Wondering how to get putty out of the carpet? Getting silly putty out from a rug can be incredibly frustrating. You must put in a lot of elbow grease to remove the material. Removing modeling clay can prove next to impossible if you do not take immediate action. Therefore, you must scrape it without delay. Luckily, some safe and easy methods exist to get silly putty out.
After all, this stretchy substance is a key part of childhood. You cannot ask your kids not to play with it. Rather, you should familiarize yourself with some cleaning tips and tricks to help remove it after an accident. Here, we will share some effective techniques that you can try.
Quick Tips to Get Putty Out of Carpet
- First and foremost, you have to act quickly. You cannot let the stretchy substance sit on the carpet for too long, or it will harden and become difficult to get out. Therefore, you need to get it off before it gets hard
- Do not rub the modeling clay too hard; otherwise, you will push it in deeper. You cannot let the material reach the fibers, as that can cause significant damage
- Before applying nail polish remover, rubbing alcohol, or any other solution, test it on an inconspicuous area. Make sure the solution will not cause a stain or other issues
- You also have to prevent the spot from spreading. This is why you should work from the outside in, approaching the affected part of the carpet rather than trying to clean it directly
- All the methods we mentioned here take at least a few minutes to work. Therefore, you must be patient and allow them to take effect. Acting in haste might only cause further damage
Common Mistakes When Removing Putty from Carpet
- You might assume you can take a knife and scrape off the glob of silly putty from your rug. However, be mindful of the fact that sharp items can cause deep damage
- Do not apply heat to the stretchy substance in any situation. Experts recommend using ice cubes to chill the putty. You cannot let it melt, or it will penetrate deeper.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or strong solutions without testing them first. You cannot start treating the stained area immediately; you’ll need to test them on the edge. Always go for spot testing before you start treating the affected part.
- Regardless of your cleaning method, do not make the carpet excessively wet. Only use the appropriate quantity so that the solution can work its magic. Moisture can cause damage and might also lead to mold growth.
DIY Solutions to Get Putty Out of Carpet
Apply Ice to Get Silly Putty Out of The Carpet
Place a few ice cubes in a sealable plastic bag and put them on the stretchy substance. This will cause the substance to harden, making it easier to scrape off.
Rubbing Alcohol
Saturate a cotton ball with nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol and blot the stain. Once the stretchy substance softens, use a knife to lift it off.
Vinegar Solution
In a spray bottle, mix equal parts water and white vinegar. Spray the solution and let it sit for 20 minutes. Use a clean cloth to blot the putty before you can get it out.
Baking Soda
Baking soda mixed with water is an effective carpet cleaner. Use this paste on the affected area and let it sit for an hour. After it dries, scrub gently using a brush and rinse the stain.
Professional Carpet Cleaning
DIY methods are effective for getting stretchy substances out of your rug. However, sometimes, even your best efforts might not bear fruit. Therefore, do not hesitate to call in professionals to take over. Remember that experts have the right tools and equipment to do the job. They also have the experience and expertise to get the stretchy substance out completely. They will restore your carpet to as good as new.
Preventive Measures
- The most obvious preventive measure is to use stretchy substances only in areas without carpet. Otherwise, use a protective mat or rug to cover the carpet.
- Naturally, kids love playing with modeling clay. You should encourage them to play with it only in places with uncovered flooring.
- Even if you cover the carpet when your kids are playing, vacuum it after they finish. This will enable you to extract loose debris from the surface, ensuring it does not reach the fibers.
Alternative Cleaning Methods
Steam Cleaning
Steam cleaning is an effective way to ensure that modeling clay is gone from your carpet. Using a steam cleaner on the affected area will loosen the putty and make removing it easier. Remember to check that the equipment is safe to use before you start.
Carpet Shampoo
Several shampoos effectively remove stains. Follow the instructions on the bottle to wash the carpet using the shampoo and a brush to work it into the stain.
Stain Removal Products
Several products on the market will enable you to remove silly putty from your carpet. However, before you purchase any solution, ensure it is suitable for adhesive products. Putty, in particular, is adhesive and can get stretchy. Hence, you need a product that can get it out effectively. As mentioned repeatedly, test the product on the edge of the carpet before you try it on the affected part.
A note of caution: avoid buying products that contain harsh chemicals. These chemicals are harmful to floor coverings and can cause significant discoloration.
Final Thoughts
If your kid dropped thinking putty or slime on your carpet, it is not the end of the world. Do not act harshly or rashly towards your child and your carpet. Follow the removal methods we shared with you in this article. The key is to be patient and gentle. You will start seeing the results quickly and in no time, your carpet will be as good as new!
