This makes it beneficial for skin care and cleaning agents.
If you want to use hydrogen peroxide, use a formula with about a 3% concentration. You can go above 3% but dilute with water. However, the solution must not be more than 6% concentration. Any more than that can bleach the carpet.
To use:
- Blot excess foundation from the carpet stain area with a blotter or wet microfiber cloth.
- Add hydrogen peroxide to the stained area. Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the stain.
- Blot with a microfiber cloth.
- Clean with a clean wet washcloth or another microfiber cloth.
- Repeat the process until the stain comes off.
- Dry and vacuum area.
5. Use coconut oil and baking soda
Coconut oil attracts oil, whereas baking soda breaks the oil down. Using this two to clean your carpet where foundation spilled is safer than using harsh chemicals that can leave permanent marks on your carpet.
To use:
- Mix coconut oil and baking soda to make a thick paste.
- Scrape excess foundation off the carpet before it dries.
- Apply the paste on the stain and let the mixture absorb the stain.
- Use a clean, wet microfiber towel to clean the paste off.
- Repeat this until the stain completely comes off.
- Dry off and vacuum the carpet.
6. Use WD-40
WD-40 is a multipurpose home product you can use to get foundation out of carpet. It breaks down the composition of the foundation and easily slips it out of the carpet without leaving harsh marks.
To use:
- Apply WD-40 on a microfiber cloth.
- Blot stain with the cloth.
- Then, use a clean, wet cloth to dab the stain.
- Rinse and repeat until the foundation comes off the carpet.
- Follow up with a simple dish soap, dab, then clean with fresh cloth and water.
Note: The foundation will spread if you scrub or brush. Use a clean side of the WD-40 sprayed cloth with each dab to avoid spread.
7. Potato starch paste
This is a secret most homecare experts know and secretly use. Potato contains oxalic acid, which helps to break down particles or components like oil and rust.
To use:
- Remove excess foundation still on the carpet.
- Make a thick paste with potato starch.
- Apply the starch on the foundation stain. Let it soak for an hour or two. Do not let it dry off completely.
- Use a damp cloth to clean the soaked potato starch.
- Clean foundation stain area with a damp cloth and dish soap until the stain and starch are gone.
- Dry and vacuum.
FAQs
Can you get dried foundation out of carpet?
Yes, you can.
To get dried foundation out of carpet you will need a stronger agent. It is best to use hydrogen peroxide or a carpet solution to remove the stain. Start with dish soap, then move to more concentrated solutions if the stain does not come off easily.
How long does it take liquid foundation to dry on carpet?
About 15 minutes.
It’s slow. However, this depends on the type of foundation. Lighter foundations dry much faster than thick foundations.
Nonetheless, the more the foundation stays on the carpet, the harder it is to remove the stain because the carpet absorbs the foundation. So do not wait until it dries to remove it.
Will matte foundation clean off on carpet?
Yes, it would.
Matte foundation dries faster on the skin, but if it is a liquid stain on carpet, it will clean off, even if it dries fast.
Conclusion
It’s not the end of the world – or your carpet – if you accidentally got foundation on it. You can rectify the mishap in no time with simple tools right in your home.
Baking soda, potato starch, vinegar, and dish wash soap are handy tools to get foundation out of carpet. And if they don’t work, try hydrogen peroxide, carpet cleaner, or WD-40. One of these is sure to get your carpet back as good as new.
However, just because they can do the job doesn’t mean you should let the foundation dry off. The faster you clean, the faster it comes off.
So do what you have to do before the stain leaves a tell-tale mark, and be careful not to spill your precious makeup foundation on your nice carpet.
Thanks for reading.
You can get more beauty hacks here on MBGON.