How To Remove Hand Lotion From Carpet

8 April 2018
 Categories: , Blog

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Hand lotion is great for the skin, but not on your carpet. However, you may notice a spill, or you could spill some yourself from accidentally squirting it, or knocking an open bottle on the floor. Removing hand lotion stains differs from other stains since it is oily.

It isn't impossible to remove hand lotion, even dried lotion, with the right techniques. Follow these steps to remove hand lotion from your carpet.

Prepare to Remove the Lotion

To remove lotion from carpet, gather:

  • white paper towels or white cloths
  • sponge
  • spoon or butter knife
  • vacuum
  • cotton balls
  • rubbing alcohol
  • liquid dish detergent
  • baking soda or cornstarch
  • club soda 
  • dry cleaning solvent

Refer to the label on your carpet for suitable cleaning methods and products and what may void warranties. Avoid using typical stain removal products, such as vinegar or ammonia, on lotion stains, or it will leave a foul smell. Only use white cloths or sponges to avoid dying the carpet.

Scoop as much of the dried substance with a spoon or dull knife. If you don't have time to thoroughly remove the stain immediately, sprinkle some cornstarch or baking soda on the area. Leave it for about fifteen minutes, then vacuum.

Apply Rubbing Alcohol, Dish Soap, or Club Soda

Test color reaction of all cleaners on a hidden part of the carpet. Dab a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol, and blot the area, and never rub. Blot from the outer edge to the middle of the stain to keep from spreading it.

Avoid pouring this directly on carpet or over saturating, since you don't want it to penetrate the carpet backing. Let the cleaner stand several minutes, dab a cloth or sponge in warm water, and rinse the carpet cleaner. Vacuum the carpet to restore carpet pile after it dries. 

If the stain still hasn't disappeared, try a teaspoon of dish soap mixed with two cups of warm water. Alternately, repeat the process with club soda, which won't leave a residue. Club soda doesn't need to be rinsed, and it can also be used to rinse residue from other cleaners.

Use Dry Cleaning Solvent

Dry cleaning solvent is sold by most grocery stores or department stores, and it doesn't have to be diluted. Keep the windows raised when using dry cleaning solvent, don't use it near open flames, or sprinkle it directly on carpet. 

Dab a small amount on a sponge or cloth, and slowly blot it. Rinse the cleaner, let it dry, and vacuum. A citrus solvent may be used in place of dry cleaning solvent.