Seven Halloween party stains that haunt your carpet (and how to clean them)

Halloween is one of the most exciting nights of the year. From hosting a Halloween party with friends to carving pumpkins with the kids, it’s all fun and games until the mess begins. Pumpkin carving, costumes, makeup, fake blood, sweets, and even a little too much red wine can all leave behind stains that feel scarier than the decorations themselves. In fact, online searches for Halloween cleaning are up by 75% in the last month, showing just how many people are looking for quick solutions to deal with the seasonal chaos.

The good news is that with the right tricks, you can quickly tackle these messes and prevent them from leaving a lasting mark on your flooring. Our carpet cleaning experts at Online Carpets have pulled together the ultimate guide to after party cleaning, so you know exactly how to remove any stain that Halloween throws your way.

How to prevent carpet stains before the Halloween party

While it’s great to know how to get rid of carpet stains after they happen, the best way to protect your carpets is to take preventive measures before your party starts. 

Encourage your guests to keep certain activities away from carpeted rooms and instead opt for rooms with laminate or vinyl, which are easier to clean. 

Face painting activities like applying foundation or using glitter should ideally be done at a designated table with a washable surface, while sugary treats, red wine, and craft supplies are best kept away from carpets whenever possible. By creating clear zones for messy activities, you reduce the likelihood of stains spreading across your home.If you have to set up in a carpeted room, start by laying down washable mats, old sheets, or disposable tablecloths in areas where messy activities are likely, such as pumpkin carving stations, crafting areas or makeup tables. These protective layers create a barrier between your carpet and potential spills, helping you avoid some of the most stubborn Halloween stains before they even occur.

Planning ahead like this not only keeps your carpets safe but also makes after-party cleaning much quicker and simpler. Guests can enjoy the fun without worrying about leaving behind a carpet catastrophe.

How to Tackle the 7 Most Common Halloween Carpet Stains

Halloween parties bring fun, creativity, and, unfortunately, a host of potential carpet stains. From pumpkin to red wine, here’s our expert guide on tackling seven spooky Halloween carpet stains before they set in.

How to get pumpkin stains out of carpet

Nothing says it’s Halloween season more than carving pumpkins with your friends or family, but the bright orange sticky juice can be a nightmare for carpets and fabrics.

But ‘Does pumpkin stain?’, the simple answer is yes. Pumpkin is full of natural carotenoid pigments, or in simpler terms, the compounds that give carrots and sweet potatoes their colour. This means that the juice can act like a natural dye, leaving an orange tinge on your carpet or clothing.

If you’re wondering how to remove pumpkin stains, the rule is to act fast. You should start by gently scraping away any excess pulp with a spoon; avoid rubbing as this will push the pumpkin stain deeper into your carpet fibres. Then dip a cloth into cold water and blot the stained area to dilute the pigments. If possible, mix a carpet cleaning solution with warm water and dab it over the stain, then you can finish up with a rinse with clean water and blot dry. 

The best prevention? Cover your carving area with a cloth or newspaper, and keep pumpkin carving on tables, not on the carpet

How to get fake blood out of carpet 

It’s likely you’ll be using fake blood for your costume or simply for decoration; after all, it’s a Halloween essential. But those red stains can be just as scary on your carpet. The reason fake blood stains so badly is that prosthetic blood is usually made with strong dyes designed to be long-lasting and realistic. Synthetic dyes cling to materials like carpet fibres and fabrics, which means it can be difficult for you to remove.

The key to mastering how to get fake blood out of carpet is not to let the dye set. Blot your stain and avoid scrubbing; rubbing will spread the red further. Mix cold water with some washing-up liquid and dab the solution gently onto the stain with a white cloth. Keep blotting until the colour is lifted. 

Avoid hot water, as heat will lock the pigment into your carpet. For more stubborn stains, try a mix of water and white vinegar to break down the dye molecules. 

When it comes to fake blood stains, preparation helps. If you’re hosting, encourage costume makeup to be set with hairspray or sealant so the colour is less likely to run onto your floors or furniture during the party.

