How to Remove Grease and Oil From Carpet

Clean up oil and grease stains as soon as possible.

The sooner you treat oil and grease stains, the better. If the stain is large, you may need to consult a carpet-cleaning professional. However, if the stain is small, there are a few methods you can try to remove oil and grease from carpet.

Things You'll Need

• Clean cloths
• Oxygenated cleaner
• Dry-cleaning solvent
• Rubbing alcohol
• Dish washing liquid
• Vacuum cleaner, optional

Instructions

Oxygenated Cleaner

1. Combine an oxygenated cleaner with enough warm water to form a paste.

2. Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the cleaner to work.

3. Clean up the residue with a wet cloth and rinse the area with water.

4. Blot the area dry with a clean cloth or use a vacuum.

Dry-cleaning Solvent or Rubbing Alcohol

1. Pour a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent or rubbing alcohol on a clean cloth.

2. Blot the stain with the cloth from the outside of the stain, working your way to the center.

3. Combine warm water with a small amount of dish washing liquid. Dip a clean cloth in the soapy liquid and apply it to the area, blotting to rinse out the solvent or alcohol.

4. Use a cloth to blot the area dry or a vacuum cleaner.

Tips & Warnings

• You may need to repeat a process to remove the stain completely.

• Always test a solution on an inconspicuous part of the carpet before use.

References

• Good Housekeeping: Removing Oil-Based Stains from Carpets
• Acme: How To Clean Oil & Grease from Carpet