How to remove adhesive from carpet

Floor coverings make the room more appealing and creates comfortable atmosphere, but they are quickly smeared. In time dust, sand, small debris settle on the carpet, often stain from juice, food, cosmetics and glue make the material unattractive, from the day when you first obtained it. This article is particular article related to glue removal and we will guide you through several processes that you can do at home, without taking your carpet to professional carpet cleaners. Methods that will be used here will also work on a number of different adhesives.

Why glue removal is a difficult process?

Removing spilled glue from a solid surface can be tricky enough – removing spilled glue from fabric of carpet is another matter entirely! What happens when glue substance had contact with your carpet? The chemical composition of the substance is designed for fast bonding of fibers of two surfaces. During the process, heat is being released. On coarse textiles, the substance is absorbed by inter-connecting the fibers together. On a thin like silk, burns occur - thin fibers do not withstand elevated temperatures and begin to melt, rather than stick. It is because of these little strings it becomes very difficult to remove adhesives from clothes or carpet.

Basic tips

When removing glue from the carpet, it is necessary to act quickly, because the substance quickly forms persistent stain on the surface, which resembles hard, melted plastic of some sort. If glue had time to dry, you must not try and tear it off, otherwise a bald spot will appear on the coating. It is not recommended to independently remove the substance from silk and wool carpets, as well as from hand made crafts – they require careful, professional cleaning.

Water is not the best assistant in the matter of how to remove wax from the carpet, but it can be used to remove glue stains:

• You will need to wet a cloth in water;
• Gently remove glue. Perform circular movements from edges to the center, otherwise the stain will increase;
• If the glue is dry, it also needs to be cleaned with a damp cloth a warm water, which might dissolve the substance;

Speaking of use of water, let’s not forget the soap solution:

• 1 table spoon of colorless liquid soap and 1 glass of water;
• Apply the mixture to a spot that needs to be cleaned with a cloth or sponge;
• Then remove soap with a damp cloth;

Ammonia solution can remove glue stains: 1 table spoon of ammonia must be combined with two glasses of cold water. With this mixture the stain should be washed 2-3 times until it disappears completely.

WD-40

Of course the best way to deal with glue stains is to take the carpet directly to a factory, or calling carpet cleaning service and have them come by your home. However you can try to remove the glue mark yourself by using WD-40.

• Remove the top layer of glue using a plastic knife or a card;
• The remaining residues treat with WD-40, leave it for 10-15 minutes;
• Remove the substance with a sponge;

Note that the WD-40 may discolor the pile. Therefore, you should not leave this product sit for more than 10-15 minutes, otherwise the pile might start to lose its decorative characteristics. Before applying onto a stain, be sure to test it out on a small area somewhere in less visible area. For example under a couch, or closet area.

Removal with alcohol

If you do not know how to remove iodine and glue from the carpet, then try using ordinary alcohol:

• Soak a cloth in alcohol;
• If the glue is dry, place the cloth dipped in warm water on it and leave it for 15-20 minutes first;
• Work the area with a stain, but do not rub too hard, press on it, otherwise the stain will increase;
• Wipe the area again with a damp sponge.

After processing, it is worthwhile to dry the coating well: open the windows to create ventilation, turn on climate appliances. Improper drying leads to mold. After cleaning and drying, you must properly clean the carpet with a vacuum cleaner, which will eliminate fine debris and glue micro particles.

Removal with using iron and solvent

You can eliminate glue stains using an iron, as written below:

• Cover the spot with a paper towel;
• Cover the towel with a cloth;
• Heat up the iron, and then iron the covered area;

Under the influence of high temperatures, the glue will become soft and will should get picked up by a paper towel whereas regular towel will protect the carpet coating from high temperature. In case if any signs of glue remains, you can repeat the iron process, as well as previously mentioned solution.

If there are any other spots on your carpet that were neglected for an extensive period of time, you can apply the following methods:

• Colorless nail polish remover;
• Pure acetone;
• Alcohol;
• Paint thinner;

Before your begin, open windows, put on rubber gloves. We always recommend using it on a spot that is less visible (under furniture or closet areas), and of course try to use water and soap method first. It is generally enough for minor issues.

Using solvent method will most certainly be able to remove adhesive stains from natural and synthetic coatings. They effectively dissolve traces of PVA, superglue, silicone compounds, but they can harm the carpet: it can remove pile, leave bold spots and cause discoloration. If you are afraid to get a negative result, then it’s better to consider hiring professionals. Cleaning companies experts are well aware of how to deal with certain type of issue and they will find the right approach.

© Clearwater Cleaning Service 2021