How to Clean Mud Off Carpet, Upholstery and Hard Floors

Why wait? “Going straight for your deep cleaner may push wet mud deeper into the fibers,” says Jay. “Unlike some other stains, where fast action is key, letting mud and dirt sit for a little while is not going to make it more difficult to clean, and may actually make cleanup easier." 

Whatever surface mud lands on, the key to successful mud removal lies in having the right tools and technique. In this guide we share expert tips for cleaning mud spots and stains from hard floors, carpet, and upholstery.  

Pro Tip: Using a Pet Proven® certified cleaning tool is the best way to fully remove mud stains. These BISSELL® products went through rigorous lab testing to ensure they can easily clean any messes that come your way.   

The basics of mud stain removal 

Mud is essentially a combination of soil, water, and organic matter. It’s sticky and prone to spreading onto new surfaces, including any that come into contact with mud-caked shoes or paws. 

The composition of mud varies depending on your local soil type, weather conditions, and other facts. Clay-heavy mud tends to stick more stubbornly, while sandy mud may not latch on when disturbed. Organic matter like grass and leaves can add staining compounds to mud, adding to the complexity 

Time works in your favor when you have mud stains on soft surfaces.  

On carpet or furniture cushions, allowing mud to dry completely transforms a messy, spreadable substance into dry, more easily removed dirt. This patience-based approach is one of the most effective strategies for thorough mud removal. 

On sealed hard surfaces, mud is often easier to remove than dried-on dirt. However, with a vacuum and mop combo, such as a CrossWave® cleaning machine, cleaning formula will quickly unstick stubborn spots.  

How to clean mud from carpet 

Mud particles can cling to carpet fibers, making proper technique essential for complete removal. The key is removing the largest surface particles so you can effectively target the deep down residue. Unlike liquid spills that require immediate action, mud stains actually become easier to clean once they've dried completely on soft surfaces. This counterintuitive approach prevents you from grinding dirt deeper into fibers. 

Getting ready to clean mud off of carpet 

Before you begin cleaning, ensure the muddy area is completely dry. This may take several hours depending on how thick the mud is and your home's humidity levels. Resist the urge to start cleaning wet mud, as this will only spread the problem and push it deeper into the carpet. 

Materials needed

• The PowerClean® FurFinder™ Cordless Stick Vacuum removes dry dirt and debris 

• The ProHeat 2X® Revolution® Pet Pro Carpet Cleaner loosens and lifts deep-set stains  

• The cleaning power of OXY in PET PRO OXY Urine Eliminator Formula helps remove stains and odors 

Step 1: Vacuum dried mud  

Once the mud is completely dry, use the PowerClean® FurFinder™ Cordless Stick Vacuum to remove as much loose soil as possible. Make multiple passes over the area, changing your direction after each pass so you target deeply lodged dirt particles from multiple angles.  

Step 2: Prepare your carpet cleaner 

Fill the clean water tank of your ProHeat 2X® Revolution® Pet Pro Carpet Cleaner with warm water and PET PRO OXY Urine Eliminator Formula, using the measurement lines on the clean tank to get the right ratio of water to formula.   

Step 3: Pretreat the affected area 

Place the carpet cleaner a few inches back from the stain. Press the CleanShot® Pretreater trigger on the foot of the machine, directing the spray onto the stain. Allow the formula to sit for a few minutes to give the stain time to begin to break down.  

If you’re working a large mud stain, focus on cleaning the stained area plus approximately 6 inches beyond the visible stain boundaries to make sure you get any particles that spread.  If you are cleaning small tracks or a trail of spots, clean over and around the whole area.  

While making a slow forward pass over the area, press the trigger on the handle of your upright deep cleaner to release cleaning formula over and around the stain. The machine's brush roll will agitate the carpet fibers and work the cleaning solution deep into the carpet, loosening remaining mud particles. Release the trigger and pull the machine back toward you to extract the dirty solution. Make a few passes from different angles then examine your work.  

Step 5: Repeat if necessary 

For heavily soiled areas or stubborn stains, repeat the cleaning process. You may want to make repeat passes without the trigger, so you extract as much moisture as possible. 

Step 6: Allow to dry completely 

After cleaning, allow the carpet to air dry completely. Improve drying time by opening windows, running fans, or using your HVAC system. Avoid walking on the area until it's completely dry to prevent re-soiling. 

