How to Save Your Carpet and Couch From Muddy, Slushy Stains This Winter

How to Remove Mud Stains From Carpet

If the mud stain is on an area rug on a hardwood floor, move the rug to a tarp or washable floor before treating the stain. If the wood floor beneath the rug becomes wet during cleaning, remove the rug completely to allow the floor to dry or dark stains may appear.

The stain removal steps will work on natural carpet fibers like wool and cotton, as well as synthetic fibers.

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Lift Away Solids, Let Dry, and Vacuum

Immediately lift away as much of the solids as possible to prevent them from being pushed deeper into the fibers. Use a spoon, spatula, dull knife, or the edge of a credit card.

Have patience and allow the remaining bits of mud to dry completely. Use a vacuum with a carpet beater bar to remove as much of the dried soil as possible.

Blot the Area With the Cleaning Solution

Mix a cleaning solution of two teaspoons of dishwashing liquid and two cups of cool water or use stain remover.

Use a soft-bristled brush to work the solution into the mud-stained areas. Work from the outside edges of the stain toward the center to prevent it from becoming larger.

Blot away the soil with a paper towel as it is lifted and rinse the area with plain water to remove any soapy residue that will attract more soil.

Use Oxygen Bleach to Remove Tough Stains

If there are still traces of color left on the carpet from minerals in the soil, mix a solution of oxygen bleach powder and tepid water following package directions.

Saturate the stained area and allow the solution to work for at least an hour—ideally closer to two—and then blot the solution away.

Let Dry and Vacuum

Allow the area to dry away from direct heat or sunlight. Vacuum to lift the carpet fibers.

How to Remove Mud Stains From Upholstery

If the mud stain is on upholstery, it’s important to know what type of fabric is covering the furniture.

Look for a tag underneath the chair or cushion with a code for what type of cleaning product to use and follow the cleaning guidelines for the code.

• Code X: This fabric should only be cleaned by vacuuming or by a professional. Any type of home cleaning product can cause staining and shrinking.
• Code W-S: The upholstery can be cleaned with either water-based or solvent-based products.
• Code W: Fabric can be cleaned with water-based cleaning solvents.
• Code S: Use only a dry cleaning or water-free solvent to remove stains and soils from the upholstery. The use of these chemicals requires a well-ventilated room and no open flames like fireplaces or candles.

If there is no tag, you should test the different cleaning solutions in an inconspicuous area under a cushion or fabric skirt to see how the fabric reacts when treated.

If the fabric is vintage or silk, consult a professional upholstery cleaning service; for leather upholstery, use a leather cleaner and follow product directions.

Lift Away the Mud Solids

Use a dull knife, spoon, or credit card to lift away the damp mud solids. Never rub or wipe the mud away. Allow the remaining mud bits to dry completely.

Vacuum the Upholstery

Use the upholstery brush attachment to vacuum away any remaining dried mud. If you caught the stain quickly enough, this may be all that is needed.

Read the Code

Before you start cleaning the fabric if a stain remains, determine what type of upholstery fabric you have.

For W or W-S Upholstery

For fabric that can be cleaned with a water-based solvent, use the same mixture recommended for carpet: two teaspoons of dishwashing liquid and two cups of cool water. Take care not to over-saturate the fabric with the soapy solution.

• Blot the area with a microfiber cloth dampened with the cleaner.
• Rinse by blotting with a cloth dipped in clean water.
• Allow the fabric to air-dry away from sunlight and direct heat.

For Code S Upholstery

Use a dry cleaning solvent by following the label directions carefully.

For Code X Upholstery

After removing the mud solids, letting the fabric dry, and vacuuming, if stains remain, call an upholstery cleaning professional.

Additional Tips for Removing Mud Stains

Here are a few rules to help you remove mud from carpet and upholstery more successfully:

• Don’t start with hot water. When removing protein stains, always use cool water to prevent the stain from setting more firmly into the fibers.
• Don’t rub. If a clump of mud lands on your carpet or upholstery, avoid the temptation to wipe it away as this pushes the mud deeper into the fibers. Lift it away with a spoon or let it dry so you can vacuum it away.
• Don’t oversaturate. When cleaning upholstery, don’t use too much water or cleaning product that will leave the cushions soaked. Overly wet furniture stuffing can lead to mildew growth.