When ash permeates into the carpet, it can cause an undesirable appearance especially if you have light-colored carpeting. If not dealt with right away, it can become a bigger issue. The longer the stain is left unattended, the ash moves deeply into the carpet fibers and harder to remove. Light-colored carpets show the ash more vividly as well as any leftover residue from the cleaning process if not properly performed. You can effectively remove ash stains on carpet by acting right away after the stain occurs with these steps. - Vacuum the ash-stained site. Avoid using a brush or roller-beater since these will embed the ash deeper into the carpet. - Sprinkle an absorbent material such as cornstarch, baby powder, baking soda or powdered carpet cleaner on the stain and leave in place for 1-2 hours. - Vacuum the absorbent substance and free ash from the carpet. - Blot the mark with a clean, white cloth moistened with dry cleaning solvent. Avoid rubbing the cloth on the stain. - Repeat the application of the solvent and blotting of the stain until the ash is completely removed. - Dab the carpet with clear water until the dry cleaning solvent is fully removed. Allow the carpet to fully dry.