← Stain and Surface GuideMud and Dirt Stain Removal Guide
The best trick with mud is patience: let it dry completely before you touch it. Wet mud smears, while dried mud brushes away easily and leaves a much smaller stain to treat.
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Carpet
- Let the mud dry completely, which can take a few hours, rather than trying to clean it while wet.
- Break up and vacuum the dried mud thoroughly to remove as much solid material as possible.
- Blot any remaining discoloration with a cloth dampened in a mix of dish soap and warm water.
- Apply a carpet-safe stain remover to any leftover mark and blot until it lifts, then let the area air dry.
Safety note: Resist the urge to wipe wet mud, since that pushes it deeper into the carpet fibers and spreads the stain over a larger area.
Clothing
- Let the mud dry fully, then brush or shake off as much as possible outdoors before it ever touches your washing machine.
- Rinse the back of the stained area under cold running water to flush out remaining particles.
- Apply a liquid laundry stain remover to the spot and let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
- Wash in the warmest water the care label allows, then check the spot before drying.
Safety note: Avoid brushing dried mud indoors, since loose particles can scatter across floors and furniture.