how to remove putty from carpet

Got yourself a Silly Putty emergency? This sticky, stretchy stuff is no friend to carpet, so we're here to help you get it out before it makes itself at home in amongst your carpet fibers. We've put together a list of everything you'll need, plus an easy step-by-step guide on how to get Silly Putty out of carpet, so here goes:

What You'll Need:

Ice cubes
Laundry detergent
Nail polish remover (alternative to laundry detergent)
Rubbing alcohol (alternative to nail polish remover)
Cotton Balls or clean cloth
Spoon or dull knife

Removing Silly Putty from Carpet: The Method

1.Apply ice cubes

Place ice cubes in a sealable plastic bag and apply to the area, leaving it to sit here for 2-3 hours if possible. This will chill the putty and make it more solid, making it easier to scrape off the carpet. Make sure the putty doesn't get wet or this will hinder your efforts, and keep changing the ice regularly if it melts before the chilling time is up.

2. Scrape excess putty

Use your spoon, dull knife or palette knife to agitate the putty and break it into smaller pieces that you can then remove. Gently scrape as many of the putty pieces off the carpet surface as possible and discard them. Be sure not to use anything sharp as this could damage the carpet fibres and cause a permanent mark.

3. Apply detergent

First checking your detergent is free of bleaches, mix two spoonfuls with a cup of warm water. Soak one of your cotton balls or a clean cloth in the mixture and blot the stain, making sure the entire surface of the putty is covered in the mixture, and leave it to soak for 20 minutes. After it has soaked in, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe the area and blot up any excess cleaning solution. If there are any leftover putty particles these should now be easier to remove either by hand or with a vacuum cleaner.

4. Blot with nail polish remover

Note: Always test on an inconspicuous area before applying any substance to your carpet in case of any unwanted effects. Check manufacturer's guide where possible.

If you don't have any laundry detergent to hand or if the stain still remains, you can try using nail polish remover. Soak one of your cotton balls or a cloth in your nail polish remover (or rubbing alcohol if this is easier for you to get hold of). Gently begin to blot the stained area, taking care to blot only the stain and not the surrounding carpet fibers. Work from the outside inwards to prevent the stain from spreading.

5. Dry the area

Use a dry, clean cloth to soak up any excess nail polish remover and moisture – be sure to dab rather than rub at the area. Allow your carpet to dry naturally and repeat the blotting treatment if the stain is persisting. If a stain remains, consult your local carpet cleaner for further recommendations and specialist treatments.

And that's how to get Silly Putty out of carpet. Now if your little ones have another crazy putty session you can be ready for action in case of another accidental carpet mishap. Do you have any more tips on removing Silly Putty from carpet? Share them with us on our social media channels below!

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