What’s the Best Way to Clean Up Pine Needles from Carpet?

Taking down the decorations marks the end of Christmas each year. If you had a real tree, it will inevitably have dropped piles of needles onto your carpet throughout the festive season. Without proper cleaning, many households find these for months after they dispose of the tree.

So, what’s the best way to clean up pine needles from carpet? Read on as we take a closer look…

Preventing pine needles getting into carpets

If you’re worried about the post-Christmas clean-up, you can minimise the number of needles that reach your carpet.

Tree skirts wrap around the base of your tree and cover the area underneath it. This means that the skirt collects the needles, instead of letting them fall to the floor. Alternatively, you can place a rug under your tree, which will do the same job.

You can also spray hairspray onto your tree, which will prevent the needles from drying and falling off.

However, if you didn’t do this in advance, here are some solutions to make sure your house isn't still covered in needles by next winter.

Best ways to clean up pine needles from carpet

Dustpan and brush

While it may be your instinct to vacuum, this could actually damage your vacuum. Using a dustpan and brush will prevent clogged machinery and allow you to dispose of the needles safely.

Rubber broom

A rubber broom is one of the best tools to get pine needles out of carpet. The needles are less likely to get stuck to rubber than to regular bristles, making it easy to dispose of them afterwards.

Lint roller

The purpose of lint rollers is to collect debris, so they’re perfect for picking up pine needles. They're great for de-needling soft furnishings, clothing and of course carpet.

Sticky tape

Wrap a loop of sticky tape around your hand, with the sticky side facing outwards, and use it to collect the needles. This works similarly to a lint roller, but without having to go out and buy one. To protect your hand from sharp needles, it’s a good idea to wear thick gloves when you do this.

Bicarbonate of soda

Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda over the problematic pine needles and then use a dustpan and brush to sweep them up. The powder will coat the needles, creating friction that keeps them from clinging to your carpet.

Carpet shampoo

A dry foam carpet shampoo is an off-the-shelf solution to fallen pine needles. Make sure that the product you buy is suitable for your carpet, and always patch test on a hidden area first.

Get expert assistance

As with many carpet cleaning tasks, the best way to clean up pine needles from carpet is with the help of a professional carpet cleaner. If your pine needles are stubborn or you don’t have time to try different removal methods, booking an annual post-Christmas clean can refresh your carpets for the year ahead.

The National Carpet Cleaning Association (NCCA) has a database of accredited carpet cleaners that meet our high standards. Find a cleaner in your area with the reassurance that they’ve been thoroughly vetted for quality and reliability.