How to clean mud off of upholstery  

Upholstered furniture and car interiors follow a similar technique as carpet cleaning, including the same “dry-first” principle. While we detail the steps for using a portable deep cleaner removing mud from upholstery, many upright carpet cleaners have a hose attachment that can be used in a similar way.  

Getting ready to clean mud from upholstery 

Check the manufacturer's care label on your furniture. Only fabrics labeled "W" (water-based cleaners) or "WS" (water or solvent-based cleaners) should be cleaned with the water-based solutions recommended here. If your furniture is labeled "S" (solvent only) or "X" (dry brush or vacuum only), consult a professional cleaner. 

Allow mud to dry completely, just as you would with carpet. For car interiors, ensure the vehicle is parked in a shaded area to prevent cleaning solutions from evaporating too quickly in direct sunlight. 

Materials needed 

• The PowerClean® FurFinder™ Cordless Stick Vacuum lifts loose dirt 

• The Little Green® Pet Pro Portable Deep Cleaner wets and removes dried mud on upholstery 

• The cleaning power of OXY in Little Green™ Spot & Stain Formula for Portable Carpet Cleaners helps remove stains and odors 

Step 1: Vacuum loose debris 

Using the FurFinder™ Upholstery Tool on your PowerClean® FurFinder™ Cordless Stick Vacuum, carefully remove all loose, dried mud from the fabric surface. Work systematically across the entire affected area, paying attention to crevices and seams where soil can hide. 

Step 2: Prepare portable cleaner 

Add Little Green™ Spot & Stain Formula for Portable Carpet Cleaners and warm water to your Little Green® Pet Pro Portable Deep Cleaner, following the guide lines on the clean tank to ensure you get the optimal ratio for cleaning mud.  

Step 3: Test in an inconspicuous area 

Before treating the visible stain, test clean a hidden area of the upholstery to ensure the fabric doesn’t become discolored or damaged. (If your material has a “W” or “WS” on the clean tag it’s probably safe to clean, but you should not skip this step.) 

Step 4: Clean the mud stain 

Using the handheld tool, spray cleaning solution onto the stained area. Gently scrub the fabric with the bristles on the tool. 

Step 5: Extract and repeat 

Press the tool into the upholstery and slowly pull it back toward you so the suction of the machine extracts the liquid. If the stain is still visible, repeat the process.  

Step 5: Allow the area to dry 

Allow the upholstery to air dry completely before using. To speed up drying time, open a window or turn on a fan or your home’s HVAC system. 

How to clean mud off of hard floors 

Mud on hard floors can be cleaned when it’s wet or dry. To avoid tracking mud around, and to prevent accidentally scratching the finish on your floors with any small rocks or debris, aim to remove muddy messes as soon as you see them.  

Dry mud may be a little more difficult to remove, but with a vacuum + mop combo, such as the CrossWave® EdgeFind™ machine, it’s easy unstick stubborn dried-on spots.  

Preparing to clean mud from hard flooring 

When mud appears on sealed hardwood, laminate, tile, or other hard flooring, you have two objectives – removing the mud and cleaning the floor. With the CrossWave® EdgeFind™ wet dry vac and a BISSELL® hard floor or multi-surface floor cleaning formula, you can accomplish both in a single step.  

Materials needed 

• The CrossWave EdgeFind all-in-one vacuum and wash system is designed for cleaning hard floors and refreshing area rugs 

• The PET Multi-Surface with Febreze Formula is formulated for removing tough pet messes and leaves behind that fresh Febreze scent 

Step 1: Prepare your vac + mop combo machine 

Fill the clean tank of your CrossWave EdgeFind vacuum and mop machine with warm water and PET Multi-Surface with Febreze Formula, using the markers on the tank to get the right amount of each.  

Step 2: Clean the muddy area 

The CrossWave® EdgeFind™ machine simultaneously vacuums up wet and dry debris while washing the floor with cleaning solution. Power the machine on and begin cleaning the affected area, making passes over the dirty area from a few different angles. 

The CrossWave® EdgeFind™ machine simultaneously vacuums up wet and dry debris while washing the floor with cleaning solution. Power the machine on and begin cleaning the affected area, making passes over the dirty area from a few different angles. 

The CrossWave® EdgeFind™ machine is built so you don't miss spots along walls, in corners, and right up next to furniture.  

