Knowing how to remove adhesives from carpets may be a very useful skill for any carpet owner. No matter how careful people may be, there are always accidental spills when doing any type of project involving adhesives.

Removal Instructions

Try contacting the product's manufacturer for advice. If you can't contact them, then try these solutions. Pre-test any cleaning solution first, to avoid damaging the carpet.

For Water-Based Adhesives:

1. Blot up the excess with an absorbent cloth or paper towel, and scrape with a spoon or dull knife if it's dried. Work from the edges towards the center.
   
   
2. Combine ¼ teaspoon of non-bleach, non-lanolin, liquid dishwashing soap with 1 cup of lukewarm water, then use a spray bottle or clean, light-colored cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Let it stand for 10-30 minutes, then repeat step.
   
   
3. Continue blotting until the stain is gone or proves ineffective.
   
   
4. Rinses the area thoroughly with tap water, using a spray bottle so you won't over-wet the carpet, and then thoroughly blot it dry.
   
   
5. If there's any stain left, apply 3% hydrogen peroxide to a damp cloth and moisten the stained tufts. Let it stand for 1 hour, and then blot it again. Repeat as needed. Then apply a thick pad of paper towels and weigh it down with a heavy object, and let it stand overnight.

For Non-Water Based Adhesives:

1. Blot up as much of the excess as possible with an absorbent cloth or paper towel, and scrape with a spoon or dull knife if it's dried.
   
   
2. Using a clean, absorbent cloth, apply undiluted Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol, or a dry cleaning solvent, or a citrus solvent, or acetone-based nail polish remover, ensuring none of these products soak into the carpet's backing or pad.
   
   
3. Let the solvent stand for a few minutes, and then thoroughly blot the stain.
   
   
4. Spray warm water on it, without soaking the carpet, and rinse thoroughly.
   
   
5. Meticulously blot the excess moisture, and after carpet is completely dry, vacuum it.
   
   
6. If this doesn't work, repeat the process, but apply a mixture of 1 tablespoon liquid dishwashing detergent, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, and 2 cups of warm water instead of a solvent.