Cleaning spilled soap or detergent is quite a hassle. The approach you take will depend on the type of detergent (eg liquid or powder), as well as whether the detergent has hit the floor or carpet. However, remove any residual detergent, whether liquid or powder, first and thoroughly clean the floor. After that, store the detergent safely to make sure the product doesn't spill again.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Removing Liquid Detergent from the Carpet
Step 1. Spray warm water on the carpet
Yes, the soap spill itself is already wet, but you do need to wet the carpet with water to completely remove the detergent residue. Warm water is the best for separating detergent from carpet fibers. Fill a spray bottle with warm water (you can heat it in the microwave or on the stove) and wet the area where the detergent spilled into it.
Vinegar is one of the most effective all-purpose cleaners for cleaning your home, but for detergent spills, you shouldn't use it. Start with clean water, without other cleaning agents to remove detergent spills
Step 2. Soak up the detergent residue with a rag
After a few minutes, prepare a wet patch of cloth, dab it on the carpet, and try to absorb as much detergent as possible. You will need to put more effort into this step.
Even though it seems that all the detergent has been removed, some of it still remains. Carpets will feel hard or rough once they dry. However, this is not a problem because the cleaning process is not finished yet
Step 3. Use a steam cleaner
After removing most of the detergent with a towel/patch and exertion, it's time to use the steam cleaner. Run the tool on the carpet until no foam appears and the carpet texture feels smooth again.
- You can rent these tools from a home supply store (or similar store). Even though it looks like you will need to put in a lot of effort and money, your struggle will not be in vain because the remaining detergent will not stick to the carpet.
- Follow the instructions for using the tool carefully. Use the mixture that came in the kit and make sure you don't fill the container to the brim.
- If you don't want to rent a steam cleaner, you can brush the carpet manually. Pour water on the carpet, brush, and repeat until the detergent is completely removed. Use a fan to speed up the drying process.
Part 2 of 4: Cleaning up Detergent Spills from the Floor
Step 1. Wipe up spills using a clean patchwork cloth
Liquid detergent leaves a slippery and sticky residue on the floor if not removed thoroughly. This residue can also attract dust and dander, so you need to clean it up as soon as possible using a paper towel or patchwork.
Don't waste time cleaning up spills. Liquid detergent makes floors slippery. In addition, babies and pets may also be tempted to eat it
Step 2. Mop the spilled area to remove any residual detergent
Find a mop and dip it in warm clean water. If you don't see any trace of detergent residue, the water can make it foamy. Keep mopping the floor until no detergent remains.
The mop will remove any dirt or stains left in the cleaning process
Step 3. Dry the floor thoroughly with a patchwork or towel
After you've removed the spilled detergent and dirt with the mop, rub a clean patchwork over the floor until it's dry. That way, someone will not slip and the floor will not be stained or dirty when stepped on.
Part 3 of 4: Removing Leftover Powdered Detergent
Step 1. Remove the remaining detergent with a spoon
Do not use a vacuum cleaner or broom to pick up large spills of powdered detergent. First, remove as much detergent as you can with a spoon or dustpan. Make sure you don't spread the detergent on the carpet. Carefully scoop the detergent from the top of the pile with a spoon.
Step 2. Remove the remaining powdered detergent using a vacuum cleaner
Using a vacuum cleaner is usually the quickest and most effective method of removing powdered detergent residue. Keep in mind that you may need to move the washing machine or use a taper nozzle to reach under the washer or lift detergent residue in hard-to-reach areas.
- Keep the water away from the detergent so the spilled area doesn't foam or get messy.
- If you don't have a vacuum cleaner, you can use a broom. However, it will take longer to remove any spilled detergent powder.
Step 3. Observe the rest of the forgotten spill around you
It is possible that some of the detergent has spilled somewhere or a spot. For a thorough cleaning, check the area under or around the washing machine to be sure.
Part 4 of 4: Preventing Detergent from Spilling in Later
Step 1. Store the detergent in a better place
If your laundry detergent spills frequently, it's time to reevaluate your storage methods. It's a good idea to store detergent in an easy-to-reach place, and away from places that are easy to bump or kick.
- Do not store it in front of a washer or top load dryer. Movement or vibration of the machine can make the detergent container "jump" and fall.
- Detergent stored on the floor is likely to kick.
Step 2. Rethink your storage space
There are various containers sold on sites such as Tokopedia or Bukalapak, or household supply stores that can hide “less beautiful” boxes or detergent packages, as well as tidy up and secure the laundry area in your home. In addition, the installation of shelves on the wall also helps make use of the available space.
- If you are using powdered detergent, transfer the detergent to a container that can be closed to prevent the detergent from spilling out next time.
- Make sure you close the packaging or container of liquid and powder detergent tightly after using it.
Step 3. Switch to a transparent or white colored detergent to avoid obvious stains
There is no permanent way to avoid spills of laundry detergent. However, by switching to a transparent or white detergent, you can ensure that if the detergent hits the carpet or floor, you're only dealing with the foam, and not the stain from the dye.
