Does shaving foam clean carpets? Professional cleaners explain

Apr 03, 2024

Professional cleaners explain how to use shaving foam to clean carpets when this hack is best used

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There are a myriad of cleaning tips and tricks on the internet to make cleaning easier – especially on our carpets and area rugs where stains tend to set in rapidly, but does shaving foam clean carpets?

Experts are suggesting we move this product from our bathroom cabinets to our cleaning supplies, as it is perfect for breaking down grease and lifting out even the toughest of stains when cleaning carpets.

Here, professional cleaners have shared their thoughts on using shaving foam to clean carpets, explaining when to use it, and how to get the most out of this cleaning tip.

We would love to know who first sprayed their shaving products all over their carpets, but professional cleaners are glad they did.

‘I only learned recently that shaving foam can be a surprisingly effective way to clean carpet stains, but I love it,’ says Ryan Knoll, professional cleaner and owner of Tidy Casa. ‘The foam easily breaks down grease and other substances that cling to the carpet fibers, making them easier to remove. All you have to do is apply, allow it to sit for a few minutes, and then scrub the area dry with a clean towel.

The caveat, Ryan adds, is that it is vital to use the foam variation, and not the gel or soap to get the best results. Otherwise, the product may make the stain worse, or become slick and sticky.

Barbasol Shaving Foam | $1.93 at WalmartThis colorless, fragrance-free shaving foam is great for this quick cleaning hack – just be sure to test it on a smaller space first to ensure it doesn't have any adverse effects on your floor covering.

Ryan started a home services business, Tidy Casa, in 2015. He is passionate about sharing his journey and helping others solve problems through his selection of professional cleaners and experts.

Shaving foam works so well thanks to its ingredients, designed to help soften facial hair and containing a light abrasive to help break up knots and tangles and remove dead skin. These ingredients, called surfactants, break down the particles causing the stain, explains Kevin Geick, manager at Bio Recovery Deep Cleaning. ‘The foam texture also allows the substance to cling to the stain, keeping the cleaning agent in contact with the stain for longer, rendering better results.’

It is worth noting that shaving foam could be a cleaning hack to avoid depending on the type of stain or spillage that is marking your carpet.

While some cleaners have seen results using shaving foam on oil stains, Adam Moore, professional cleaner and owner of Paradise Home Cleaning suggests that this hack is best used on water-based stains such as spilled drinks, and pet pee.

‘It is important to remember that shaving cream may not work on all stains or carpet materials,’ Adam adds. ‘You should always test the shaving foam on a smaller, inconspicuous area of the carpet first, using it on the corner when cleaning an area rug, so as to check for any unexpected damage.

‘If the stain or mark remains after using shaving foam, allow the area to dry before trying a dedicated carpet cleaning product, or call a professional to help restore the carpet to its former glory,’ he says.

If cleaning wool rugs, or cleaning jute rugs, it may be best to stick to using specialized products suited to delicate natural materials to avoid further damage, as these natural fibers are more prone to water damage or staining. Using dedicated cleaners is a great way to protect investment pieces, and keep your home decor looking its best.

Regular white shaving cream is very unlikely to bleach your carpet, but colored shaving creams, gels, or soaps, could cause discoloration – especially on lighter-colored carpets and rugs. As a result, it is best to use a standard, white foam with no fragrance and spot-test it on a small inconspicuous area first before applying it to a stain.

When using shaving foam to clean carpets, it is best to leave it on the stain for around 10 minutes to give the product an adequate amount of time to soak into the stain and break down the particles. You can scrub the foam into the stain a little before allowing it to sit, too, helping to work it in between the fibers before blotting it away with a damp towel and drying.

Using shaving foam to clean carpets is not the only handy household application for this simple product. It is also great for cleaning make-up stains, and cleaning mirrors to prevent them fogging up.

You can also give it a go when cleaning outdoor rugs when trying to freshen up your outdoor space for summer.

Decor Ideas. Project Inspiration. Expert Advice. Delivered to your inbox.

Chiana has been at Homes & Gardens for a year, having started her journey in interior journalism as part of the graduate program. She spends most of her time producing content for the Solved section of the website, helping readers get the most out of their homes through clever decluttering, cleaning, and tidying tips – many of which she tests and reviews herself in her home in Lancaster to ensure they will consistently deliver for her readers and dabbles in the latest design trends. She also has a first-class degree in Literature from Lancaster University.

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