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How To Get Ash Out of Carpet: The Complete Guide (2024)

When left unattended, an accidental ashtray drop gets deep into the carpet’s fiber, irritating skin that comes in contact with it. If you smoke or live with a smoker, you know exactly how bad ash stains can be for a carpet. 

You need to take action immediately, but the question is how? How To Get Ash Out of Carpet?

In this updated guide, we will simplify the entire process of ash stain removal with or without using a vacuum cleaner in a series of simple steps. 

Let’s begin, but first, choose one of the options below:

🗑How To Get Ash Stain Out Of Carpet With Vacuum Cleaner

Clean Ash Stain from Carpet using Vacuum Cleaner

If you own a vacuum cleaner, cleaning becomes more effective. 

Experts suggest using vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters for better results, as they can all effectively remove pollen, loose ash, pet dander, dust mites, and smoke-removing particles. In a typical vacuum, these particles would recirculate back into the atmosphere. 

🛒 Materials you need 

  • Vacuum cleaner 
  • Baking soda or Cornstarch
  • Bleach-free detergent 
  • Clean cloth or sponge 

👣 Steps to follow 

🏃‍♂️Step 1- Vacuum ASAP! 

You should vacuum the carpet immediately after the spill. Clean as much ash as possible with a vacuum cleaner so the particle doesn’t spread onto the other carpet areas. A stick vacuum will work best in picking up embedded dirt. 

💦Step 2- Sprinkle Baking soda or Cornstarch

Sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda all over the stained area. It will absorb any embedded ash or debris and remove the ashy aroma lingering in the environment. Leave it on the stain for 1-2 hours and let it air dry before vacuuming

You’ll notice that the stain will fade a little after the vacuuming is done. 

🧤Step 3- Blot with dry-cleaning solvent

Blot with Dry Cleaning Solvent

Dab or blot the spot with a fresh towel and a dry cleaning agent like a detergent without bleach. A bleach-free detergent is advised so that it doesn’t fade the color of the carpet. 

Keep repeating the process until you’re satisfied with the results. 

🧽 Step 4- Sponge the carpet clean

Clean the dry cleaning solvent using a sponge soaked with clean and warm water and blot with a dry cloth until the area is dry. 

And that is all you need to get rid of those stubborn ash stains.

Also Read: 5 Simple Ways To Clean Unfinished Wood Floors 

📑Things to note

  • Never rub the stain, as it can cause the ash to spread further. 
  • Don’t step on the carpet before it’s completely dry. 
  • Always test the dry-cleaning solvent you’re using on a piece of fabric. 
  • Avoid using a brush or roller beater, as it will cause the ash to get even more ingrained in the carpet fibers.
Also Read: Why People Don't Clean Their House 

🗒Additional steps –

If the stain is stubborn or very old and is still acting up, you may add this additional step to get rid of it after sprinkling absorbent powder (like baking soda or baby powder) on the stain –

  • Make a solution of water, dishwashing liquid, and white vinegar and pour a few drops of it onto the stain. 
  • Scrub lightly using a brush or dab with a clean cloth for 5-6 minutes. 
  • Let the solution dry on the spot and vacuum-clean it afterward.
Also Read: 7 Reasons Why Your Hardwood Floors Feels Sticky 

🗑How To Get Ash Out Of Carpet Without Vacuum 

Clean Ash Stain from Carpet without Vacuum Cleaner

Not everybody has the convenience of a vacuum cleaner at all times, but that doesn’t mean one cannot do anything about the ash stain on their carpets. 

Here’s the fun part:

Most of the materials you need to remove ash stains, including baking soda, vinegar, and dish soap, are already in your pantry 😉.

So let’s start with the cleaning mission:

🛒Materials you need

  • A clean and dry cloth 
  • Dishwashing solution 
  • Sponge 
Also Read: How To Remove Soap Stains On Carpet 

👣Steps to follow

🧹Step 1 – Collect the excess ash

Collect and remove the excess ash on the carpet using a spoon or tool as soon as possible. Do not press or dig too hard with the spoon; it can push ash particles deeper into the carpet. 

🧽Step 2 – Blot or sponge the stain 

Blot or dab the stain with a clean cloth dipped in a solution and dishwashing liquid. Keep blotting until the solution is completely absorbed in the stain. 

Repeat this process 3-4 times or until you see the stain diminishing. 

🚿Step 3 – Clean with water 

Clean the Carpet with Water

Now that the solution has worked on the stain sponge the stain with clean water to remove the solution. Once completely gone, the blot dries the area with a clean cloth. 

And there you go; in a few simple steps, the stain is gone.

🧑‍🏫Tip: 

There’s no denying that a vacuum cleaner is more effective in getting rid of ash. However, even after this process, I’ll advise you to vacuum to eliminate the excess moisture and ash residue for a perfect finishing touch! 

📑Things to note

  • You can also use a dry cleaning solution instead of a dishwashing solution.
  • If there’s still a faded stain on your carpet, rubbing alcohol might help remove it. 
Also Read: How To Fix Dyson Vacuum Smelling Bad 

🔍Ash Stain Removal: FAQs 

How to get ash stains out of carpet? can they come out?

Yes, Ash stains do come out with proper cleaning. We’ve discussed the entire cleaning process of removing ash stains in this guide with or without using a vacuum cleaner above. 

Can you wash out ash stains? 

Yes, a wash can remove simple ash stains, provided you’ve pre-treated the stain using any of the stain remover techniques mentioned in this article. 

How do you get the ash smell out of the carpet?

To eliminate the smell, spray your carpet lightly but carefully with vinegar and water. Give it time to dry for the best results.

Can wet/dry vacuum be used for fireplace ashes?

Ash can be removed from fireplaces using any wet/dry vacuum cleaner. It primarily depends on the filter – a vacuum must have a multi-layer filter to contain ash.

Does the smoke smell stay on the carpet?

All odors, including smoke, linger in rugs and carpets because of their numerous porous fibers. To get rid of this smell, sprinkle baking soda evenly over the carpet, let it sit for about 8 hours, and then vacuum.

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