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How to Clean Cosmetics From Carpet

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

Rate: (5 Ratings)

Lipstick and blush are pretty on the face, but don't look so great on the carpet. Clean up cosmetic stains with this simple remedy to messy problems.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Dry Cleaning Fluid
Ammonia
Mild Detergent
Soft Dry Cloth
Ammonia

Step1

Pour dry cleaning fluid over the stain.

Step2

Blot with a dry, white cloth.

Step3

Apply a small amount of mild liquid detergent to the stain.

Step4

Blot again with the cloth.

Step5

Flood the stain with water.

Step6

Blot again with the cloth.

Step7

Pour a small amount of ammonia on the stain.

Step8

Blot again with the cloth.

Step9

Apply a little more liquid detergent.

Step10

Blot again with the cloth.

Step11

Flood the area with water.

Step12

Blot one last time.

Tips & Warnings

Dry cleaning fluid can be purchased at home supply stores or the dry cleaners. Always test the cleaning solutions on an inconspicuous part of the carpet before using them on a large area.
Use a white cloth rather than a colored one to prevent any dyes from coming off on the carpet.
As you blot, keep turning the cloth so that you are using a clean, dry section to pick up the stain and the cleaning fluids from the carpet. Don't rub.
If using a brush to help clean the stain, always brush from the outer edges of the spill inward to prevent the stain from spreading.

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Comments

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on 11/22/2005 I was told that it is illegal to sell dry-cleaning fluid, but charcoal lighter, which is available at a grocery store, has the same component. I used that and it worked well.

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on 11/22/2005 Blot area with a cloth soaked with household ammonia.Rinse and repeat until all the nail polish has been removed.This really works!A friend also used it when she spilled red polish on her white carpet!!!

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on 11/22/2005 I've had a lot of trouble with amonia being too harsh & discoloring after the fact. A few gentler things that work great are: Shout wipes, the fluid stain remover from the Clorox home dry cleaning kit, and Resolve. Always test a hidden spot first!(2 boys)