Dyeing Easter eggs is a family tradition and has been a popular art form throughout the ages due to its association with life, healing, and protection. The oldest decorated eggshells were dated 60,000 years ago!
Today eggs can be decorated with paints or covered with papers and polymer clays. Liquid food colourings work well as do dyes in liquid or tablet form. Bear in mind that home dying kits contain dipping wands that can easily be overturned and should be replaced with a stronger kitchen utensil.
No matter what precautions you take to minimise spillage by using protective plastic or paper covers accidents can happen. Want to know how to remove Easter egg dye stains? Read on…
How to get egg dye out of your carpet?
The key to getting rid of egg dye is to act quickly. Stains that are left are always harder to remove successfully. Use paper towels to blot up any excess liquid starting at the edge and working towards the centre to avoid any further spread.
Make a solution of washing up liquid and warm water and blot with a clean white cloth or paper towels Try not to rub as all this does is spread the stain further. When your cloth isn’t picking up any more colour this stage is complete.
Rinse carefully with a clean white cloth and fresh water remembering not to overwet the area as this can lead to mould and mildew growth if the carpet isn’t dried completely. Let the area air dry. You can speed up the drying process by opening windows, or for small stains using a hairdryer set on low, or a fan.
You may have to repeat the process to get rid of the entire stain. If you can still see remnants of the dye you might need to try a different approach. Mix a tablespoon of ammonia with one cup of water and then apply the solution to a hidden patch of carpet to make sure the ammonia doesn’t fade the carpet colour.
If the colour stays fast you can apply the solution to the stained area and then finish with a dampened clean cloth and clean water to rinse. Allow the carpet to air dry before vacuuming the area thoroughly to lift the carpet fibres.
How to get food colouring stains out of your carpet?
Food colouring can be removed from your carpet with a mix of a tablespoon of washing up liquid and one of white vinegar with two cups of warm water. Use a clean white cloth to gently sponge the stain, blotting frequently with a dry cloth until it disappears. Remember that rubbing only pushes the dye deeper into the carpet fibres.
Alternatively, you can choose the ammonia cleaning method as above, or sponge any remaining stain with a little rubbing alcohol and small amounts of warm water.
Baking soda is also an effective cleaning agent. Sprinkle over the stained area and leave for up to six hours for the powder to absorb the stain. It will also neutralise any unpleasant smells as it works! Finish cleaning the area by vacuuming up any residue.
Need help from a carpet cleaning specialist?
If you don’t have the time or the confidence to carry out your own stain removal methods simply call in the experts. Highly trained and experienced carpet cleaners will know exactly how to remove any egg dye stains, leaving your carpet totally refreshed.
Stain removal is all part of the service as stains are quickly identified and an appropriate solution chosen. Following the stain pretreatment, your carpets will be deep cleaned with modern powerful equipment that actively breaks down the bonds between the stain and your carpet fibres. Only a minimal amount of water is used which means that your carpets will quickly dry.
Professional upholstery cleaning is also advisable if your fabrics are delicate and would be prone to shrinkage. If your sofa has removable covers they will be taken off. Your technician will then carry out a close inspection to ensure that the correct solution will be chosen to treat the stain without harming any delicate fibres.
All you need to do is sit back and relax as all the hard work is done for you!