It never fails. School has begun and they’ve tracked sticky candy all over the house. You’ve just gotten done dealing with that, and they’ve decided to do their homework, surely involving markers and pens, and OOPS, there is now a large streak of it across your carpet or sofa. You panic, of course, because you know that these are the types of things that are permanent. There are some things you can try on your own, however, before calling in a professional.
The first order of business is to always test your cleaning method on an inconspicuous area of the carpeting or furniture to ensure that the color will not fade or bleed. You need to think about what is worse–a streak of marker, or a bright white spot in the middle of your beige carpet. Definitely do this first so you can be confident in treating the marker or pen.
Secondly, it is important to always blot and never saturate. We’re talking about using some soap and maybe some rubbing alcohol here, and the less you can use to get the job done, the better.
Finally, if you have any questions at all, call your carpet cleaning professional who may be able to give you some advice over the phone.
Now, on to the removal.
Start by immediately blotting up as much of the marker as possible with a clean white absorbent towel. A paper towel would work just fine. Then mix a half teaspoon of dish soap with a cup of lukewarm water. Using a clean towel, blot this mixture on to the area. Blot with a dry portion of the towel to get as much of the stain and mixture up out of the carpet as possible.
If there is marker remaining, (and this is where the pre-testing of your carpet comes in), blot with a small amount of rubbing alcohol. This, along with the detergent, can help to neutralize the marker. At this point, there should be little, if any marker remaining in the carpet. If there is, blot again with your dish soap solution.
Finally, you will need to rinse the area of the carpet or furniture clean. A spray bottle with clean water can be used to prevent over saturation. Spritz on the area, and blot with another clean white towel.
In most instances, the tricks above will work. Be sure to point out the area to your carpet cleaning professional the next time you have the entire carpet cleaned so they may treat it properly.
Most importantly, take those markers and pens away from your kids (easier said than done, trust me, I know!).
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