Ultimate Guide to Removing Oil Stains from Carpet and Upholstery
Oil stains are a common household problem, but they don’t have to be a nightmare. With the right tools and techniques, you can remove even the toughest oil stains from carpet and upholstery.
Materials You’ll Need
- Dull knife or old credit card
- Soft-bristle brush
- Vacuum cleaner
- White cloths
- Paper towels
- Small bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cornstarch or talcum powder
- Ammonia
- Dishwashing liquid with grease cutter
- Commercial carpet stain remover (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Remove Oily Solids
- Use a dull knife or old credit card to carefully lift away any solid oil, such as butter or pizza, from the carpet fibers.
- Avoid rubbing the stain, as this will push the oil deeper into the carpet and make the stain larger.
- Blot the stain with a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
2. Powder and Vacuum
- Sprinkle the stain liberally with cornstarch or talcum powder to absorb the oil.
- Work the powder into the carpet with a soft-bristle brush.
- Allow the powder to sit on the stain for at least 15 minutes, but up to an hour is better.
- Vacuum to remove the powder.
3. Treat the Stain with a Stain Remover (Optional)
- If the stain persists, you can use a commercial carpet stain remover that contains enzymes that break down oil molecules.
- Follow the product label directions for application.
- Allow the freshly-cleaned area to air-dry away from direct heat.
- Vacuum to lift the fibers.
4. Create a Homemade Cleaning Solution
- If you don’t have a carpet cleaning product, you can make a cleaning solution yourself.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of dishwashing liquid with a grease cutter in 2 cups of hot water in a small bowl.
- Add 1 tablespoon of household ammonia.
5. Treat the Stain with the Homemade Solution
- Work from the outside edges toward the center of the stain to prevent it from becoming larger.
- Gently scrub the stain with a soft-bristle brush dipped in the cleaning solution, then blot with a dry paper towel until the stain is removed.
6. Rinse and Repeat
- Rinse the area with a cloth dipped in plain water to completely remove any soapy residue.
- Blot dry with a clean cloth.
- Repeat the cleaning steps until no more stain remains.
7. Air-Dry and Vacuum
- Allow the area to air-dry away from direct heat.
- Vacuum to lift any matted fibers.
Tips for Removing Oil Stains on Carpet
- Blot, don’t rub. Rubbing pushes the oil deeper into the carpet fibers and can make the stain larger.
- Treat oil stains as soon as possible. The longer the stain sits, the harder it will be to remove.
- Test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area of the carpet first to ensure it doesn’t damage the fibers.
- Use a fan or open windows to ventilate the area while cleaning to prevent the ammonia fumes from becoming overwhelming.
- If the stain is large or persistent, it’s best to call a professional carpet cleaner.
Additional Tips for Removing Oil Stains from Upholstery
- The same cleaning techniques and products recommended for carpet can be used to remove oil stains from upholstery.
- Be careful not to over-wet the fabric, as excess moisture can cause mildew to form.
- If the upholstery is delicate, such as silk, it’s best to call a professional upholstery cleaner.
How to Remove Old Oil Stains from Carpet
- Old oil stains can be more difficult to remove, but it’s not impossible.
- Try using a commercial carpet stain remover specifically designed for old stains.
- You can also try using a homemade solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. Apply the solution to the stain and allow it to sit for several hours before blotting it up.
- If the stain persists, you may need to call a professional carpet cleaner.
How to Remove Oil Stains from Carpet with Baking Soda
- Baking soda is a natural absorbent that can help to remove oil stains from carpet.
- Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the stain and allow it to sit for several hours.
- Vacuum up the baking soda and blot the stain with a damp cloth.
- Repeat the process until the stain is removed.
How to Remove Oil Stains from Carpet with Hydrogen Peroxide
- Hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent that can help to lighten oil stains.
- Test the hydrogen peroxide on an inconspicuous area of the carpet first to ensure it doesn’t damage the fibers.
- Apply the hydrogen peroxide to the stain and allow it to sit for several hours.
- Blot up the hydrogen peroxide and rinse the area with water.
- Repeat the process until the stain is removed.