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How to Clean Vegetable Oil off of a Carpet

Trying to clean vegetable oil off of a carpet can become frustrating and messy if you are not familiar with the appropriate steps to properly remove the oil. Removing spilled vegetable oil is fairly simple and can be done using supplies that are found in most households. Spoiled vegetable oil can cause staining and an unpleasant odor. Cleaning the oil immediately is essential in preventing the oil from spoiling in the carpet.

Spilled Vegetable Oil
  1. Place a dry paper towel on top of the vegetable oil. Allow the towel to soak up the oil. Repeat with a fresh towel until the oil is no longer being absorbed.

  2. Pour a generous amount of kitty litter on top of the oil. The litter will help absorb the oil and will help lift it from the carpet. Let the litter sit for several hours. Remove the litter with a vacuum.

  3. Pour a small amount of dry cleaning solvent onto the oil stain. A dry cleaning solvent may be bought at most supermarkets and janitorial supply stores. Use a dry cloth towel to gently blot the vegetable oil from the carpet. Continue to blot the oil stain until the solvent is completely removed from the carpet. Vegetable oil is a food product and will spoil if it remains in the carpet.

  4. Combine 1 part mild laundry detergent with 2 parts warm water in a spray bottle. Spray the oil stain until it is saturated. Use a dry cloth towel to gently blot the area. Repeat this process until all the oil residue is extracted from the carpet. This process may need to be repeated several times.

  5. Use a spray bottle to rinse the area with warm water. Lightly mist the area, but do not saturate it. Use a dry cloth towel to blot the area. Repeat once more. Use a dry cloth towel to blot the area until it is completely dry. More than one towel may need to be used.