Home Garden

Getting Rubbed-In Ash Out of a Carpet

A rubbed-in ash spot on your carpet is unsightly. Whether the ash is from your fireplace, a cigarette or some other source, it does not have to be a permanent spot on the carpeting that you hide with a rug. Removing rubbed-in ash from your carpet must be done carefully so you don’t spread the ash or ground it further into the carpet fibers.

Things You'll Need

  • Cornstarch, baby powder or baking soda
  • Vacuum cleaner with attachment hose
  • White rags
  • Dry cleaning solvent
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Instructions

    • 1

      Sprinkle cornstarch, baby powder or baking soda over the spot. Use your fingers to gently rub it into the carpet. Wait about an hour, and then vacuum the spot with a vacuum cleaner attachment hose. Avoid using a beater bar when vacuuming the carpet, as this can grind the ash in more.

    • 2

      Moisten a clean white rag with dry cleaning solvent. Dab the solvent onto the ash spot.

    • 3

      Blot the area with a clean rag to absorb the liquid. Alternate dabbing on the dry cleaning solvent and blotting with a dry rag until the ash is gone.

    • 4

      Rinse the carpet with a clean rag and water. Blot with a dry rag to remove the excess moisture.