Graphite can be quite tricky to remove from carpet, and if you’ve ever wondered how to remove graphite from carpet then you’re in the right place.
The best method to remove graphite from carpet involves vacuuming, followed by applying a cleaning solution to remove any remaining graphite.
Let’s take an in-depth look at the steps you need to take to prepare the cleaning solution and successfully remove the graphite.
Removing Graphite From Carpet – Step by Step
The first thing you need to do is make sure you have a couple of items and cleaners to get the job done. The list of items and cleaning agents that you will need can be found below:
- Vacuum Cleaner
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Household bleach-free detergent
- Clean cloth(s)
- A bowl for the detergent mixture
- A spoon or knife
- Spray bottle
- Paper towel (optional)
Once you’ve collected these items you’re ready to move on to the first step of removing the graphite – vacuuming
1. Loosen the Graphite and Vacuum
Use the handle of a spoon or the blunt side of a knife to gently scrape the area. This will cause loose graphite particles to be removed from the carpet fibres, making them easier to vacuum away.
The key with this step is to be as gentle as possible and use a very blunt tool. This will ensure that you don’t cause any damage to the carpet itself.
Once you’ve loosened the graphite up you can then begin to vacuum it away. Start with a lower setting for your vacuum – if possible – and work your way around the stain to remove as much debris as possible.
Once no more graphite is being picked up by the vacuum then it’s time to asses whether the graphite has stained the carpet or not. If there is still a noticeable mark left behind then you will need to apply a cleaning solution to remove it.
2. Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is a great way to tackle carpet stains for two main reasons – it doesn’t leave behind a residue because it naturally evaporates, and it is cheap to buy from just about any hardware or general store.
Spray a generous amount of rubbing alcohol onto the stain, making sure that it doesn’t penetrate into the backing of your carpet. Allow the rubbing alcohol to sit for a few minutes and then blot any excess away using a clean cloth.
This can be repeated if the stain hasn’t been removed. If, after a couple of attempts, the stain is still present then a detergent mixture may need to be used.
3. Detergent Solution
If the rubbing alcohol has not worked, then a detergent solution is another method to try that is a bit more heavy-duty.
To create the solution mix 1/4 teaspoon of detergent to 1 litre of water, or more depending on how strong you want the solution to be and also the detergents guidelines. Place a clean cloth into the detergent and allow it to soak up a generous amount.
Wring the cloth out so it is damp and use a blotting technique to work the graphite stain out of the carpet. This can be repeated until you are confident that the stain has been lifted.
Afterwards, fill a spray bottle with tap water and gently spray the area. This will dilute the detergent solution can make it easier to remove with blotting.
Take another clean cloth or paper towel and gently blot any residue away, starting from the outside of the stain working your way into the middle.
What if The Graphite Stain Is Still There?
If the stain is still present after following the steps above, then it might be time to call a professional carpet cleaner or to even hire a carpet cleaning machine.
A professional cleaner will have access to different tools and solutions that home remedies struggle to remove, although you should hopefully have success with the steps above.
Final Thoughts
We hope that you can remove your graphite stain from your carpet using the steps above, and if you are unable to then don’t feel bad for calling a professional for some help.
If you know of any other methods to remove graphite from carpet then please let us know here!
