What Cleans Oil From the Carpet?
- A detergent or washing soda with sodium carbonate as the main ingredient is effective for getting rid of oil stains on carpet if the stain has not set completely or turned the carpet yellow yet. This cleaning agent is easily found in most grocery stores; mix the detergent with water to form a paste before applying it to the carpet. Let the solution sit on the stain for a few minutes before rinsing it thoroughly with water and blotting the spot with a cloth to dry it.
- Rubbing, or isopropyl, alcohol can cut the motor oil in a stain to lift it from the carpet fibers. The How to Clean Stuff website suggests combining the alcohol with mild dish washing liquid and water when cleaning oil from Oriental rugs.
- Dry cleaning solvent is available at grocery and craft stores, and can be applied directly to an oil stain with a cotton ball or swab. Pick up the detergent residue with a diluted solution of dish washing liquid and water and blot the area of the carpet dry with a washcloth or paper towel. The How to Clean Stuff website recommends mixing a dry cleaning solution with aerosol brake parts cleanser to remove an oil stain from carpet made of wool fiber.
- The How to Clean Carpet website suggests cleaning cooking oil from the carpet as soon as possible. Oil is an organic compound, so it will begin to spoil, and the rancid smell will permeate the room in your home where the oil stain is present.
- If there is excess oil on the carpet, the How to Clean Stuff website suggests blotting it with dry paper towels, starting with the outside of the stain. This will prevent rubbing the stain further into the carpet and making it more difficult to remove. Scooping oil from the carpet with a plastic spoon can also make the cleaning solutions work faster, as there will be less oil to dissolve. Test whatever cleaning solution you choose on a small section of the carpet that isn't easily seen to make sure the detergent won't damage your carpet.