Between kids, pets, and frequent rain showers, mud seems to track into a home unbelievably easily. Mud caked on a hard surface is a simple swipe to clean, but mud on carpet? That's a different story. Is there a mud cleaning fix you can do yourself, or will you have to call in professional carpet cleaners near you?
Thankfully for your white high-pile carpet, there's a DIY solution, and it only requires three household items you likely already have on hand. Learn how to remove mud from your carpet in five easy steps.
Wait Until the Mud Dries
While it may be tempting to tackle the issue as soon as your child stomps into the house with their muddy footprints, trying to clean it when it's still wet will create a bigger mess. Instead, wait until it dries, and then start by scraping up as much of it as possible. A paint scraper will work well if you have one on hand, but if not, just grab a dull butter knife. After scraping, vacuum up all the remnants.
Make a Homemade Cleaning Solution
Create your own cleaning solution by mixing together 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap with 2 cups of warm water. The gentle ingredients are effective for your carpet fibers but strong enough to tackle most household stains.
"Dish soap solution is a great cleaning solution alternative for many reasons,” said Asya Biddle, Angi Expert Review Board member and manager of The Dustbusters, a family-owned and operated janitorial company in Williamsport, PA. “It’s cost effective, safe to use on fabrics, and will not leave any harmful residue or odors behind."
Sponge off the Mud Stain
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Gently sponge the mud stain with the homemade cleaning solution and a clean cloth or towel. Be sure to avoid rubbing roughly—a common carpet cleaning mistake—as this will cause the mud to stick to the carpet fibers.
Blot Dry and Repeat the Process
After cleaning, blot with another clean cloth or towel until all the liquid is absorbed. Then, repeat steps 3 and 4 until the stain is gone.
Do a Final Rinse
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Finally, add a little bit of cold water to wash out the cleaning solution, and blot dry with a dry towel. Put paper towels over the top of the wet area to absorb excess moisture and help the carpet dry out. To speed up the drying time, open windows if it’s a sunny day or turn on fans. Also, make sure to keep your pets and their dirty paw prints off the newly cleaned area.
DIY Removing Mud From Carpet vs. Hiring a Pro
Some mud stains will be too large or stubborn to remove on your own. If DIY attempts don't work, it's likely time to call in a top-rated carpet cleaner near you. Most pros charge by the room instead of per square foot, and the cost ranges between $25 and $75.
Since they’re already there, you may opt to just pay for the cost of a whole-house professional carpet cleaning, which is between $120 and $240, with an average of $180. The final price you pay will depend on the square footage and type of carpet material, as well as the cleaning method used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use white vinegar to clean mud stains off the carpet?
Another DIY cleaning solution is to mix 1/2 cup of vinegar with 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap, then apply the mixture to the mud stain. Rinse the area with cold water, blot with a dry towel, and repeat the process as needed.
What should I do if the stain has a reddish tint?
If the mud stain looks reddish, it’s likely from an iron-based clay instead of regular dirt. In this case, mix a solution of bleach and water following the package directions. Saturate the stain, let it soak in for at least an hour, then blot with a dry towel. Repeat as needed, then allow the stained area to dry away from direct sunlight.
As a freelance writer, home owner and parent, Laura is always has a project (or six) on her plate. She loves improving her outdoor living space, organizing her kids play areas, and purchasing entirely too many picture frames. You can find Laura's work in places like Forbes Advisor, Scary Mommy, Real Balanced, and Cubby.
As a freelance writer, home owner and parent, Laura is always has a project (or six) on her plate. She loves improving her outdoor living space, organizing her kids play areas, and purchasing entirely too many picture frames. You can find Laura's work in places like Forbes Advisor, Scary Mommy, Real Balanced, and Cubby.
