You may have recently completed a remodeling or renovation project involving using plaster in your property. If that is the case, some small amounts of plaster may have splattered on your carpet. Fortunately, removing plaster from carpeting is easier than removing paint. You can remove it by following a process that requires a moderate amount of effort and time.
The things you need
- Vacuum cleaner
- Stiff scrub brush
- Bucket
- Cleaning rag/cloth
- Spray bottle
- Water
- Foaming cleaner, carpet shampoo, or shaving foam
Steps to clean plaster on your carpet
1. Scoop the plaster
If the plaster is still wet, scoop up as much as possible. You can use a spoon and dustpan to scoop it if it is a large amount. If the plaster has dried, use a hammer to press it gently to break it apart.
Avoid banging the hammer on it because that may ruin the subfloor beneath the carpet. Instead, grind the plaster into powder. You can also use a stiff scrub brush to scrub the plaster loose.
Avoid mashing the scrub brush into the carpet. Instead, brush over the plaster’s top to loosen it. When the plaster loosens, vacuum it off the floor and repeat this process until it is impossible to free more plaster particles from the carpet nap.
2. Mix vinegar and water
Mix two parts of water and one part of the vinegar in a spray bottle.
3. Spray the solution to the remaining plaster
Use the spray bottle to spray the solution on the carpeting. If you lack a spray bottle, you can dampen the carpet pile with plaster using a moist cloth. Avoid pouring the mixture into the carpeting because it can soak down the carpet pad and lead to other issues.
4. Allow the mixture to soak on the carpeting
Let the mixture remain on the carpet for one or two hours. Reapply more liquid to keep the affected areas moist if necessary. Since plaster is water-based, it becomes soft when allowed to soak for many minutes or longer. However, you should avoid soaking the carpet because mold may grow on it. If you soak your carpet accidentally, place a fan on the affected area so that the carpet can dry faster.
5. Scrape of the plaster
After the remaining plaster has become soft, use a spoon to remove it from the carpet. Avoid scraping the plaster off too hard because this may ruin the carpet pile. You may also use your fingers to squeeze out the plaster from the carpet fibers.
6. Clean the affected areas
After removing as much of the plaster as possible by scraping the site, use a foaming carpet cleaner or carpet shampoo. Abide by the instructions on the label of your chosen product. If you lack these products, you can use white foam shaving cream. You can apply a small amount of the shaving cream on a cloth and gently rub it into the carpeting.
7. Blot the area
Use a damp cloth to blot the area to rinse. Use a dry towel to blot the area to absorb the remaining moisture.
