How to Remove a Grease Stain
Grease stains can be frustrating and intimidating. But with our four simple steps, you can say goodbye to those once ugly stains and hello to fresh, like-new carpet.
The question of the day: How did this grease stain get here? Getting grease on your carpet can happen in a number of ways. From tracking it in on our shoes from the garage, to spilling bacon grease from a hot pan. When it comes to getting these stains out of carpet, don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. Grease may seem like a daunting, unforgivable stain — until now! Our method uses items and supplies that you probably have lying around the house.
The star cleaning ingredient is baking soda. It will act quickly to absorb the grease from the fibers of the carpet. Baking soda will also eliminate any odors associated with grease. It's a win-win! As with all stains, remove it as soon as possible. The faster you get to it, the better the chance of getting rid of it. The method below will work for any grease, whether cooking or machinery.
What You'll Need:
- baking soda
- spoon
- spray bottle
- dish soap
- denatured alcohol
- water
- wet/dry vacuum
- light-colored rags or old towels
- old toothbrush
Step 1: Apply the Baking Soda
Begin by liberally sprinkling baking soda onto the grease stain, making sure to cover the stain fully (Image 1). Use a spoon to work the baking soda down into the fibers of the carpet (Image 2). Leave the baking soda on the carpet for a few minutes and then, using the dry setting on your wet/dry vacuum, vacuum the baking soda from the carpet (Image 3). Repeat this process two or three times until all of the liquid grease has been absorbed.
Jalynn Baker
Jalynn Baker
Jalynn Baker
Step 2: Spray the Solution
Create a cleaning solution of one cup of water, 1/2 teaspoon of liquid dish soap and two tablespoons of denatured alcohol. Swirl the soap, alcohol and water together in a spray bottle. Test a small area on the carpet with this solution before proceeding. Next, spray the stained area with the cleaning solution until it is fully saturated. Allow the cleaning solution to sit on the carpet for two to three minutes. Use the vacuum to remove the moisture from the area. Repeat this process a few times.
Step 3: Use an Old Toothbrush
If the stain is more stubborn or the cleaning solution is not fully penetrating the stain, you may need to use an old toothbrush to rub some of the cleaning solution deeper into the area. Spray the cleaning solution onto the stain in order to fully saturate it. Make sure that you’re not damaging the carpet fibers by rubbing too hard with the toothbrush. Carefully work the cleaning solution into the fibers of the carpet. Spray the area a few more times to ensure that the cleaning solution is fully penetrating.
Jalynn Baker
Step 4: Vacuum
Finally, use the wet setting on a wet/dry vacuum to remove all of the moisture and remaining grease from the carpet. Repeat this step as many times as necessary, spraying the area, waiting and then vacuuming the liquid.
Be patient and persistent when tackling a grease stain. It may take several applications of baking soda, blotting cleaning solution and vacuuming for the stain to completely go away. If the stain still persists, call in a professional cleaner to do the job.
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