How to Get Ash Out of Carpet

Vacuum out the ash and apply warm water to the stained area while wiping with a microfiber cloth. Next, add 3 driblets of detergent without bleach and scrub it down with a dry towel. Then, vacuum to remove leftover water and ash on the carpet, so the stain is no longer visible. 

It’s not easy being an avid smoker with carpet flooring at home. You can take all the preventative measures you want but getting ash on your carpet is inevitable. 

Most non-smokers will tell you the situation is avoidable if you start smoking outdoors, but that is not always possible for people who live in colder climates. 

Ashes from your cigarettes leave behind ugly stains, and they can spread fast with a fan turned on in the room. So if you still plan to smoke in your home, you should clean the ash stain the moment you see it on your carpet.

The longer you wait to clean these stains, the more of a challenge they are to eliminate. In this guide, we’ll teach you 3 methods you can follow to get ash stains out quickly so you don’t damaging your carpet. 

How to Remove Ash Stains from Your Carpet

All the methods we discuss in this article are simple but effective. Also, all the materials required are not difficult to find, and there is a high probability you already have them at home. 

Method 1: Dry Cleaning Liquid and Baking Soda

This method is excellent for older ash stains. All you will need to get started is baking soda and laundry detergent. These products are easy to find online or in any big box store like Target. 

You will also need a vacuum cleaner and a microfiber towel before following the steps below: 

  1. Drizzle baking soda on the ash stain: Begin by ensuring that the entire stain is covered, so be generous with the baking soda. Let it sit like this for 60 minutes and allow the powder to do its job by getting deep into the carpet’s fibers. 
  1. Vacuum the entire area: To start this step, use the vacuum to suck all the baking soda and ash out of the carpet. You may not be able to tell, but most of the ash will be out by this point. 
  1. Apply dry cleaning liquid: This step will require you to take your towel and put some laundry detergent on it. Next, use it to scrub the stain and remove any remaining ash particles. 
  1. Repeat until the stain is out: Go through the last 2 steps as many times as it takes to get rid of the stain. The key is not to give up and be persistent by repeating the steps a few times so you can achieve your objective. 

Method 2: Dishwashing Liquid and Cornstarch

For fresh ash stains that are recent or 3 to 5 days old, this is the method you want to learn. 

Everything you will need is easy to find. Make sure you have a vacuum cleaner, wet paper towels, dishwashing soap, mildly hot water, and cornstarch.

  1. Vacuum surplus ash: Vacuum up the ash on your carpet. Be thorough so none of that ash escapes and goes deeper into the bottom of your floor. If that happens, the stain will be more stubborn and harder to take out. 
  1. Blot Stain with Paper Towel: Apply tepid water to a paper towel. Next, put the equivalent of 2 squeezes of dishwashing liquid directly on the paper towel. Fold it up and grind it together until you start seeing foam accumulate. Wipe the ash stain with the towel for 2 to 4 minutes. 
  1. Wash with warm water: Pour small amounts of water on the stained spot until the soap is washed off. Then, grab a dry paper towel and wipe the spot until it’s dry. By this point, the stain might still be there, but it should be barely visible. 
  1. Put cornstarch to help the drying process: Drench the stain with cornstarch until it is completely covered up. Now you can get a good night’s sleep and give it approximately 8 hours to do its job. Step 4 is important because it absorbs the rest of the damp area, and the final pieces of ash are visible. 
  1. Vacuum-dried cornstarch: Use your vacuum hose to remove the cornstarch. The result will be a stainless carpet that looks as good as new. 

Method 3: Vinegar, Dishwashing Soap, and Baking Soda

Only try this method for a stain that is tougher to remove and if the first 2 methods were not effective. This combination of ingredients will result in a deeper fiber penetration to the bottom of the carpet.

Before getting started, make sure you have white vinegar, dishwashing soap, baking soda, a soft bristle brush, a vacuum cleaner, and a microfiber towel. 

  1. Vacuum any ash debris: If you waited too long and the stain has aged, it’s highly probable that you will need to vacuum first. It will help you hoover any ash that has already settled and is difficult to take out. 
  1. Pour the baking soda: Apply as much baking soda as you need to cover the ash stain. Then allow it to settle for around 60 minutes so it can soak up all the debris on the rug. 
  1. Combine warm water, dishwashing soap, and white vinegar: With a small container or bowl, add 16 ounces of water, 2 squeezes of dishwashing soap, and 2 tablespoons of white vinegar. Take a spoon and mix it all up until you start to see white foam. 
  1. Pour the foamy liquid on the carpet: Empty the liquid on the carpet stain where you see the baking soda. This mixture results in the formation of bubbles, and this will mean it’s working. 
  1. Brush the stain: Grab your soft bristle brush and get to work by scrubbing the bubble blend deep into the carpet. This combination of chemicals will ensure that the ash stain is pushed to the surface. 
  1. When dry, use a vacuum: After the liquid solution is dry, use your vacuum again to lift any remaining debris out of the carpet. You should no longer see it at this point, and your job is complete. 

FAQs on How to Get Ash Out of Carpet

Do ash stains come out? 

Yes, it is possible to remove ash stains, but it takes a bit of effort and knowledge. Follow a tried and tested method to get the best results. 

What color is an ash stain? 

The color of an ash stain ranges anywhere from light brown to beige. It all depends on the type of cigarette you were smoking and how long the stain has been on your carpet. 

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