Removing lipstick from carpet presents a unique set of challenges, owing to its oily and pigmented composition. To achieve complete removal, it’s crucial to fully understand the properties of the stain and identify the best chemistry to tackle it effectively. In this guide, we’ll equip you with the knowledge and techniques necessary to navigate these challenges with confidence, ensuring that no trace of the lipstick stain remains.
Why is chemistry crucial when removing lipstick stains from carpet?
When it comes to removing lipstick stains from carpets, understanding the chemistry behind these stains is essential for achieving successful results. Lipstick stains consist of three main components: oils, wax and pigment. The oils help the lipstick adhere to surfaces, the wax gives it a smooth texture, while the pigment gives it its vibrant colour. These components all pose challenges when attempting to remove stains from carpets.
As lipstick is comprised of oil, the most effective chemistry to remove these stains is a solvent. If a shadow stain still persists after the oils have been removed, you can use a hydrogen peroxide-based chemical to oxidise or bleach the pigment. These key insights into the effect chemistry has on cleaning is gone over in our webinar recording, “From Acids to Alkalis.” Gain key insights to boost your confidence in stain removal, ensuring success every time.
Equipment
- White terry towel – By using a white towel, no other pigment will bleed onto the carpet.
- Wet Extraction Machine – Larger spills should be treated using a wet extraction machine. This will minimise the risk of wick back and ensure an effective solution.
- Lipstick Stain Remover Chemical – For removing lipstick from carpet as discussed earlier the most effective product to use is a solvent. Actichem’s Citrus Gel is a premium quality solvent gel using powerful citrus extracts to remove tough oily spots, tar, gum, bitumen and cosmetics. It’s stable gel formula enables it to stay on the spot longer instead of running down to the base of the carpet.
- Spotting Brush – When agitating a carpet, don’t use the brushing motion as it will damage the carpet fibers. The best method is to tamp or firmly roll the brush over the stain.
- PPE – All the necessary PPE needs to be use when working with chemicals.
The Process
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Application
Dampen a dry, white absorbent cloth with Citrus Gel and blot onto the stained area.
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Agitation
Agitate the lipstick stain by tamping up and down with a spotting brush to maximise penetration.
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Dwell
Allow 5 minutes dwell time.
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Extraction
Rinse and extract the carpet with a wet extraction machine.
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Repeat
Repeat steps 1-4 if required. Generally, these types of stains require 2-3 passes until they are fully removed.
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Shadow Removal
If there is a shadow left, apply Conquer O2 and absorb or vacuum extract excess moisture, leaving the treated area slightly damp with Conquer O2. The oxidising and encapsulating action of Conquer O2 will continue to work over the next few hours as it dries completely, removing the remaining stain.
Further Notes
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Solutions for delicate fibres and fabrics
The best solution for delicate carpets including wool, is the Citrus Gel or Conquer.
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Encap Solution
If encapping or using a low moisture cleaning procedure, use Conquer in place of Citrus Gel.
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Replacement for Citrus Gel
If the Citrus Gel is unavailable or not responding then try the Conquer or Conquer O2. These two products are encapsulating products designed to encase the soil and separate it from the fibres, enabling it to be vacuumed out.
Where To Buy
Citrus Gel
Citrus Gel is a citrus based stain remover for carpets and upholstery.
Citrus Gel is a citrus based stain remover for carpets and upholstery.
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