How To Get Oil Out Of Carpet

Carpets are an essential part of any home or workplace, helping to bring together your décor while ensuring it’s soft and warm underfoot. That means when you drop something or it becomes stained, it’s vital that you act quickly to prevent it from becoming permanently damaged. No matter whether it’s olive, baby or even motor, oil stains on your carpets can be very frustrating and some of the toughest to remove.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the various methods on how to get oil out of carpet and other upholstery. From a fresh spill to stubborn stains, these techniques will help you tackle the toughest of spills and restore your flooring to its former glory.

Gather the essentials

When it comes to knowing how to get olive oil out of a carpet or any other kind of oil stain, the first step is to make sure that you have everything you need. There are lots of DIY home cleaning tips that you can utilise, and some of the key items to keep in your cleaning cupboard:

• Baking soda
• Washing up liquid
• White vinegar
• Paper towels
• Soft-bristled brush
• Vacuum cleaner

With these materials, you will be able to remove some of the most common types of oil stains from your carpets and upholstery.

How to get oil stains out of your carpet

Once you have all of the materials and cleaning products you need, it’s time to start turning your attention to getting rid of those oil stains on your carpet. No matter what type of oil it might be, from olive oil to baby oil, the process is very similar:

Step one: Absorb fresh oil stains

If you have just spilt oil on your carpet, then the quicker you act, the more time and effort you can save. The first thing to do is to blot as much of the excess oil up as possible using a paper towel. When doing this, avoid rubbing or scrubbing the oil, as this will only push it deeper into the carpet fibres.

If you have a significant oil spill, then paper towels might not be the most effective solution. In these instances, baking soda can work very well by absorbing the oil. Sprinkle a generous amount over the stain and leave it to get to work for around 15-30 minutes before vacuuming it up. You can repeat this process as many times as needed until the oil has been absorbed.

Step two: Use a washing-up liquid solution

When you have been able to absorb the oil, it’s time to start focusing on the stain itself. A solution of washing up liquid and warm water can be very effective, as it helps to break down the oil molecules and make it easier to lift the stain from the fibres in the carpet.

When creating the cleaning solution, you only need to add a few drops into the water and mix well. This works very well when it comes to knowing how to get cooking oils, like olive oil, out of a carpet. To start, gently blot the solution onto the stained area using a clean towel or sponge – just remember to avoid over-saturating the carpet. Too much water can drive the oil deeper into your fibres.

Next, you should use clean paper towels to soak up any of the remaining solution before carefully rinsing away the soapy residue. For more stubborn stains, you might need to repeat the process a few times.

Step three: Treating tougher stains

Automotive grease and motor oil can be much tougher to remove due to their thick and sticky nature. If you are wondering how to clean up motor oil, the first step should be to sprinkle baking soda on the stain and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before vacuuming it up. Some more stubborn stains might require a bit more effort, and applying a small amount of degreaser or washing up liquid and baking soda onto the stain can help lift them

Creating a mix of equal parts water and white vinegar can also be very effective. Blot the solution over the motor oil, and the vinegar will begin to neutralise the odours and lift the stain away from your carpet fibres. However, be careful using this mix on darker-coloured carpets as it might lead to discolouration.

Step four: Consider commercial cleaners

If, after all that, you still can’t remove the stain, then it might be time to use a commercial carpet cleaner. Look for cleaners that are designed to target oil stains specifically, and always be sure to test them on a smaller, unseen patch of carpet first to ensure it doesn’t bleach or damage it.

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How to handle specific types of oil stains

While the above strategies are very effective when it comes to knowing how to get oil stains out of a carpet, certain oils require a unique approach.

How to get olive oil out of carpet

When it comes to olive oil stains should be blotted immediately and treated with baking soda, which will absorb any excess.

How to get baby oil out of carpet

Baby oil can also be treated with baking soda, but if it has soaked in, then consider using a mix of water and dish soap or water and white vinegar.

How to remove coconut oil stains

Coconut oil stains can be very stubborn due to the oil’s solid nature at cooler temperatures. In this instance, gently scrape away and solidified oil before applying baking soda to absorb the remaining residue.

How to get grease out of carpet

Grease stains are similar to other oils but may require more scrubbing to lift them.

How to clean cooking oil from carpet

Cooking oil is one of the most common types of carpet stain. In these instances, baking soda can be very effective at absorbing the oil and following it with a mix of dish soap can remove the remaining residue.

Removing oil stains from upholstery and other materials

The methods used for getting oil out of carpets can also be used on clothes, upholstery and other fabrics. To get oil out of upholstery, use a mild detergent and water solution, taking care to not damage the fabric and ensuring you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

For clothing, applying a mix of water and dish soap to the stain and letting it sit for a few minutes will lift oil from the fabric. Then, launder the garment as normal.

You can also read: Carpet Cleaning Ideas Given By Professional Cleaners

Conclusion

Accidents can happen to the best of us, no matter how careful we are. However, knowing how to get oil stains out of your carpet doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Acting quickly and following the techniques mentioned above can help you to prevent major stains from causing damage or resulting in permanent discolouration.

For more stubborn stains, like automotive grease or engine oil, then it might be wise to use a degreaser, commercial cleaner or professional carpet cleaning to ensure you are able to fully eradicate the stain.