Halloween Carpet Cleanup: Chocolate, Candle Wax, Face Paint and More

Halloween is a great time — and a messy one. Between candy, candles, costumes and makeup, here's how to clean up the most common Halloween stains from carpet and upholstery. As always, test any solution in a hidden spot first.

Chocolate

1. Let melted chocolate firm up (an ice bag speeds it up), then scrape off as much as you can with a dull knife.
2. Blot with a mild detergent solution — about ¼ teaspoon clear dish liquid per cup of lukewarm water.
3. Rinse by blotting with plain water and press dry.

Chocolate has both fat and dye, so a shadow may remain. Don't use hot water; it can set it.

Candle wax

1. Let it harden, then scrape off what you can.
2. Lay a paper towel over the remaining wax and press briefly with an iron on a low setting, moving to a clean part of the towel as it absorbs the wax.
3. Clean any remaining color with the detergent solution, then rinse and blot.

Never leave the iron in one place — synthetic fibers can melt — and skip this on wool and delicate rugs.

Face paint and makeup

Water-based face paint usually comes out with cool water and the detergent solution. Oil- or cream-based makeup needs a dry absorbent first: sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch, wait 15 minutes, vacuum, then use the detergent solution.

Fake blood

Most fake blood is heavily dyed. Blot immediately, rinse with cool water, then use the detergent solution. If color remains, stop before trying anything stronger — bleaching products can make it worse. That's a job for a professional.

Pumpkin guts

Scoop up the pulp, let any remaining residue dry, vacuum, then clean with the detergent solution and rinse.

Candy and gum

For sticky candy, dampen with warm water to soften, scrape, then blot with the detergent solution. For gum, freeze it with an ice bag and chip it off.

Bookmark our full stain removal guide for wine, coffee, pet accidents and more. If Halloween left a stain you can't beat, we've probably seen it before — get an instant estimate.