How to Remove Automotive Grease From Carpeting

Your shoes transport automotive grease and other debris onto your carpeting.

Carpet, especially auto carpet, picks up whatever you have on the bottom of your shoes and becomes ground into the carpet fibers. You can help lift and remove the debris by brushing your carpet using a stiff brush. On occasion, you may get automotive grease and oil on your carpet, which you must remove as soon as you notice it. Keeping your auto carpet clean and stain-free will help extend the life of your carpet fibers, help maintain the value of your car, plus you will enjoy driving your car more.

Things You'll Need

• Paper towels
• Butcher paper
• Iron
• Commercial carpet cleaner
• Sponge
• Dry towel
• Corn starch
• Vacuum cleaner

Instructions

Butcher Paper Method

1. Blot and scrape as much oil or grease as you can from the carpet. Use paper towels to blot oil and a plastic scraper.

2. Lay a sheet of butcher paper on the grease stain of the carpet. Make certain you have the glossy side of the paper up. The moisture-resistant butcher paper, used in butcher shops or delis to wrap meats, also goes by the name, "freezer paper."

3. Turn an iron to a warm setting. Iron over the butcher paper lightly. The butcher paper will absorb the oil and grease from the carpet. Lift and remove the paper after the butcher paper absorbs the grease.

4. Clean your carpet well, using a commercial carpet cleaner. Apply the cleaner with a sponge, them remove excess suds with a dry towel.

Corn Starch Method

1. Pour cornstarch directly on the oil or grease spot of the carpet.

2. Rub the cornstarch gently into the stained area; then allow the cornstarch to sit for three hours. The cornstarch will absorb the oil and grease during this time.

3. Vacuum your carpet well, picking up all of the cornstarch. Shampoo your carpet with regular carpet cleaner and a sponge.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do not have cornstarch, sprinkle cornmeal on the grease stain. Allow the cornmeal to sit overnight to absorb the grease; then vacuum the cornmeal.

References

• Car Repair & Car Care Advice For Do-It-Yourselfers
• How to Remove Carpet Stains.com: Auto Carpet Cleaning Tips
• Road and Travel Magazine: 15 Tips for Cleaning Carpeting & Upholstery in your Car

Resources

• Truck & Car Floor Mats: Truck and Auto Carpet Kits