Zebo fireplace black lead

[Salix]

I tried to help a 77year old friend by black leading her fireplace with Zebo black lead. However, I manged to get a single drip on the carpet and trod on it, before hoovering. By the time I realised, I had managed to get it everywhere! Does anyone have any advice on how to remove the black lead fromn a sage green carpet? If I google the question, I just get replies for removing pencil lead, which of course is nothing like it. Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[Cubist]

I'm assuming the black substance in the black lead is actually graphite. You could search on approaches using that term but I would guess the answers would include a small amount of detergent, ammonia, peroxide and the like or perhaps a solvent used with fabrics. However, whatever agent you might use I would recommend that you use something like one of those 'cotton buds' to test its efficacy in a small area first as I'd also guess the graphite stain could easily spread. Sorry I can't be of more help.

 

[Stevers]

Something about not starting from where you are!

I'd have thought some sort of solvent and then a proper shampoo/washer to finish off.

 

[Flyfisher]

I had a quick search for graphite solvents (assuming that's the main culprit) and it seems there are chemicals that will dissolve graphite but they all looked way beyond my A-level chemistry knowledge to know if they would work or be safe to use outside of a high-security bio-hazard facility!

If it was my problem, I'd probably try to contact the Zebrite manufacturer for their advice.

 

[Stevers]

My thinking (such as it was) - solvent for any binders, then shampoo for the remaining unbound graphite and to even things up.

 

[a twig]

I would casually mention that you’ve never been a fan of green carpets anyway and point out that really you’ve done them a favour, and then bolt for the door before they have time to grab the Le Creuset and administer righteousness weighty retribution

 

[LadyArowana]

Filthy stuff that grate polish, but you already found that out. Trying to remember what I used to get it off my hands before I discovered surgical gloves….. I think dishwashing liquid helped and that’s reasonably mild so worth starting with it. Try some on a cotton bud in the centre of the stain and see if any black coulour is transferring onto the white tip, that indicates it’s working. If it seems to be helping to lift the stain blot with kitchen towel. You really want to avoid saturating the carpet and spreading the stain out over a wider area. You also need to take care that you aren’t removing the colour of the carpet itself! For specialised or more solventy options I am a big fan of Dr Beckmans, big range of different things, this just one example https://www.dr-beckmann.co.uk/products/stain-devils-lubricant-and-grease/