Step 3: Allow the floor to dry 

Because the CrossWave® EdgeFind™ wet dry vac delivers just the right amount of cleaning formula to clean, but not saturate hard floors, you can expect the area to be dry in just minutes. CrossWave® machines are safe to use on more water-sensitive surfaces such as sealed laminate and vinyl flooring, which can be damaged when it gets too wet.  

Preventing mud accumulation 

The best mud cleanup strategy is preventing mud from entering your home in the first place. A few proactive measures can dramatically reduce the amount of mud your family and your pets track in. 

Install door mats in and out of your home 

Place mats inside and outside your most used entrances. Outdoor mats should scrape debris from shoes and paws, while indoor mats should focus on absorption.  

Consider washable mats that can be cleaned regularly, or have multiple sets so you can rotate them for washing. During muddy seasons, you may need to clean or replace mats more frequently. 

Establish a no-shoes policy 

Removing shoes at the door can also help keep mud from tracking in.  

Clean muddy paws and groom pets regularly 

For pets, you can set up a cleaning station during muddy seasons, keeping a towel near the door to wipe muddy paws and more actively washing pets that get extra dirty. Many pets can be trained to wait patiently for a quick paw cleaning, especially when rewarded with treats. 

Establish regular grooming routines that include paw care. Keeping the hair between your pet's toes trimmed reduces the amount of mud and debris they can pick up outdoors.  

Environmental and safety considerations 

When choosing cleaning products for pet-related messes, it's important to consider both effectiveness and safety for your furry family members. 

Choosing pet-friendly cleaning products 

BISSELL® cleaning formulas are designed with pet safety in mind, using ingredients that are effective against stains and odors while being safe for use around animals when used as directed. Cleaned areas should be completely dry and soft surfaces should also be vacuumed before allowing pets back into the space. 

Store all cleaning products safely away from pets and children, and never mix different cleaning products together. Follow label directions carefully for both effectiveness and safety. 

Conclusion 

Recap of effective mud removal strategies 

Successful mud removal depends on using the right approach for each surface type. Remember that patience pays off with carpet and upholstery – letting mud dry completely makes removal easier and increases your likelihood of fully removing all the mud.

For hard floors, immediate action prevents tracking mud around and simplifies cleanup. 

Having the right tools is key to making mud cleanup simple and successful.  

• For carpet, and upholstery, vacuuming dried mud with a PowerClean® FurFinder™ Cordless Stick Vacuum works best.  

• On carpet, an upright deep cleaner such as ProHeat 2X® Revolution® Pet Pro Carpet Cleaner, when filled with warm water PET PRO OXY Urine Eliminator Formula, will quickly lift away embedded stains such as a dried trail of muddy paw prints.  

• On upholstery, the Little Green® Pet Pro Portable Deep Cleaner can be filled with warm water and Little Green™ Spot & Stain Formula for Portable Carpet Cleaners to remove mud smudges on furniture and even car seating.  

• On hard floors, CrossWave® EdgeFind™ wet dry vac can be filled with warm water and PET Multi-Surface with Febreze Formula to simultaneously vacuum up both wet and dry solids, semi-solids like mud, and liquids while also cleaning and mopping the floors. 

Regular maintenance and implementing strategies to reduce mud tracking can keep your home clean, especially in muddy seasons.  

Frequently asked questions 

Is it best to let mud dry before cleaning? 

When mud gets onto carpet and upholstery, letting it dry completely is the most effective approach. "Going straight for your deep cleaner may push wet mud deeper into the fibers," explains Jay Kellis, BISSELL Principal Chemist. However, for hard floors, it’s easiest to clean mud as soon as you spot it. Once mud dries on a hard floor, it likely needs to be wet again for full removal.  

How can I remove mud stains from carpet and upholstery? 

The best method is to first vacuum all loose, dried soil using a quality vacuum like the PowerClean® FurFinder™ Cordless Stick Vacuum, then deep clean with appropriate equipment: the ProHeat 2X® Revolution® Pet Pro Carpet Cleaner can be used with PET PRO OXY Urine Eliminator Formula to tackle trails of muddy paw prints on carpet. On upholstery, the Little Green® Pet Pro Portable Deep Cleaner can be used with Little Green™ Spot & Stain Formula for Portable Carpet Cleaners to remove mud spots.  

What is the best way to clean mud off hardwood or laminate flooring? 

Use the CrossWave® EdgeFind™ wet dry mop to simultaneously vacuums mud and debris while washing the floor with PET Multi-Surface with Febreze Formula. With this combo you can clean up wet and dry mud all the way to the edges of a room.