How to remove Ketchup Stains from a Carpet

Kids love to eat ketchup with snacks but they are not very careful while eating. The floor can be easily cleaned if they drop their food on it but if you have a carpet then that is a big problem. Ketchup may leave an ugly splotch which would make the whole carpet seem dirty. Here are three easy ways which can help you get rid of the ketchup Stains on your carpet without an added expense of hiring a carpet cleaning company.

Method 1

Things that you will require:

·      A butter knife

·      A glass of water

·      A cleaning towel

·      A bowl

·      A neutral detergent

Steps that you will need to take:

1.   Scrap the surface of the stain with the butter knife. If the stain is fresh scrape inwards so that the ketchup doesn’t spread to the sides and stays within the already stained area. After every scrape clean the knife, so the ketchup doesn’t accidently smudge anything else. If the mark is an old one, just scrape the dried off ketchup on the surface.

2.   After that dip three fingers in the glass of water and sprinkle it on the stained area. Dab the cleaning towel on the wet spot. You will start to see that the mark on the carpet has started to lighten up.

3.   After that take the empty bowl and pour the cleaning solution into it. For an antique or very expensive carpet, it is best to first try the product on an area which will go unnoticed. Select such an area and then pour the solution on the cleaning towel and dab this area and leave it in for 2-3 minutes to see if there is any discoloration or any other negative effect on the carpet.

4.   Once it is tested, the solution can be safely applied to the ketchup stain. Pour the solution onto the cleaning towel and dab the stained area with it. Make sure the whole area is covered.

5.   Leave the solution on the stain for 2-3 minutes and then clean it by pouring water onto the cleaning towel and dabbing the spot till it is clean and there isn’t any solution left on the carpet. By doing all this Carpet will be free of Ketchup Stains.

Method 2

Things that you will require:

·      A spray bottle

·      Glass of water

·      Cleaning towels

·      A neutral dish washing liquid

·      Ammonia

·      An empty bowl

·      A butter knife

Steps that you will need to take:

1.   Scrape the surface of the carpet with the butter knife to remove access ketchup. If the stain is fresh scrape inwards from all sides so that the stain doesn’t spread. Also make sure the fresh ketchup is cleaned from the knife with a cleaning towel.

2.   Take the empty bowl pour half glass of water in it and add 1 tea spoon of ammonia to it.

3.   Pour the mixture into the spray bottle and shake to mix it well.

4.   Spray a low profile area of the carpet with the ammonia solution from 2 minutes to test for any adverse effects on the carpet like discoloration before spraying the ketchup stains.

5.   Once you have tested spray the ketchup stain and leave it for 2 minutes.

6.   Take the empty bowl and pour ¼ of the dishwashing liquid into it and add the left over water into it.

7.   Soak a part of the cleaning towel in it and apply till the carpet is soapy.

8.   The Ketchup Stain would have lightened by the ammonia solution and the dishwashing liquid solution will completely clean the stain.

9.   Fill the bowl with water and clean the soapy area with the cleaning towel by dipping it in the water. Clean till you see no soap bubbles on the surface.

10.   Let the carpet will dry up on its own once all the soap and ammonia is removed. Your Carpet will be free of Ketchup Stains.

Method 3

Things that you will require:

·      Butter knife

·      Glass of warm water

·      Glass of cold water

·      Mild or neutral detergent

·      Spoon

·      Heavy weight (a thick book)

·      2 cleaning towels

·      A plastic sheet/bag

·      An empty bowl

·      Spray bottle

Steps that you will need to take:

1.   Scrape the surface of the carpet with the butter knife to remove access ketchup. If the stain is fresh scrape inwards from all sides so that the stain doesn’t spread. Also make sure the fresh ketchup is cleaned from the knife with a cleaning towel.

2.   Pour the warm water into the empty bowl and dip the cleaning towel in it. Dab the stain with the cleaning towel. This will help transfer the access ketchup left on the carpet onto the towel.

3.   Pour the remaining warm water into the spray bottle.

4.   Pour the cold water into the bowl and add ¼ of a teaspoon of the mild detergent into it. Stir with the spoon to make sure the detergent is mixed with water.

5.   Test this solution on the corner of the carpet to make sure there aren’t any adverse effects.

6.   Once the solution is tested, dip the cleaning towel onto the stain and dab till you see a soapy surface being formed on the stain.

7.   Take the other cleaning towel/cloth and spread it on the stain.

8.   Use the spoon to apply pressure on the towel.

9.   Remove the towel and spray the warm water on the stain.

10.   Now place the cleaning towel once again on the stain, put a plastic sheet/bag on it and then place the heavy weight on the top.

11.   Keep it overnight or for a few hours. This will transfer the stain onto the towel leaving your carpet clean and stainless. This will completely remove Ketchup Stains from your Carpet.