Best way to get mud out of carpet – and the mistakes that will ruin it

Muddy boots and pawprints tracked into the hall are the last thing we need, and even if we try and instill a 'shoes off ' policy, accidents happen.

We have turned to cleaning professionals to learn the best way to clean mud off the carpet to leave it looking as good as new, as well as the mistakes that will make it even worse.

Whether you are tackling this task as part of cleaning your entryway or cleaning an area rug, we have the must-have pro tips to erase the stain quickly.

Best way to clean mud off carpet

None of the cleaning tips shared below require harsh chemicals, but instead make use of gentle detergent, warm water and patience.

1. Let it dry

The key is to let it dry first, says Kait Schulhof, a sustainable cleaning expert.

'One of the biggest mistakes you can make when cleaning mud off of carpet is trying to clean it while it's still wet! Scrubbing wet mud will simply spread the stain and push it deeper into carpet fibers,' Kait explains.

Leave it to dry for around 24 hours, and the next steps will be easier.

Kait Schulhof

Kait Schulhof is the founder of A Clean Bee, a website about sustainability-focused cleaning and organizing.

2. Vacuum the area

Once it is completely dry, take your vacuum cleaner and vacuum as much of the dry mud as you can.

'Depending on your carpet pile, it might also help to brush the dry mud
(dirt) to loosen it from the carpet fibers with a soft cleaning brush
before vacuuming,' Kait adds. You can also use a toothbrush to nudge the carpet fibers and help remove the dried mud. If there are large chunks of mud, gently scrape with a credit card or metal spoon.

3. Mist with dish soap and warm water

Then, it's time to treat the stain that's left behind. This can be done either with a gentle stain remover or dish soap and water in a spray bottle. If using dish soap, mix a teaspoon with warm water in a spray bottle, at Amazon, shake it, and then spritz it onto the stain. 

Leave it to sit for a few minutes and then blot with a cleaning towel or paper towel, working from the outer edge of the stain inwards to prevent spreading the stain.

You may like to rinse out the dish soap by blotting the area with a fresh, damp cloth so there's no dish soap residue on the fibers. Dab it dry with a cloth.

You can use a carpet cleaner as a final step for tougher stains, but ensure that you rinse properly. 

Mistakes to avoid

Aside from cleaning while the mud is still wet, using hot water or harsh chemicals, there are a few key mistakes to avoid. First, rubbing the stain will only push the mud deeper into the carpet. 'Stick to blotting,' says James King from Indeanapolis-based cleaning company Deluxe Maid. Using a dabbing motion will prevent you from spreading the stain and making the carpet fibers look disheveled. 

'Using too much water can also lead to trouble, like mold or mildew,' James adds. 'So, try not to flood the area. A light touch with the cleaning solution and thorough drying afterward will suffice.'

James also points out that if you use colored towels or cloths to blot or clean stains, there's a small risk that they may transfer some of their dye, so opt for white cloths or paper towels. 

It might be tempting to leave it to air dry after all that blotting, but it's a good idea to dry is thoroughly to prevent mold. 'Resist the urge to let your carpet air dry after you have successfully lifted the stains,' says Alyssa Pfitscher from Two Maids Cleaning. 'A carpet that remains damp for a long period of time is more likely to grow mold.'

FAQs

So, all you should need is warm water and detergent while avoiding applying too much pressure. Luckily, cleaning mud off walls is a much easier process.