Shaving Cream As a Spot Cleaner?

Here’s a little known but very effective tip for treating spots on carpet.

Most people know that when something is spilled on a carpet, prompt action is essential to avoid permanent staining. Although everyone would love to have the foresight, time, and mental energy to anticipate different types of carpet mishaps and stock their broom closets with safe and effective carpet cleaning solutions, the truth is, sometimes it is necessary to improvise.

We love it when we come across great solutions, and when we do, we check them out for ourselves and then share them with you. Here is a little-known way to spot clean carpets in a pinch, with something you likely already have on hand—foaming shaving cream. This works for most spills, even grease and oil stains.

Use an absorbent, white cloth or paper towels to blot up (not wipe) as much of the spill as possible, and then apply the shaving cream right away. Just dab a little on the stain, let it sit for about 15 minutes, and then with a damp towel, blot the shaving cream – and the stain – away. (Lifehacker). However, be sure to use white shaving cream, because menthol, colored, or even a gel based cream can cause carpet discolorations. According to Ben Valsler of Chemistry World magazine, the shaving cream doesn’t just sit on the carpet’s surface, “the foam works deep down into the pile” (Daily Mail).

In most cases, shaving cream is an effective solution. If not, applying shaving cream to the spot will buy some time to get exactly what you want to clean the spot using more traditional methods. For more specific information about cleaning spots and spills from your carpet, download our free Carpet and Interior Textiles Care Guide, and as always, we are here for you if you have specific questions or concerns.

This is one of a series of articles written and published  on behalf of Stone and Tile PRO Partners.