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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Once you have everything ready, make sure to follow these steps:
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.
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.
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:
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:
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.
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 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:
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.
Let the professionals bring back its flawless finish.
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