How to Clean Ice Cream Out of Carpet Correctly
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There’s nothing better than enjoying a cup of ice cream while watching TV in the living room. But hey, accidents happen and ice cream can spill on the carpet. Here’s how to clean ice cream out of carpet:
Remove as much of the ice cream as possible. Apply a small amount of detergent solution to the stained area and use a blotting motion until the ice cream stain is removed from the carpet. Rinse the carpet with water then blot with a dry microfiber cloth to remove excess moisture.
That being said, there are several important things to consider when dealing with ice cream spills on your carpet. Always follow the care instructions and any warnings provided by the carpet manufacturer.
Does ice cream stain carpet?
Even though ice cream may seem like a harmless stain, it can be one of the most difficult dry stains to remove because it is protein based. Not to mention, the sugar in ice cream may not show up after they dry, but they leave visible marks after washing, if not treated immediately.
How to clean ice cream from carpet
The carpet is the last place you want to spill an ice cream. But hey, accidents happen. Before the ice cream melts and cause more damage, here are the steps you need to take to clean ice cream from carpet:
1. Remove as much of the ice cream as possible
Whenever you spill ice cream on the carpet, you’ll want to act fast. Start by removing as much of the ice cream as possible, then blot the melted ice cream on the carpet with a white paper towel. If the ice cream has been set on the carpet for some time, you can scrape it with a dull knife.
2. Apply rubbing alcohol on the stain
Once most of the ice cream has been removed, apply isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) to a clean microfiber cloth or white paper towel. Use a blotting motion until the stain is removed or no color is transferred to the cloth. Do not allow the alcohol to penetrate into the backing as this will destroy the latex bond.
If the ice cream stain is on the carpet surface only, rub in one direction at a time. Never use a circular motion to remove a stain as this may destroy the texture. Stop if the stain is removed. If not, go to the next step.
3. Apply detergent solution on the stain
If alcohol cannot get the job done, you’ll need the help of a detergent solution. Mix ¼ teaspoon of laundry detergent (that does not contain bleach) with 1 quart of water. Seventh Generation is a good choice.
Apply a small quantity of the detergent solution to the stained area. Again, use a microfiber cloth and a blotting motion (pressing straight down without rubbing) to work the detergent into the ice cream stain. If it works, continue applying detergent and blotting with a white paper towel until the stain is removed.
4. Rinse the stained area with water
Once the stain is removed, rinse the carpet with tap water using a spray bottle. Blot with a dry microfiber cloth to remove excess moisture. Spray the area lightly with water, do not blot this time. Apply a pad of paper towels and brick and allow the treated area of the carpet to completely dry.
5. Use hydrogen peroxide (optional)
If you have done all of the above but the ice cream stain is still there, then moisten the tufts in the stained area with 3% hydrogen peroxide. Let it sit for at least 1 hour. Blot and repeat until the carpet is stain free.
When using hydrogen peroxide, you don’t need to rinse the carpet. Light will cause peroxide to change back to water. Just apply a pad of absorbent paper towels and weigh them down with a brick.
Final words
Now you know how to clean ice cream off the carpet. If you act fast, you can keep your carpets looking clean and pristine. If in doubt, it is wise to seek the advice of the carpet manufacturer or a cleaning professional.
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