How to Get Dried Slime Out of Carpet

Co-authored by Haim Shemesh and Sophia Latorre

Last Updated: September 9, 2020

While slime is a cool and fun product, it’s not so great when it gets on your carpet. Don’t worry, though, there are several ways you can remove dried slime from your carpet or a rug, depending on what you have handy. It only takes a little time and a few simple steps to restore your carpet to its original state.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Removing the Slime

1
Scrape away the excess slime. If there’s a giant blob of slime on your carpet, you should remove as much of it as possible. Scoop the excess away with a spoon or scrape it off with a knife, working from the outside to the center.^{[1]
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2
Vacuum the area.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Haim Shemesh
Carpet & Rug Cleaning Specialist
Expert Interview. 12 May 2020.} Using your vacuum can help remove the slime so you can get to the stain. Vacuum the area in several directions to suck up as much of the dried slime as possible. You can use an upright vacuum or a handheld variety.^{[3]
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- Be sure the slime is dry before vacuuming so you don’t clog up the vacuum.
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3
Choose your cleaning solution. Vinegar, rubbing alcohol, goo remover, citrus solvent, and WD-40 can all be used to remove slime and stains from carpet. Choose whatever you have on hand, or pick up the product of your choice from your local hardware store or superstore.^{[4]
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4
Put on gloves and spot-test the cleaner.^{[5]
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Expert Source

Haim Shemesh
Carpet & Rug Cleaning Specialist
Expert Interview. 12 May 2020.} Wear gloves to protect your hands from the chemicals and the dye in the slime. Be sure to test the solution on an inconspicuous spot before treating the stain.^{[6]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Treating the Stain

1
Apply the cleaning solution to the carpet. Rubbing alcohol, distilled white vinegar, and WD-40 can be poured or sprayed directly on the carpet as they won’t harm the carpet backing. Be sure to saturate the entire area. However, if you are using citrus solvent or goo remover, pour the product on a towel and press it into the carpet. Use just enough product to wet the slime and stain. This keeps the product from soaking through and dissolving the carpet backing.^{[7]
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2
Let the solution soak for 10 to 15 minutes. It’s important to allow the cleaning solution time to soften dried slime and penetrate the carpet fibers to remove the color.^{[8]
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3
Wipe away the slime and stain with an old towel. After 10 to 15 minutes, use an old kitchen towel or a paper towel to wipe away the slime and the stain. You shouldn’t even need to do much scrubbing! Toss the towel out when you’re done.^{[9]
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- If stubborn spots remain, repeat the process.
4
Rinse the area with hot water. Wet an old towel with hot water and wring out the excess. Blot the carpet with the towel to remove the cleaning solution and any remaining slime from the carpet.
5
Remove excess liquid and allow the carpet to dry. Press a dry towel into the carpet to soak up as much liquid as you can. Then, allow the area to air dry completely.^{[10]
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Community Q&A

Question

Does it matter how old and dried up the slime in the carpet is or will it still come out?

Community Answer

Yes, it does matter a bit as the longer the slime is one the carpet, the harder it will be to get it off. If it one your carpet for longer than a week it will take more work to get it off.
Question

I have removed all the slime, but the carpet is stained blue from the slime. I have tried the vinegar method three times. What can I do?

Community Answer

You should try bleaching the carpet if it is white. If not, use a carpet cleaner that cleans stains.
Question

Will this work if I made slime with borax?

Community Answer

Yes. I made slime with borax and this worked for me.