How To Remove Old Grease Stains From Carpet (4 Practical Tips)

How to remove old grease stains from carpet

You’ve probably been overlooking that oiled shoe mark on the carpet since the day you came from the garage because grease stains seem unforgivable.

Perhaps you masked a bacon grease stain from last Christmas with a stool.

If you’ve been overlooking old grease stains on your carpet because cleaning them out seems like an overly daunting, stressful, and tedious duty, don’t throw out the carpet just yet.

Four Different Ways to Get Old Grease Stains Out of Carpet

We have compiled various tried and proven methods to eliminate those old and rusty grease stains in no time.

Most of the ingredients you’ll see below are available in your home, cheap, and generally non-toxic.

Regardless, I would still encourage you to use protective gear such as rubber gloves and goggles when cleaning the carpet to keep your hands clean and protect the eyes from any projectile.

Method #1: Using Baking Soda

Baking Soda on carpet

Unknown to most people is that baking soda is one of the most versatile products in your household.

Baking soda absorbs oil compounds and moisture without staining further or damaging your carpet.

It’s also inexpensive, which gives you no reason to get to work and remove the grease stain on the carpet.

Using baking soda for grease stains is also preferred because it’s non-toxic and won’t harm your body, carpet, or the environment.

What you need:

  1. Baking soda
  2. One utility brush or an old toothbrush
  3. Vacuum cleaner
  4. Detergent
  5. Warm water
  6. Clean sponge or cloth
  7. Dull knife

Steps to remove old oil stains from carpet

  1. Old grease stains typically will have dried off, making it easy to lift as many grease solids as possible from the carpet fibers. Use a dull knife to scrape it off.
  2. Cover the old oil stains in baking soda generously. It’s never too much with baking soda. The product should start absorbing the oil stains without spreading them.
  3. Using the utility brush for large grease stains or an old toothbrush for small stains, rub the baking soda gently into the carpet. The force used in rubbing in the grease stain shouldn’t be too soft or too harsh.
  4. Let the baking soda rest for about 15 minutes before vacuuming. The vacuum cleaner should suck out the dislodged grease particles and baking soda from your carpet.
  5. Once the vacuum cleaner picks out every bit of particle, squeeze out a few drops of liquid washing detergent onto the stained area. Brush the target spot gently using detergent and pour some water. Blot-dry the area with a clean sponge or cloth.
  6. Rinse the area with a clean cloth and warm water to blot the soapy remains, dab the area to dry it, and leave it to dry completely.
  7. Repeat these steps if the stain is still visible.

Method #2: A Mixture of Vinegar and Dish Soap

These are everyday cleaning products found in your home that you could utilize to remove those greasy old stains on your carpet.

According to studies and experiments, vinegar was an ideal cleaning agent due to its bleaching and disinfecting properties.

The two products are also safe on fabrics, leaving no damage behind.

What you need:

  1. Dish soap
  2. White vinegar
  3. Warm water
  4. Paper towels or clean cloth
  5. Dull knife
  6. Spray bottle (optional)

Steps

  1. Using the dull knife, scrape off the excess dried-off old grease residue. Don’t scrape too hard to prevent damaging the carpet fibers.
  2. Make your cleaning solution by mixing one tablespoon of dish soap and one tablespoon of white vinegar into two warm water cups. Transfer the mixture to a spray bottle if available.
  3. Using a paper towel or clean cloth, spray a little mixture on the stain and dab a little with the cloth or towel. Repeat this process until the stains are clear.
  4. Dip the clean cloth in warm water and remove the excess detergent from the carpet.
  5. If the grease stain is still visible after this last step, consider repeating the process until it’s no longer visible.

Method #3: Using a dry-cleaning solvent

This is yet another minimal and quick fix for old grease stains on carpeting.

You can purchase a good carpet cleaning product from your favorite store after seeking recommendations from experts such as professional cleaners.

What you need:

  1. Dry cleaning solvent or carpet cleaning product
  2. Damp clean cloth or sponge
  3. Fan or dehumidifier (optional)

Steps

  1. Test the dry solvent on a small segment of the stained carpet to see if it works appropriately. The stain shouldn’t spread.
  2. After the test, apply the dry-cleaning solvent to the damp, clean cloth and dab on the grease stain. Let the solvent sit in the spot for a few minutes to absorb the oil.
  3. Dip your cloth in warm water and blot out the solvent gently. Ensure that you don’t leave behind stains or that the solution doesn’t remove dye from the carpeting.
  4. Let your carpet dry naturally, or use a fan or dehumidifier to speed up the process.
  5. Repeat steps 1 to 4 if the stain is still visible.

Method #4: Rubbing alcohol

This should probably be your last option after all others have failed.

Rubbing alcohol is flammable and toxic. You might want to take necessary precautions to ensure you use this method in a well-ventilated area and wash your hands afterward.

On the bright side, rubbing alcohol is easily accessible, mainly in your medicine cabinet.

What you need:

  1. Rubbing alcohol
  2. Clean water
  3. Clean cloth or paper towels

Step-by-step Guide

  1. Apply a tiny amount of the alcohol directly to the clean cloth and gently press it onto the grease stain. You should notice that the alcohol-infused fabric absorbs the grease stain.
  2. Repeat the process until the cloth absorbs the stain grease entirely and it’s no longer visible.
  3. Eliminate the excess rubbing alcohol by immersing the cloth in water and dabbing the freshly cleaned spot. It should get rid of the odor and rubbing alcohol residue. Let it dry.
  4. Open the windows to allow ventilation and eliminate the smell. Do not use any fresheners on the carpet.

Additional tips

  1. In the baking soda, you could use corn starch as an alternative and follow the best results procedure.
  2. All these above-discussed methods and steps are equally effective in eradicating fresh grease stains.
  3. Old grease stains can be problematic the longer they stay ingrained on the carpet. Consider cleaning up grease stains when fresh for easier removal.
  4. Always begin the steps by removing excess dislodged debris and vacuuming the residue.

About the author: Garrick, the visionary behind Cordless Vacuum Guide, brings over a decade of hands-on expertise in cordless vacuum testing to his insightful reviews showcased on this platform. Beyond his passion for empowering consumers with informed choices, he cherishes precious moments with his family, exploring global cuisines and exploring different horizons with his beloved wife and son. Follow him on Youtube, Tiktok, Facebook, and Instagram.