How to Get Chalk Out of Carpet
Chalk is one of those things that no matter how careful you are, it just has a way of getting all over the place. Whether the chalk came from your morning climbing workout, your latest remodel project, or your kids’ weekend craft adventures, there’s a good chance that if it made it onto the carpet, it might have left a stain.
Here’s how to get chalk out of your carpet without using any harsh ingredients or chemical cleaners.
Types of Chalk
Before you start cleaning, it’s helpful to know which kind of chalk you’re dealing with.
Liquid Chalk
Liquid Chalk is a variation of chalk, made of magnesium carbonate dissolved in alcohol. It’s commonly used on hands for climbing, weight lifting, or gymnastics.
This kind of chalk is also used in chalk markers, usually used for crafting or art applications.
Construction Chalk
Construction Chalk is used to make straight lines in construction applications. It’s used on a cord strung tight between two posts, and when the cord is snapped, the chalk makes a straight line (Source: Jon Don).
This kind of chalk is made of calcium carbonate and an insoluble dye added for visibility that can make it very hard to remove the stains it may cause.
Dry Chalk
Dry Chalk is the kind of molded or extruded chalk that’s used in classrooms or on sidewalks, usually dyed with some kind of color. It can be made out of calcium carbonate if it’s for a chalkboard, or without, if it’s for sidewalks (Source: Crayola).
White is the easiest chalk color to remove, but colored chalk will also come out — especially if it’s water-soluble.
How to Get Chalk Out of Carpet
Tools and Materials:
- Vacuum
- Dish Soap
- Warm Water
- Cloth
Instructions:
Removing Chalk Stains from Carpet
- Vacuum
The first step in getting any kind of chalk out of your carpet is vacuuming up as much of the chalk as possible. If your vacuum has an agitator brush, this is a great time to use it!
- Make the Cleaning Solution
Mix together one tablespoon of liquid dish soap and two cups of warm water.
- Apply Solution
Use a clean cloth to saturate the stain with the solution. You can use any kind of cloth for this step, microfiber or a rag will do just fine.
- Blot
Blot, don’t rub, to begin lifting the stain out of the carpet. Rubbing will only serve to either spread the chalk stain or set it deeper into your carpet, so it’s especially important to avoid it when dealing with chalk.
- Repeat
Repeat as needed, saturating and blotting until the stain is gone.
If the Stain Persists
Some chalk stains, especially if they come from construction chalk, can be very stubborn. If the blotting doesn’t work and the stain remains, it might be time to try a steam cleaner or hire a professional.
How to Prevent Permanent Chalk Stains
The best way to prevent chalk stains on carpets is to invest in water-soluble chalk. It also never hurts to put down some old newspaper or a tarp before doing any chalk-related projects indoors.
