How to Remove Plastic from Carpet

Plastic marks on your carpet can be a disheartening sight. Whether they’re “skid” marks from a carpet cleaner or the result of a spill, it’s easy to think that they’re there to stay. Fortunately, there’s a surprisingly simple solution that works every time.

• Iron
• Brown paper bag

1. Preheat the iron to the hottest setting. Use an outlet within reach of the spot you’re trying to remove from the carpet.
2. Turn off the steam function to create a dry heat.
3. Cover the plastic marks with one layer of brown paper bag.
4. Place the hot iron on top of the brown paper bag.  Move it slowly and lightly so that it does not scorch, and avoid applying too much pressure or you’ll end up melting the plastic and pushing it further into the fibers.
5. As the heat of the iron penetrates the paper, it will melt the plastic and cause it to adhere to the paper.
6. Slowly peel the paper up. Remove the paper while it’s still warm. If you allow it to cool, the plastic will stick to the carpet fibers.
7. If there are plastic bits remaining in the carpet, repeat with clean paper. It may help to heat it longer before removing the paper.

• Do NOT use another type of paper. You must use a brown paper bag for this method to work properly. Experiment with other items at your own risk. Anything with ink (newspaper) could transfer that ink to the carpet.
• Do NOT let the iron come in direct contact with the plastic on the carpet. The plastic will melt to the hot surface of the iron and leave you with an even bigger mess.
• This method can also be used to remove melted plastics from fabrics.