We’ve all been there — enjoying a nice self-tanning session, only to accidentally spill some on the carpet. Don’t worry — it happens to the best of us. The good news is that getting a fake tan out of your carpet isn’t as hard as you might think. With a few simple steps and some handy home remedies, you can remove fake tans from the carpet in no time.
Fake tan products contain DHA (dihydroxyacetone), which interacts with the outer layer of the skin to create that tanned effect. However, when DHA comes into contact with carpet fibres, it can bond strongly, making stains particularly challenging. The key to removing them is to act fast and use the right methods. The longer the stain sits, the harder it will be to remove. But don’t fret — even old stains can be tackled with the right approach.
When you notice the spill, start by blotting the area with a clean cloth to soak up as much of the tan as possible. Avoid rubbing, which can push the stain deeper into the carpet fibres. After blotting, rinse the area with cold water. Again, blot with a clean cloth to remove the water and some of the stain. If you have a wet vacuum, use it to extract more liquid from the carpet.
Speed is crucial here. The faster you respond, the less chance the stain has to set. Always use a white cloth or paper towel to blot, as coloured ones can transfer dyes to the carpet, creating a further unwanted cleaning challenge.
Now that you’ve taken immediate action, a common method for how to get tan out of the carpet is using home remedies to tackle the stain. These include:
If home remedies aren’t helping remove fake tan from the carpet, several commercial products are designed to remove tough stains like phony tan. Look for carpet cleaners that specifically mention stain removal. Follow the product instructions, and always do a patch test on a small, hidden carpet area to ensure it doesn’t cause any damage.
Examples of commercial cleaners to look out for include:
Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on how to get tan out of the carpet for the best results. Remember, persistence is key — sometimes, multiple applications are necessary for complete stain removal.
Preventing stains is always easier than removing them. Here are some tips to avoid future mishaps with fake tan on your carpet:
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, stains can be particularly stubborn. If you can’t remove fake tan from the carpet, it might be time to organise a professional carpet cleaning from our fully trained, police-checked professional cleaners.
At Jim’s Cleaning, we have access to industrial-grade products and equipment that can handle tough stains more effectively than over-the-counter solutions and offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee to our customers. To organise a free quote, reach out to our team — we’ll be in touch shortly.
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