Removing dried filler from a carpet?

Belenus

A workman has dropped a few small bits of filler onto one of our carpets.

They are not very noticeable, and the area will be covered up by a rug so it isn't serious, but I would like to remove them anyway.

The carpet is 2 years old. It is Bell Twist from John Lewis and is 80% wool and 20% nylon as far as I can remember.

I have unsuccessfully attempted to gently remove the filler with my finger nails.

Would water help? Would a solvent such as Isopropyl Alcohol work without affecting the carpet colour or damaging the pile.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

daveyjp

Water may work to soften it.  Wet paper towel and lay it over the top and leave it for a while.

Carpet shouldn't be affected with this method.

pramsay13

If it doesn't just crumble between your fingers water should work to soften it. 

CliveOfIndia

If it's water-based filler (like ordinary polyfiller or similar) that you use for touching up walls/plaster then water should soften it.  At any rate, there's nothing lost by giving it a go - as long as you don't go too mad and absolutely saturate the carpet then you'll not do any damage.

If it's an epoxy type filler (like some wood fillers) then it may be more tricky.  If you're unable to remove it then the last resort is scissors.  If you use a small pair of nail scissors and every-so-carefully trim off the weeniest little bit of carpet just a gnat's whisker below the filler, that should hopefully get it off.  And you'll barely notice it, especially after it's been walked on / hoovered a few times.

But definitely try water first, it'll cost nothing to try and you don't run the risk of making things worse.

ThisIsWeird

Pliers or strong tweezers - if your fingers aren't as strong as Pramsay's. Just crush it to reduce it to powder, and wipe away with a damp cloth.

twopenny

Crushing with pluers may work. Worth a try.
I found with tiny spots of decorating stuff on carpets that cutting them out with a tiny pair of nail scissors was the most effective and invisible.
I gt some very sharp and thin nail scissors recently from Superdrug. They are bronze coloured and fine enough to snip only the tiniest bit.

FFHillbilly

I'd try a stiff scrubbing brush first, if not much success add a bit of water and keep scrubbing

Belenus

Thanks everyone. A bit more teasing with finger nails did the job.