Short answer: let mud dry completely before you touch it. Then break it up, vacuum it out and treat whatever mark is left with cool water and a drop of dishwashing liquid. Cleaning wet mud spreads it and pushes it into the pile.
Why Adelaide mud is stubborn
Much of the Adelaide plains sits on clay. Wet clay is fine and sticky, and it carries a red-brown colour that can tint carpet fibres. Winter ovals, garden beds and unsealed paths all deliver it to the front door on boots, paws and bike tyres.
Step by step
- Leave it alone until it is fully dry. This can take a few hours. Keep feet off it.
- Break up the dried mud with a blunt knife or the edge of a spoon.
- Vacuum slowly, from several directions.
- Mix a few drops of clear dishwashing liquid into a cup of cool water.
- Dab the mark with a white cloth, working from the outside in. Blot, do not scrub.
- Rinse by dabbing with plain water, then blot dry.
- Repeat if colour is still transferring to the cloth.
If a reddish tint remains, the clay has stained the fibre. Stop there; scrubbing will only damage the pile. A professional clean can usually lift it.
Grass stains
Grass is a dye stain, not dirt. Blot with cool water and dishwashing liquid as above, and avoid hot water, which can set it.
Stopping it at the door
- Boots off outside, every time. A boot tray or crate by the door makes it a habit.
- Bang boots together over the lawn before they come home.
- Keep an old towel at the door for the dog.
- Use a coarse mat outside and an absorbent mat inside.
- Put a washable runner down the hallway for the winter season.
The end-of-season clean
By September, a winter of sport has usually left hallways and living areas dull. A deep clean in spring removes the soil and sets the house up for summer. See the best time of year to clean carpets.
Cars cop it too. See car upholstery cleaning. For the house, see carpet cleaning and rug cleaning.
FAQs
Should I clean mud while it is wet?
No. Wet mud smears and soaks in. Let it dry, then vacuum.
How do I get red clay stains out of carpet?
Remove the dry soil first, then blot with cool water and mild detergent. Persistent colour usually needs professional treatment.
Does hot water help with mud?
Use cool water at home. Heat can set the colour from clay and grass.
