Can You Fix a Bleach Stain on Carpets?

Color Removal

• The color of most carpet comes from the application of acid-based dyes during the manufacturing process. When bleach comes into contact with these dyes, it does not stain the carpet but rather removes the color altogether. Thus, using a stain-removal product will not remove the bleach and restore the color as would occur when removing a red wine or coffee stain.

Soak Up the Spill

• Although permanent discoloration may take place, try to remove as much of the bleach from the carpeting as possible to avoid its spread. Mix 1 cup of water with ¼ tsp. of mild dish soap. Gently blot the solution onto the bleached area with a clean, dry cloth. Dip a second clean cloth into cold water to gently rinse the solution from the carpet with a similar blotting motion. Lay several clean, white paper towels over the area and hold them down with a nonstaining, heavy object to help absorb the remaining moisture and bleach in the carpet.

Spot Dyeing

• Spots on your carpet with the color removed due to the accidental application of bleach can be redyed. A number of do-it-yourself carpet-cleaning kits are available, however, using the services of a carpet-cleaning professional certified in carpet repair will ensure the spot is dyed as closely as possible to the original color. Once dyeing is complete, the bleached spots will blend with the rest of the carpet.

Carpet Patching

• In the case that dyeing does not restore carpet to its original color, patching can replace the affected area completely. The process of inserting a small carpet patch is referred to as installing a "bonded insert" and should be attempted only by a professional carpet-restoration technician. The repair begins by cutting out the affected area and replacing it with a piece of carpet cut from a remnant, or inconspicuous area, such as a closet. Once the patch is complete, the new carpet will blend with the rest.