How to remove plasticine from carpets

Plasticine is a nontoxic modelling clay that's been used in children's play for over a century. Unfortunately, its bright colours can wreak havoc on the carpet. Removing clumps and streaks of Plasticine may appear difficult at first glance, but there are methods available that will allow you to remove the material without a trace. While using a commercial stain remover along with a carpet cleaner can clear the clay, a simpler method exists.

Use a plastic knife to scrape along the carpet moving with the fibres where the Plasticine is located. Remove as much of the embedded clay as possible. Wipe the clay from the blade of the knife with each pass by using a paper towel to avoid spreading the clay further. Continue scraping until only small greasy bits remain.

Spray the remaining Plasticine with chewing gum spray to solidify the material, then scrape with the knife until only the colour of the clay remains on your carpet.

Dampen a piece of clean white cloth with a grease solvent. Blot at the remaining Plasticine with the solvent to lift it from the carpet onto the cloth. Examine the cloth as you blot the carpet for signs of the clay. When the surface of the cloth fills with the material, change it for a new one and continue. The solvent will remove all but the slightest hint of the clay from the carpeting.

Mix 18 ml (1 tbsp) of mild liquid soap with 18 ml (1 tbsp) of white vinegar into 480 ml (2 cups) of warm water. Sponge the remnants of the Plasticine with the mixture until you remove the last of the clay.

Rinse the carpet with a sponge dampened with cold water, and then blot the spot dry with a clean cloth to complete the removal process.