How to Get Glitter Out of Carpet With or Without a Vacuum

If you have creative little artists who love to sprinkle their magical glitter all over the house, then you know the struggle of trying to clean up the aftermath, especially when it comes to getting glitter out of carpet. 

Glitter has a mischievous way of finding its way into the carpet fiber, leaving a sparkly trail that seems impossible to remove. 

In this article, we explore how to get glitter out of carpet using three different methods, including two methods you can use without a vacuum cleaner. So put on your sparkle-catching hat and get ready to tackle those stubborn specks of glimmer.

What you’ll need

• Vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment (for method 1)
• Crevice tool attachment (method 1)
• Duct tape or masking tape (method 2)
• Clean cloth or sponge
• Bowl or bucket of warm water
• Mild detergent
• Sticky tape or lint roller
• Small brush or broom (optional)
• Dustpan or sturdy piece of cardboard
• Clean towel or paper towels

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How to get glitter out of carpet: 3 ways

Getting glitter out of carpet is relatively easy if you use one of these three methods. 

Method 1: Vacuum cleaner

Follow these steps to get glitter out of carpet with a vacuum cleaner.

Gather your supplies

You’ll need: a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment, a crevice tool attachment, a small brush or broom, a dustpan or sturdy piece of cardboard, and sticky tape or lint roller.

Clean the area around the glitter

Next, clear the immediate area around the glitter spill to make it easier to work. If the glitter is spread over a large area, consider sectioning it off to work on one part at a time.

Sweep glitter toward center

Gently sweep the glitter toward the center of the affected area. Be careful not to press the glitter deeper into the carpet fibers.

Vacuum with hose attachment

Connect the hose attachment to your vacuum cleaner. If you have a crevice tool attachment, attach it to the hose. This can be helpful for reaching into tight corners or along baseboards.

Vacuum the area with the hose attachment or the crevice tool attachment, working from the outer edges toward the center. In addition, use slow, deliberate motions to ensure the vacuum effectively picks up the glitter.

Inspect (and move to method 2 if needed)

Inspect the carpet carefully to see if any glitter particles remain. If you spot any stubborn glitter pieces, use the next method: duct tape or masking tape.

Method 2: Duct tape or masking tape

For small areas of glitter, or for stubborn glitter particles that won’t come up with a vacuum, try this method.

• Tear off a strip of duct tape or masking tape that is long enough to cover the width of the affected area. The wider the tape, the more effective it will be in picking up glitter.
• Press one end of the tape firmly on the carpet at one edge of the glitter spill. Then smooth the tape down and gently press it onto the carpet, ensuring good contact with the glitter.
• Slowly lift the tape from the carpet, pulling it back in a smooth and steady motion. The sticky surface of the tape will pick up loose glitter from the carpet fibers.
• Once you’ve lifted the first strip of tape, cut a fresh strip and repeat the process. Continue using new strips of tape until you’ve covered the entire affected area.
• Lastly, as you remove each strip of tape, fold it onto itself to contain the glitter. Dispose of the used tape strips in a trash bag or container to prevent the glitter from spreading.

Method 3: Warm water and mild detergent

Warm water and detergent also works to get glitter out of carpet without a vacuum. Follow these steps.

• Fill a bowl or bucket with warm water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Mix it gently until it creates a soapy solution.
• Be careful not to use too much detergent, as excessive suds can be difficult to remove from the carpet.
• Dip a cloth or sponge into the prepared cleaning solution. Make sure it is damp but not soaking wet.
• Gently press the damp cloth or sponge to the glitter spill.
• Avoid rubbing the area vigorously, as this may cause the glitter to embed further into the carpet fibers.
• Lift the cloth or sponge straight up, pulling the glitter along with it. Check the cloth or sponge to see if the glitter has transferred onto it.
• Rinse the cloth or sponge in clean water to remove any collected glitter and residue. Squeeze out excess water to ensure the cloth or sponge is damp but not dripping.
• Blot the glitter spill again with the damp cloth or sponge, repeating the process until no more glitter transfers onto the cloth or sponge.
• After removing the glitter, use a clean towel or paper towels to blot the damp area of the carpet. Press down gently to absorb any excess moisture. 

How do you get glitter glue out of carpet?

Scrape off excess glitter glue with a blunt knife or spoon. Dampen the affected area with warm water and gently blot the glue with a clean cloth, working from the outside toward the center. If the glue persists, use a solution of mild dish soap and water or white vinegar and water, blotting and rinsing frequently.

How do you get glitter out of carpet without a vacuum?

If you don’t have a vacuum, you can get glitter out of carpet using sticky tape or a lint roller. Press the tape or roller onto the glitter and peel it off. The sticky surface of the tape will pick up loose glitter from the carpet fibers. Alternatively, use a damp cloth to gently blot and lift the glitter.

What picks up glitter from hard surfaces?

If you have glitter on a hard surface like your table, countertop, or hardwood floors, you can pick it up using sticky tape or lint rollers. Press them on the glitter, then peel them off to collect the particles. Alternatively, you can use a damp cloth or sponge or a handheld vacuum with a brush attachment.

Does hairspray remove glitter?

Yes, hairspray can remove glitter from certain surfaces like fabric, upholstery, glass, or smooth plastics. Spray a small amount of hairspray on the glittered area and let it sit for a while. Then, use a clean cloth or paper towel to blot and wipe away the glitter. Repeat if necessary until the glitter is removed.

How to remove anything and everything from carpet

Check out these other pro tips for removing stubborn messes from carpets.

• How to clean vomit from carpet 
• How to remove slime from carpet

Remove glitter easily from your carpets

Removing glitter from your carpet is achievable and easy with the right methods and supplies at hand. 

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