How to get glitter out of carpet

Glitter can really add to your Halloween costume, table decorations, or party invitation, but the truth is that it’s one of the most difficult stains to get rid of. The reason glitter is so tricky is that it’s made from tiny pieces of plastic or foil that cling to fibres through static electricity. If you’ve ever hosted a Halloween party, you will likely have found that even weeks later, you’ll still spot the odd sparkle glinting at you from the carpet. 

The key to getting glitter out of carpet is patience and doubling up on your cleaning methods. Begin by hoovering using your hose attachment rather than the roller as this will prevent glitter from spreading over your carpet due to increased suction. For stubborn pieces, you can wrap sticky tape around your hand and press it gently into your carpet fibres to lift the glitter away. A lint roller can also come in handy.

How to get foundation out of carpet

Makeup is an unavoidable staple of Halloween, and foundation will often be used as part of your base before face paint. Unfortunately, foundation can be one of the toughest stains to shift. Foundation is particularly stubborn because it’s oil-based and designed to stick to skin all day. This same power works against you when it lands on carpet fibres. 

As is often the case, the key to getting rid of foundation stains is acting quickly. You should use a spoon or a blunt knife to lift any excess product from carpet fibres without smearing it further. Next, you should blot the area with a cloth tipped in warm water and washing-up liquid. Work from the outside of the stain to stop it from spreading. 

For oil-heavy or full-coverage foundation, try rubbing alcohol on a white cloth, which can dissolve the residue. Just test a hidden patch of your carpet first to make sure your carpet fibres don’t react. Once the colour begins to lift, rinse with clean water to flush away detergent, then blot dry with kitchen roll.

How to clean candle wax out of carpet

Candles create the perfect eerie ambience for Halloween, but when melted wax drips or a tealight gets knocked over, the hardened residue can spell disaster for your carpets. 

If you’re asking how to clean candle wax out of carpet, the first rule is to let the wax cool. Place a bag of ice cubes over the spilled wax and make it brittle. Once it’s solid, you should scrape as much off as you can with a blunt knife or even your bank card. Next, lay a clean cloth or several sheets of kitchen roll (whichever is easiest) over the remaining wax and press a warm (not hot) iron on top. As the wax softens, it will transfer onto the cloth instead of the carpet. Keep shifting to a fresh area of cloth and repeat until no more wax transfer.

To remove spilled candle wax from a more sensitive fabric, such as a velvet couch, use a hair dryer instead of your iron.

For a step-by-step guide, you can read our wax cleaning guide.

How to remove red wine stains from carpet

Red wine can feel like the perfect autumnal drink, but it comes with a threat to your floors. Red wine is notorious for leaving lasting marks because it’s rich in compounds that stick to fabrics and produce a purple-red pigment. The longer it sits, the deeper it sinks into your carpet fibres. 

To remove red wine stains from your carpet, grab a clean cloth and blot (never rub) to soak up as much liquid as possible. Then mix together two parts warm water, one part white vinegar, and one part dishwashing liquid. Blot this solution onto the stain gently, working from the outside in, and keep switching to a clean patch of cloth as the colour lifts. Once the stain fades, rinse with cold water and blot dry thoroughly. If you’re dealing with an older red wine spill, a sprinkle of salt can sometimes draw out the pigment before you start blotting. Acting fast makes all the difference when you need to clean red wine from the carpet after a party.

How to clean vomit out of carpet

With sweets, cocktails, and sometimes a little too much excitement, Halloween can end with an accident or two, and sick is one of the most unpleasant stains to tackle. Unlike other spills, vomit comes with a combination of solids, liquids, stomach acids, and strong odours, which is why it not only stains but can also leave lingering smells if not cleaned properly.

If you’re wondering how to get vomit out of carpet, start by wearing gloves and carefully lifting away any solids with a spatula or spoon. 

Blot the remaining liquid with paper towels, taking care not to spread the mess further. Sprinkle baking soda generously over the area and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. This helps absorb moisture and neutralises odour. Vacuum the powder, then treat the stain with a mixture of warm water and mild detergent, blotting repeatedly until the fibres are clean. 

Rinse with plain water and blot dry. For stronger smells, an enzymatic cleaner designed for pet stains can be effective, as it breaks down the organic matter at the source. 

If you’re interested in buying a new stain resistant carpet and want to know the best fit for your home, read this blog: Hard-Wearing Stain-Resistant Carpets: The Best Options for Busy Families