Grease stains can be quite stubborn and hard to remove. It’s important to remember that the sooner you get to it, the better the result will be. Depending on the carpet you have, there are different cleaning solutions to use. With wool carpet, you will need to use a dry-cleaning solvent right out of the can. With synthetics, you will need a solution of 1 tbsp. ammonia, 1 quart of cold water and 1/4 tsp. liquid soap and with oriental rugs you’ll you will use two parts cold water with one part white vinegar. You will also need paper towels or clean white towels, a spray bottle for the cleaning solution, another spray bottle with cold water, a heavy object like a book or a weight and a vacuum cleaner. With any cleaning solution, you will need to test a small area of the carpet with the cleaning solution you’ll be using to make sure it won’t affect the carpet. If you notice staining, fading or other damage, don’t use it.

How to Get Grease & Oil Stains Out of Carpet

1. Always start by blotting as much of the grease as possible. Blot, never scrub. You want to lift the stain rather than rub it into the carpet fibers and work from the outside in to prevent the stain from spreading.
2. Use the appropriate cleaning solution for your carpet and spray the stain.
3. Take a clean white cloth and start blotting until the stain is no longer visible on the cloth. Keep using a new part of the cloth so you can see when the stain is no longer being lifted and to prevent spreading.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the stain is no longer visible.
5. Take the spray bottle with the clean, cold water and spray the area to rinse it.
6. Take another clean cloth and blot the area. Make sure you repeat this step until all the cleaning solution has been removed. If there’s any solution left it will attract dirt faster and just create and other cleaning job.
7. Place another clean cloth or a few of them over the area and put a heavy item on top of it.
8. Leave it for several hours or overnight so any remaining liquid will be absorbed.
9. Allow the area to dry completely.
10. Vacuum the area to bring the fibers of the carpet back to normal texture.

More Tips for Removing Oil & Grease Stains from Carpet

Some other cleaning solution you can use on synthetic carpets are rubbing alcohol, mineral spirits, lighter fluid or paint thinner. You will need to be very careful because some of these items are flammable. Make sure you always use cold water as hot water can cause stains to set. If you use alcohol, you need to make sure it doesn’t soak into the carpet because it can ruin the bond that holds the carpet together. You should never use bleach or ammonia on wool carpets because it can also damage the fibers. When it comes to oriental rugs you should hire professionals. Spot cleaners can be damaging and oriental rugs can be delicate so they need special care to prevent damaging them.

Carpet Cleaning, Stain Removal & More in San Diego, Solana Beach, La Mesa, Mission Valley, La Jolla, Del Mar, Poway, Encinitas, Chula Vista California

It’s a good idea to have a little know how when it comes to removing grease stains. If you need professional services then contact Steam Magic Carpet Cleaning for help. Give us a call today!