Want that healthy golden glow on your skin without spending too much time under the sun? That’s what fake tan, spray tan, and self-tanning products are for! But while you get that sun-kissed look, you’d better be careful when applying them – or you’ll end up needing to do some serious rug cleaning.
How to get fake tan out of carpet? Don’t panic! Remove as much of the excess product as you can with a spoon or butter knife first. Then use a mixture of dish soap and warm water to gently scrub the stain. Blot as you clean, then let the carpet dry thoroughly.
Stain removal is straightforward, you just need to act ASAP. Treat and clean the stained area to remove fake tan stains – and be careful next time you use the product!
Before Trying to Remove Fake Tan Stains
If your carpet is made of delicate material, such as pure wool, you may have to get the carpet professionally cleaned. It’s better to get professional carpet cleaning than risk damaging your carpet while doing a DIY job.
Always test your cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area of your carpet before treating the fake tanning stain. This is especially true if you’re using stronger cleaning products.
Avoid using cold water at the start since it could make the self-tanner set. You can use fresh cold water to rinse the carpet after you’ve cleaned it.
Also, be mindful of clear tan products! They may not stain immediately, but they’ll develop into colour and show up on fabric later on.
How to Get Fake Tan Out of Carpet
Fake tan and spray tan all “stain” your skin to give it that glowing colour, so yes, they’ll also stain your carpet and upholstery. Fortunately, the stain will come out if you treat it.
To remove fake tan stains, you’ll need:
- A dull knife or spoon
- Soft-bristled brush (like an old toothbrush)
- Paper towels or cleaning rags
- Sponge
- Vacuum
- Dish soap or mild detergent
Start by removing any residue from self-tanning products using a dull knife or spoon. Get as much as you can, as quickly as you can – the longer the product sits on the carpet, the more it will set. Avoid wiping or rubbing the product since this will push it further into the fibres.
Mix one teaspoon of dish soap into two cups of warm water. Dip your soft-bristled brush in the cleaning solution and gently scrub at the stain. Work from the outer edges going inward to prevent spreading.
As the stain foams up, blot the area using paper towels to start removing the stain. Keep scrubbing and blotting until none of the stain remains.
Once you’ve removed all the product, rinse the area with a sponge dipped in clean water. Keep blotting to absorb the moisture. Let the carpet air dry, then vacuum the fibres to lift them.
Treating Stubborn Stains from Fake Tan
For older or stubborn fake tan stains, you can use hydrogen peroxide or oxygen-based bleach as stain remover. Be mindful when using these products; hydrogen peroxide will only work on light colours, since it can bleach darker dyes.
You cannot use oxygen-based bleach on wool carpets.
Mix one tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide with one tablespoon of warm water. Then dip a clean towel or rag into the solution and blot the fake tan stain. Use a clean sponge dipped in water to rinse the area, then let it air dry.
If you’re using oxygen bleach, follow the instructions on the package before applying it to the stained carpet.
Keep Your Living Room Stain-Free
Besides your carpet, you’ll need to regularly clean your upholstery and furniture – and act fast if anything gets stained. This applies not just to self-tanner, but also to other products and even foods. Of course, you can always leave the cleaning to the professionals.
Avoid stains by being mindful of where you use fake tan products. Avoid applying them in the living room or on your bed, and wait for the product to dry on your skin before sitting on any fabrics. Otherwise, enjoy your fresh and sun-kissed look – on your skin, not your rug!
