Cosmetics and carpets don't mix. Whether your lipstick slipped, you accidentally self-tanned the carpet, or you had another makeup mishap, take a look at what you need to know about this type of specialty stain removal.
What Types of Cosmetics Can Stain Carpets?
Almost any cosmetic product in your makeup bag or cabinet can stain your carpets. While some light-colored or barely pigmented items (such as a neutral face powder or cream-colored eye shadow) may not cause a significant stain, others are likely to leave behind major marks..
Common cosmetic-to-flooring stain-makers include:
- Foundation. Liquid foundation may look neutral, but when you accidentally grind it into the fibers of the carpet, it can turn into an orange or brown sticky mess.
- Lipstick. Highly pigmented shades such as reds and purples can create stains that smear and smudge their way down into the carpet's fibers.
- Mascara. The oils, waxes, and dyes in mascara products can stain a carpet quickly. Waterproof formulas are likely to resist a DIY dab with a washcloth or quick spot spray.
- Self-tanners. Not only can self-tanner spray or lotion stain your carpets straight from the bottle or tube, but you can also transfer these products from your body onto the flooring.
- Nail polish. Like lipstick, dark or bright nail polish colors can stain carpets. A blot-and-dry attempt to clean this cosmetic spill can smudge the polish and force it deep into the fibers of your rug.
Along with these stain-makers, highly pigmented blush or eye shadow products can also stain your flooring. Likewise, anything that has a creamy or waxy consistency may sink into the fibers and make a stain difficult to remove.
Should You Try to Clean the Cosmetic Stain Yourself?
An almost inconspicuous smudge or a powder that almost matches the carpet's color won't always require professional help. But times exist when you want to stay away from a do-it-yourself carpet cleaning job. These include:
- Stains that have already set. Your cat knocked over your nail polish, or your child colored the carpets with cream blush. You didn't find the mess for hours, and now the stain is set. Without time on your side, contact a professional cleaner to remove the stain.
- Mystery ingredient stains. What is your lipstick, foundation, or self-tanner made from? If you don't know what's in the product, you won't know how to clean it. Leave the cleaning product selection to a professional.
- Deep stains. Liquid makeup or nail polish can sink deep into your carpet. This complex cosmetic cleaning job requires professional attention.
- Multiple stains. You may need an expert to remove the different types of cosmetic products in the same carpet area.
Even though most cosmetic-related carpet stains require professional attention, you can gently blot wet areas or liquids to remove some of the immediate moisture.
Who Should Clean the Cosmetic Stain?
If you shouldn't try a DIY approach, what type of professional should clean the stain? While some general cleaning companies can handle this type of mess, you need someone who:
- Specializes in this type of stain. The contractor should have expertise and experience cleaning cosmetic-based stains.
- Uses products you feel comfortable with. If you have concerns about irritation or allergies, make sure the contractor you choose uses chemicals or other cleaning agents you feel comfortable with.
- Offers continued maintenance. Chances are this isn't the only time you'll have a carpet stain. Choose a company that offers regular cleaning services or provides additional specialty options (such as pet stain removal) if needed.
While any carpet cleaning contractor can say they're the best, you need someone who is truly a top-quality professional. Ask for references or talk to local community members (friends and family) for referrals.