Halloween cleaning: remove those sticky messes out of your carpet

There may not be anything scarier on Halloween than spilling costume make-up and other sticky messes on your carpet. A brightly coloured carpet stain isn’t how you want to remember Halloween, all year round. Some makeup stains can prove impossible to get out, but the majority of cosmetics can be removed from your carpet, with the right tools. With Bissell’s range of carpet cleaning products, Halloween cleaning doesn’t have to be a nightmare.

Thin out the stain

After carefully scraping up any excess makeup, you’ll want to deep clean the spot, to strip the makeup from your carpet’s fibers. You can do this with an upright or portable carpet cleaner and some Bissell carpet shampoo. Our Wash & Protect Pro 1089e is great for uprights, and our Spot & Stain 1084e is idea for portables.

Remove the stain

Next, you’ll want to remove the stain from your carpet using an oxygen-based cleaner, like Bissell Oxy Stain Destroyer Pet 2022. Test the cleaner on an inconspicuous area of your carpet to ensure that it doesn’t strip the colour from your carpet. Spray the Stain Destroyer on the stain and allow the product to work for about an hour. Once the spot is dry, you can vacuum it.

Oil-based makeup

If the make-up is oil-based, you’ll need a general-purpose cleaner like BISSELL Tough Stain Pretreat 1147e.

*Be sure to follow these instructions when attempting to clean a stain from your carpet or upholstery

• Step 1: Before cleaning, it’s always a good idea to speak to your carpet manufacturer or retailer for specific cleaning Instructions. At BISSELL, we’ve uncovered some tried and true cleaning techniques through the years.
• Step 2: Look for the manufacturer’s cleaning information tag on any upholstery that you plan to clean. Fabrics coded “WS” or “W” are safe to clean. If the fabric is coded “X” or “S”, it is not safe to clean.
• Step 3: When it comes to carpets, test a small, hidden area of your carpet first. That way, you’ll avaoid damaging large sections of your carpet if the cleaner has unexpected effects. Do not use Bissell products on velvet, silk, vinyl or leather.

Here are some other scary messes you may have trouble cleaning after Halloween: 

• Try spraying the area with BISSELL Oxy Stain Destroyer 2021 or Oxy Stain Destoyer Pet 2022. Gently work the solution into the affected area with a small brush, sponge or cloth.
• Do not rub the stain
• Use light strokes, from the edges of the stain to the center.
• When you reach the center of the stain, pinch lightly in an upward motion.
• Wait 5 minutes.
• Use an upright carpet cleaner to clean the soiled area, along with Wash & Protect Professional 1089e carpet shampoo. If you are using a portable carpet cleaner, use Spot & Stain 1084e or Spot & Stain Pet 1085e.
• If any blood stains remain, treat them with Oxy Stain Destroyer 2021 and let stand overnight.

• Pick up any particles and use a clean paper towel to blot up any liquids.
• Using an enzyme-action cleaner, such as Pet Stain Pretreat 1137e will make this job much easier.
• The enzyme-action allows the cleaner to get down into the stain, so you don’t have to!
• Work the solution into the stain with a cloth or sponge, using light strokes, from the edges of the stain to the centre – no rubbing required.
• When you reach the center of the stain, pinch lightly in an upward motion.
• Wait 5 minutes
• After cleaning, make sure to blot up any excess liquid with a clean cloth. The cleaner will continue to work on the stain for up to 24 hours after application.
• If your stain persists, you will need to repeat the steps 2 – 4.
• You should keep children and pets away from the area until it is dry and vacuumed.

Mascara & Face paint

• Before cleaning, test the cleaner on a hidden area.
• Spray the area with a grease-fighting product such as Tough Stain PreTreat 1147e
• Gently work the solution into the area with a small brush, sponge or cloth, using light strokes from the edges of the stain to the center. When you reach the center of the stain, pinch lightly in an upward motion.
• Do not rub the stain.
• Wait 5 minutes.
• If the stain persists, repeat step 2.
• Keep children and pets away from the area until it is dry and vacuumed