How to Get Eyeliner out of a Carpet

Co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Last Updated: October 28, 2022

When you’re speeding to get your makeup done, grasping your eyeliner in one hand and your mascara in the other, it’s pretty easy to let something slip. When your eyeliner hits the carpet, whether it’s a pencil, a gel, a powder, or whatever, it can leave a dark, ugly stain. Stay calm! Just like your eyeliner comes off your face each and every evening, it’ll come out of your carpet.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Dishwashing Soap

1
Mix together a dishwashing soap and warm water. This is the simplest method to remove an eyeliner stain, because you probably already have dishwashing soap around your house. Add ¼ teaspoon to 8 fl oz (240 mL) of warm water. Seal the container and shake it around, or stir.^{[1]
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- You can use whatever vessel you have at your disposal to mix the soap and water. However, using an empty spray bottle works perfectly. This will allow you to shake the soap and water until it’s fully mixed, and then spray directly onto the stain.
2
Blot the soapy mixture into the stain. You can use a washcloth, a paper towel, or a sponge. Although unlikely, it’s best to avoid anything with color, as it may transfer to the carpet. Press into the stain firmly. Avoid rubbing it, as it can smear the eyeliner into a bigger stain or push it deeper into the carpet fibers.^{[2]
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- Make sure that you apply enough of the soapy water solution so that the stain is completely saturated.
- Continue dabbing until you no longer see the stain. It should fade as you continue to blot. Keep going until it is gone (or acceptable to you).
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3
Spray water onto the stained area to rinse it. Fill a spray bottle with plain water and spray the stained area to rinse the soap out of it. Blot up the water after spraying the area. Repeat this a few times to ensure that all of the soap is out of the carpet.
4
Dry the carpet. Put a couple of layers of paper towel or a couple of clean white rags on the wet spot, and place something heavy over top. After a few hours, remove the paper towels and let the spot breathe. Avoid walking on the carpet as it dries. After it’s completely dry, examine the spot and determine if you need to repeat these steps.^{[3]
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- Vacuum over the area after it’s dry to “re-fluff” the area and make sure it is blended into the rest of the carpet.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Carpet Cleaner

1
Purchase a carpet cleaner or stain remover. You can find these at a home improvement store, or almost any store with other cleaning supplies. Head to your local store and see your options. Different products will boast different claims– fastest acting, best at removing old stains, best scent, organic, etc.^{[4]
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Research source} They also vary in price, so comparison shop to get the product that will work best for you!
- Many carpet cleaners list on their labels which types of stains they work best on. Look for a bottle that lists cosmetics.
- The faster you can treat a stain, the better chance you have of removing it completely. Keep the bottle on hand after you work on the eyeliner stain so that you can be prepared for any future mishaps.
2
Test the cleaner on a small spot of the carpet before beginning. Typically, carpet cleaners are safe on any type and color of carpet unless explicitly stated on the label. Just in case, however, it’s best to test it on a small spot of carpet that is usually covered or out of sight. Once you’re sure that there are no adverse reactions between the cleaner and carpet, you’re ready to tackle the stain.^{[5]
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3
Follow the instructions on the cleaner. Different cleaners have different instructions for application, so take the time to read the label. To ensure the absolute best results, it’s important to apply the appropriate amount of product and to let it sit for the proper amount of time.
4
Allow to dry and reevaluate. Layer some paper towels on the damp area of carpet, and place something heavy over top. After a few hours, remove the paper towels to let the remaining moisture air dry. After it’s completely dry, examine the spot and determine if you need to repeat these steps.^{[6]
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- Vacuum over the area after it’s dry. This will help to blend the treated spot back into the rest of the carpet.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using an Ammonia Solution

1
Mix 0.5 fl oz (15 mL) of ammonia or vinegar into 4 fl oz (120 mL) of warm water. Ammonia is one of the most powerful cleaning tools you can use, and it’s found in a lot of the cleaners you use around your house. You can use it alone to fight those stubborn stains that don’t seem to budge with soap alone. You can purchase ammonia wherever you buy the rest of your housecleaning supplies.
2
Dab the solution into the stain with a sponge or washcloth. It’s important to blot the stain, rather than scrub, so you don’t risk smearing the stain or damaging the carpet fibers. Continue to press the ammonia and water solution into the stain and it should start to fade. Blot the stain until it’s fully absorbed into the carpet, and the stain has faded or disappeared to your satisfaction.^{[7]
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- Do this in a well-ventilated area, because ammonia can have a pretty strong odor. Don’t worry, it won’t smell after it dries.
3
Let the carpet dry. Let it air dry so that the odor dissipates completely. After it’s completely dry, examine the spot and determine if you need to repeat these steps.^{[8]
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Research source} Vacuum over the area after it’s dry to make sure the freshly-cleaned area is blended into the rest of the carpet.
- Ammonia is not safe for pets. Make sure that you keep pets away from the area you are cleaning with the ammonia solution.