If a foundation misfortune has happened to your carpet, feel reassured that you have reached the right place for help! This how- to guide will explain two efficient methods to remove make-up or foundation stains from your carpet.
Discovering a big foundation or make-up stain on your brand new white carpet can, to put it mildly, be pretty discouraging. On top of this, carpets have a notorious reputation of being hard to clean once stained.
However, with the right approach most carpet stains can be removed quite easily with the right care and a little bit of patience. So, read along if you've just discovered some make-up or foundation on your carpet, as we explain how to get foundation and make-up out of a carpet – in the safest way possible.
Three-step guide to get make-up and foundation out of carpets
As the very first thing, follow the three steps described below to remove the make-up or foundation from the carpet. Always work from the edge of the stain towards the center using a dry, white cloth or non-dyed absorbent paper.
Step 1: Remove foundation and/or make-up leftovers
If the foundation stain is new, first wipe up the make-up with a cloth or absorbent paper. Avoid rubbing as this might increase the foundation stain on the carpet. Instead, it should be blotted off.
Step 2: Dissolve the stain in lukewarm water
Now apply lukewarm water to the make-up or foundation stain on the carpet (without agents such as soap, washing powder or liquid detergent). Dab the area gently with a damp cloth to absorb the liquid by blotting with a cloth. After that, drizzle potato starch on the make-up stain and leave to dry for 24 hours. Now vacuum. This should work wonders in removing the foundation or make-up stains on the carpet.
If necessary, repeat step 2 once more before moving on to step 3. If the foundation or make-up stain still persists, you will need harsher methods to remove the foundation or make-up from the carpet.
Step 3: Use a carpet stain remover
If the foundation stain on the carpet cannot be dissolved in water using the method described above, try to use a universal stain-removing agent to remove the make-up from the carpet. Carefully follow the instructions for use on the product's packaging.
We recommend professional cleaning agents and strongly advise against chlorinated agents or bleaching agents that might discolour your carpet.
Always test a new cleaning agent or stain remover on a small area in a corner, under a radiator etc. This to avoid any damage from colour bleed, discolouration, bleaching or dissolution.
Still not happy with the result?
If first aid steps 1 to 3 do not remove the foundation or make-up stain from your carpet, follow this advice: Dab with a cloth dipped in a solvent containing n-heptane and keep dapping until the make-up comes loose of the carpet fiber.
Repeat until you are satisfied with the result and enjoy a stain-free carpet.
NB: n-heptane is highly inflammable. Do not inhale the fumes.
Does the foundation stain on the carpet re-appear?
If the stain-removal treatment leaves a mark, the carpet might be generally soiled and needs an all-over cleaning. In case the foundation stain re-appears after treatment, some stain-removing agent or stain residue might still be left in the carpet fibers. If so, the area should be treated again following the three steps described above.
Read the Service & Maintenance Guide
That's our guide for how to get foundation out of a carpet. Following the steps above, you should be able to remove almost any foundation or make-up stain on the carpet. And remember: with proper maintenance and cleaning, your carpet will retain its appearance and good qualities for many years to come. For more information read the Service & Maintenance Guide to get professional carpet care instructions about vacuum cleaning, anti-soiling impregnation etc.
If your carpet suffers from other types of stains, follow these links to stain removal guides for fresh blood and dried blood, nail polish and paint.
