Sounds bad. The plastic probably had some kind of adhesive. I know when we remodeled our contractor bought in a cloth (looked like muslin) runner to protect our carpeting. The only thing I would do is test with some kind of adhesive remover. I'd try hair spray, alcohol, maybe even try to contact the company that made that plastic runner. Good luck to you!

I would give my old standby Spot Shot a try on your carpet. It is petroleum-based. Maybe mineral spirits?

Here is a link that might be useful: Spot Shot.

Hi Diane, sorry to hear about your residue problem.

This will happen if the product is left down too long, is exposed to direct sunlight or if its a cheap product. We had these problems wiht some of our contracting jobs and switched to a better type that lasts 60 days and doesn't leave residue. In fact, they posted help for people using these problem products and I included thier link below. it has lots of suggestions for how to deal with it.

Good luck!

Here is a link that might be useful: plastic carpet protector residue removal

Hi

Just wondering if you found a solution? I have the same issue!

I had the same problem with Sheild Protector. i used 99% isopropyl alcohol. soaked a white cloth and rubbed the surface of the carpet. (we have nylon carpet and isopropyl doesnt damage nylon). The alcohol broke down the adhevsive and the sticky mess is gone. we let it dry, which was quick, vacuumed, did one more wipe over the area and let it dry. adhesive gone and the carpet looks fine. in fact a small stain we had before came out as well. I recommend this method for nylon rugs after using a formulated acrylic adhesive carpet protector. it worked great. one last tip, be sure to do this before walking on the area much, as the adhesive will get worked into carpet too deeply and it may not come off otherwise. get it while it is on the tip of the fibres.