Cleaning Guides

Say Goodbye to Streaks! Effective Techniques to Get Fake Tan Out of Carpet

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It’s winter, but everyone is still after that sun-kissed glow. However, sometimes, what you use to get that perfect tan ends up on the lounge room floor instead of your skin.

You might be feeling too laid back to sit on the sofa, and instead apply a streaky bronze while lying on the floor. But even one stray pump can leave your rug with an ugly, hard-to-remove fake tan smudge.

The good news? With the right hacks, you can lift both fresh and set-in marks. This guide explains why fake tan clings to floor coverings, how to remove it, and what to do if it’s been there a while.

Why is fake tan so hard to remove?

Fake tan is made of a sticky substance with ingredients like dihydroxyacetone (DHA). This compound creates chemical bonds with proteins in the skin in order to create that sought-after bronze.

Unlucky for us, rug fibres, particularly ones made from wool or natural blends, absorb these products in much the same way and lock the colour in.

To make matters more complicated, thicker, absorbent fibres tend to hold onto the pigment even more than thinner materials. But ones made from synthetic materials will, fortunately, give you a little more time to act.

This is why getting a fake tan out of carpets can be a bit tricky. Different materials will need different cleaning methods to avoid damage while lifting the smudge.

Cleaning fresh fake tan out of carpets

Fresh stains are easier to lift than dried ones, because the pigment hasn’t settled deep into the fibres yet.

This is why acting fast can make all the difference between a spotless result and a permanent shadow that just never seems to go away.

Keep in mind that most synthetic textiles are easy to clean with the right steps, but wool, silk, and other delicate materials are a different story and should be left to the professionals.

What you will need

The wrong cleaning solution can actually do more harm than good. If you want to remove fake tan from your carpet safely, gather the following:

  • Paper towels;
  • Mild dishwashing liquid;
  • Cold water;
  • A small bowl;
  • White cloths or microfibre towels.

Steps to get fake tan stains out of carpets

Once you have everything ready, make sure to follow these steps:

  • Blot, don’t scrub. Use the paper towels to gently lift as much of the product as possible. Press gently and keep changing to clean sections of the towel so you’re not pushing the pigment back in place.
  • Create your own solution. Combine a teaspoon of your favourite mild dishwashing soap with two cups of cold water, or blend one part white vinegar with three parts cold water.
  • Dab the area gently. Apply the solution to the affected area using a white cloth and work from the outside in.
  • Rinse. Use a fresh cloth by dipping it in cold water, then dab the mark to remove any soap residue.

Pat the area. Place a clean towel over the area, then press gently to lift any moisture.

Important

If you want to get fake tan out of your carpets fast, too much moisture could actually spread the smudge, causing mould to fester. So, it’s best to always spot-test your solutions on hidden patches first before treating any tan accidents.

Avoid the hassle of scrubbing and let us handle these stains. Book our carpet cleaning service now and enjoy a clean, spotless home in no time.

Removing old fake tan from carpet

Getting old fake tan stains out of your carpet can be a nightmare compared to newer spills. By the time you spot them, the pigment has already burrowed deep into the fibres, holding on like it’s never leaving.

And the longer it lingers, the tougher it gets, and the harder you’ll have to work to budge it.

That’s when it’s time to bring in the heavy hitters. Oxygen bleach, 3% hydrogen peroxide, or even a vinegar-and-bicarb combo can all work wonders.

However, as mentioned earlier, you must test them on hidden areas first and not apply too much force to avoid causing damage to the pile.

Necessary items

Before you start, you need to grab the right tools and products. Being prepared means you can work fast and stop the pigment from settling any deeper.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • White cloths or paper towels;
  • A soft-bristled brush;
  • Measuring spoons or cups;
  • A small bowl or spray bottle;
  • Oxygen bleach (colour-safe variety);
  • 3% hydrogen peroxide;
  • Mild washing-up liquid;
  • White vinegar;
  • Baking soda;
  • Cold water.

How to get dried fake tan out of your carpet

Dried fake tan marks are difficult but not impossible to remove. With a bit of patience and the right solution, you can break down and lift the pigment with ease, no damage done.

Better yet, these tricks work for getting both fresh and dry fake tan out of carpets. So, try the following steps, and choose any cleaning agent that is best suited for your pile type:

  • Remove surface residue. Gently dislodge any crusty particles using a soft-bristled brush. Tilt the brush at an angle so that the bristles skim across the rug rather than dig into it.
  • Choose and prepare your cleaner. Mix oxygen bleach with cold water, following the directions on the packet. For a different hack, lightly dab the spot with 3% hydrogen peroxide. As for lighter marks, a simple blend of vinegar and bicarb can do the trick.
  • Rinse and blot. Remove any leftover residue with cold water and blot until the cloth comes away clean. However, avoid oversoaking the fabric.
  • Dry completely. Press a fresh towel to dry the spot fully. You can also use fans or open windows to speed up this process.

When lifting dried fake tan from your carpet, avoid applying harsh oxidisers, such as full-strength bleach, on wool or natural fibres in general. They can strip the colour and weaken the fabric in just a few minutes.

Also, if you use too much water on loop pile rugs, they’ll shrink. That’s why you need to check that whatever cleaner you’re using actually works with your specific fabric before you dive in.

You may also like:
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When should professionals take care of the tan?

If your rug is sporting bronzy souvenirs from summers past, it’s high time you called in the experts.

You can handle small marks yourself, but when it comes to dried fake tans on expensive carpets, you shouldn’t take any risks.

Deep-set dyes, wide bronzy messes, or multiple cleaning attempts are all cues for professional intervention. They’ve got the kit and know how to remove this unsightly colour from your floor coverings without damaging the fabric.

Plus, delicate fabrics don’t play well with DIY cleaning attempts. Even gentle homemade mixtures can cause trouble. Professional cleaners know this. They adjust their method based on the fibre type, pile thickness, and your rug’s current state.

Sometimes, it’s just smarter to back off and let the pros handle it. Your rugs will pay you back by lasting longer and keeping that fresh look.

Prevention tips

Prevention is much more effective than spending your whole weekend scrubbing. Luckily, a few simple changes in your habits can save you hours of figuring out how to get fake tan out of your carpet later on. Here is what you need to do:

  • Put down a tanning towel or sheet. Dedicate an old towel or tanning mat for when you apply your product.
  • Be more careful with the pump control. A few gentle pumps will do the trick, especially if it’s a new bottle.
  • Use your tan in the bathroom. Tiles don’t typically absorb dye, which makes cleanup much easier.
  • Wear a tanning mitt. This will reduce drips and streaks.
  • Cover up with a robe. If you’ve got to wander about while your fake tan sets, a loose robe will act as a shield against those sneaky transfer marks.

Trust us, a few minutes of prep will spare you the whole saga of blotting and rinsing, protecting your sanity and keeping your rug from becoming a shimmering crime scene.

A stain removal service tailored to your carpet!

Let the professionals bring back its flawless finish.

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Takeaways

  • Act quickly before the dye sets.
  • Test every cleaner on a hidden spot first.
  • Avoid harsh chemicals on wool, silk, or antique rugs.
  • When in doubt, let a pro handle the problem.
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