How To Get Modge Podge Out of Carpet? [When It Is Wet & When dried]

Modge Podge is a decoupage medium commonly used for craft and DIY projects. It is an all-in-one product used on surfaces such as paper and fabric. While doing craft work can be fun, it can sometimes be messy if you are not careful.

Although the Modge podge can be used as glue, it has the added advantage of being a sealer and a finisher. It is a low-cost, multipurpose, and simple-to-use product.

Modge podge or any glue or paint on your carpet, for example, can be an unsightly problem. Getting modge podge out of the carpet can be a real challenge, but not impossible.

You should know the correct methods and techniques and work on them for a while to remove them.

It is best to get it off before it dries to avoid any severe damage. Let us discuss some effective methods by which we can save your carpet from any permanent damage.

How To Get Mod Podge Out of Carpet?

Modge podge or any glue sets quickly before you notice it. While removing wet glue is relatively more straightforward, dried glue can also be removed, albeit with a little more effort on your part. We have outlined the procedures that can be followed in both situations.

It’s best if you notice the spill and act immediately to clean up while the modge podge is still wet. Time is of utmost essence here as the process becomes more tedious with time.

Process To Remove Modge Podge on Carpet When Wet

• Press a piece of paper or tissue on the spillage and try to absorb as much glue as possible—the more absorbent the tissue, the better. Repeat the process till all superficial glue has been absorbed.
• Take around two tablespoons of vinegar and mix it in a cup of warm water. Add a few drops of some dishwashing liquid and make a solution. Dip a clean cloth in this solution and scrub the area.
• Wipe the affected area with warm water to remove any leftover vinegar and dry with a clean cloth.

How To Get Dried Modge Podge Out of Carpet?

If the mod podge has already dried or just beginning to dry, use one of the following methods:

1. Nail polish remover or Acetone

Recently spilled glue comes off with the help of acetone. You can use pure acetone or any nail polish remover (as it contains acetone).

Remember to test it on a small area of the carpet for fading. If you notice any color change, do not use this method; otherwise, rub the area with a piece of cloth or cotton dipped in acetone to loosen the dried glue.

Repeat the process if required. You can leave the cloth or cotton saturated with acetone on the affected area for at least ten minutes to get better results.

2. Ammonia solution

Add a teaspoon of ammonia to approximately 8 ounces of warm water and stir.

Dip a clean cloth in this solution and dab the spot where the modge podge has been spilled.

You will notice that the glue softens gradually and is transferred to the fabric after some time.

3. Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol can loosen up the dried mod podge on your carpet.

Dip a clean cloth in rubbing alcohol and press on the affected area.

Use a butter knife to scrape off the mod podge. You can also use a nylon pan scrubber to scrape off the loose modge podge. 

4. Petroleum Jelly

Although it might seem odd, petroleum jelly works wonders when removing modge podge from your carpet.

Scoop out some petroleum jelly from the container and rub it gently into the affected area of your carpet with your fingers.

Leave it for about an hour or more, depending on the stain. Tough stains may require more time, so decide accordingly.

Wipe off the jelly from the carpet and dampen the area with warm water to which a little dishwashing liquid has been added.

Work this liquid onto the carpet with a cloth and let it rest for ten to fifteen minutes. Flush the carpet with cold water to remove excess fluid and mod podge.

You can repeat the dishwasher liquid process if you feel that some amount of petroleum jelly is still left behind on the carpet.

5. Steam Clean

This is important to ensure deep cleaning of the carpet’s fibers.

Whatever method you use to loosen up the modge podge, follow it up by cleaning your carpet using a steam cleaner.

Make sure you follow the instruction manual to get the best results. You can try Bissell multi-purpose carpet cleaner to remove all the spots and stains from your carpet.

Look up McCulloch heavy-duty steam cleaner with a large tank that provides up to 45 minutes of steam to clean every area. Air dry your carpet by opening all doors and windows or switching on the fans to quicken the drying process.

Final Words:

Modge Podge is a popular adhesive used to seal and decorate many objects. However, it can be difficult to remove if you accidentally spill it somewhere while working.

As discussed above, it can be removed using a solvent such as acetone, a paint thinner, or alcohol. Sometimes, using very hot water may also help soften the modge podge from the carpet. It can then be scraped away with any cloth or brush.

The surface should ideally be dampened with the solvent and then rubbed with a clean cloth until all the mod podge is gone. We hope you will find these tips helpful and will be able to salvage your carpet from any spillage.