How Do I Get Grease Stains Out of Carpet?

Written by sophie levant | 13/05/2017
How Do I Get Grease Stains Out of Carpet?
Remove grease stains easily.

Carpeting is rarely easy to keep clean. Some of the most unappealing stains a carpet can host happen to be grease. The sheer prospect of having to remove the stain may lead you to throw up your hands and think of a creative way to hide it. Rather than risk your investment, learn to combat grease stains efficiently and effectively.

Grease Stains

Grease is an umbrella term for substances such as cooking oils, car oils and fats such as butter. All of these and more are liable to make an appearance on your carpeting. The good news is that you can approach them in the same way.

The key to grease stain removal depends on a number of factors. Prompt attention is one; any stain is easier to remove while fresh. Choosing the correct treatment to match the stain and your carpeting will spare you time, frustration and the potential for further damage. It is for this reason that you should check with the manufacturer of your carpeting for further instructions. Some carpets may require special treatments or a professional's care.

Stain Reduction

The first step in removing a grease stain is to reduce its size. This prevents the stain from spreading or soaking into the carpeting during the removal process.

To begin, use a dull edge to scrape up as much of the excess grease as you possibly can. Absorb the remainder by applying a small quantity of baking soda or baby powder to the stain. Allow this to sit for ten minutes or more, depending on the severity of the stain. Vacuum the powder afterward.

Stain Removal

Select a cleaning fluid. You may already have something suitable in your home. Common remedies for grease stains on carpeting include rubbing alcohol, dry cleaning solvent or WD-40. Take a minute to test these treatments on a hidden area of your carpeting. Some substances may cause your carpet's colouring to run.

Apply a quantity of your cleaning fluid of choice onto a clean cloth or sponge. Use the cloth or sponge to blot the stain, working from the outside in. This will help to contain the stain to one spot.

Next, mix a small amount of dishwashing detergent with water. Add a teaspoon of white vinegar to the solution if you are having difficulty removing the grease. Dip a fresh cloth or sponge into the solution and blot the stain from the outside in. Repeat until the stain has vanished completely.

Rinse and Dry

Spray the area with cold water and blot to remove the cleaning fluids. When you have finished, cover the area with a thick cloth or several layers of paper towelling. Weigh this in place with a brick or another heavy object. Allow the area to dry for several hours or overnight.
