Bleach removes pigmentation from fabrics and other materials. If you accidentally fell on the carpet, try to take immediate action to minimize the damage instead of giving in to frustration. Blot the area with cold water and then prepare a cleaning solution using vinegar or dish soap to apply to counteract the bleach effect. You can also try using baking soda by mixing it with water to form a paste. If the bleach has penetrated deeply and the carpet has discolored, try recoloring it using a crayon or interior paint. If none of these solutions work, consult a professional to consider cutting or covering the damaged part of the carpet.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Use Water and Dishwashing Liquid
Step 1. Blot and wipe off the bleach with a rag dipped in cold water
If you just accidentally spilled it on the carpet, you may have time to step in to save the color. Act promptly, wet a rag in cold sink water, wring it out, and use it to blot the area where the bleach has fallen.
Blot the carpet repeatedly, but don't scrub, otherwise you'll push the bleach deeper into the fibers
Step 2. Pour the detergent and hot water over the stain
After dabbing it several times with cold water, dissolve half a tablespoon of liquid dish soap in a cup of hot water (250 ml). If the stain is large, use the same proportion and increase the quantities (for example a tablespoon of detergent in half a liter of hot water). Pour the soapy water over the stained area and let it sit for five minutes.
As an alternative to dish soap, you can use distilled white vinegar. The proportions do not change
Step 3. Blot the area with a clean sponge or rag
When five minutes have passed, use a wet sponge or rag to dab the carpet again where you poured the soapy hot water. This time use cold water.
Blot the stain starting from the outside and moving towards the center to avoid spreading it
Method 2 of 3: Dye a Bleach Discolored Rug
Step 1. Use a crayon of the same color as the rest of the carpet
Go to the stationery for a wax crayon that is very similar to that of the stained carpet. If the rug is small, you can take it with you to make sure you make the right choice. Pass it on the discolored parts, trying to get to the base of the fibers. Be careful not to cross the stain and avoid coloring the intact fibers. In some cases, a marker of the right color may also be useful.
Step 2. Blend the color with a damp rag
After pastel surgery, discolored fibers are likely to appear a darker or brighter hue than the surrounding area. Use a damp rag to dilute the color and distribute the pigment along the discolored area.
Continue to dye and blend the color until it matches the rest of the rug
Step 3. Try using interior paint
This method is recommended if the bleach has discolored only a small part of the carpet. Apply a thin coat of paint using an ultra fine-tipped brush. Try to color one fiber at a time starting from the base. If necessary, apply a second layer of color, but make sure it is thin.
- The advantage of using interior paint is that you can cut some fibers from the carpet and use them as a swatch of the dye you want at a shop that makes bespoke color paints.
- Do not use paint if the discolored part is in plain sight or is frequently walked on as the painted fibers will become stiff.
Step 4. Consult a carpet cleaning expert
Ask for help if you have tried using crayons or paint but were unsuccessful or if you don't feel like coloring the carpet with any of these methods. Look for a shop specializing in carpet cleaning in your city, the staff can try to:
- Clean the stain;
- Cut off the discolored fibers;
- Cut and replace the stained area.
Method 3 of 3: Take Proper Precautions
Step 1. Read the directions on the bleach package before working on the stain
The detergent and vinegar should not cause damage to the stained area, but it is best to be sure by reading the directions for use and warnings on the back of the container before using these or other products to remove the bleach stain.
There will most likely be a list of chemicals that should never be mixed with bleach, including ammonia, as this would trigger a highly toxic reaction. Check carefully the ingredients contained in the product you intend to use to remove the stain to be completely sure it does not include any of these substances
Step 2. Put on a pair of protective gloves
Bleach can damage your skin, so the first thing you need to do is find and wear a pair of gloves to protect your hands. Only then can you start dabbing the stain. Use the same caution even if the bleach has already dried on the carpet because the chemicals are still present even if the moisture has evaporated.
Step 3. Area the room
The fumes from bleach are toxic and can cause dizziness, nausea, and other ailments. If you're using vinegar to clean the stain, expect the combined odors to be even more annoying. Open the windows and, if possible, turn on a fan to ward off toxic fumes as you work on the stain.
