How to Remove Oil Stains from Carpeting

Co-authored by Raymond Chiu

Last Updated: August 13, 2023 Approved

You can remove any oil stain from your carpeting by using one of the methods outlined below. Prior to beginning the method, place a cloth or paper towel on the stain and blot gently. Be careful not to rub the oil deeper into the carpet fibers. Work from the outside of the stain in towards the center. The type of oil spilled makes no difference, as these methods work for motor oil, olive oil, baby oil, and all other types of oil.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Baking Soda or Corn Starch

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1
Cover the stained area with baking soda or corn starch. Sprinkle the powder liberally and don’t worry about using too much. Both baking soda or corn starch are absorbents that will “soak up” moisture, especially oil. They will not stain or damage carpeting.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Raymond Chiu
House Cleaning Professional

Expert Interview. 8 May 2020.}
- One advantage of baking soda or corn starch is that they are very inexpensive.
- Another advantage is that they are non-toxic and made from organic materials. Neither baking soda nor corn starch will have a negative effect on the environment or on your body.
Avoid rubbing too softly or too harshly. Use just enough force for the baking soda or corn starch to penetrate into the carpet’s fibers. Use a utility brush for larger oil stains, and an old toothbrush for small stains.

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3
Allow the baking soda or corn starch to set, and then vacuum it up. This means leaving the powder alone for at least 15 minutes. Now that the baking soda or corn starch has absorbed the oil, use a vacuum cleaner to suck it out of your carpeting.^{[2]
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Raymond Chiu
House Cleaning Professional

Expert Interview. 8 May 2020.}
- Vacuum very thoroughly to remove every last bit of powder.
4
Squirt a few drops of liquid dishwashing detergent onto the stained area. Rub the detergent into the carpeting with a utility brush or an old toothbrush. Pour a small amount of warm water over the area and immediately blot up the detergent with a clean cloth or sponge.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Raymond Chiu
House Cleaning Professional

Expert Interview. 8 May 2020.}
- Don’t be alarmed if the process creates soap suds, just keep blotting until all of the detergent is removed and the carpet is relatively dry.
- The more detergent and water you use, the longer the process will take.
Inspect the fibres carefully for traces of oil. Repeat the process if the stain is still visible.^{[4]
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Raymond Chiu
House Cleaning Professional

Expert Interview. 8 May 2020.}

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Employing Rubbing Alcohol

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Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to a clean cloth or paper towel. Be aware that rubbing alcohol is toxic and flammable. Always use rubbing alcohol in a well ventilated area and wash your hands thoroughly after handling it. Keep it away from children and pets. ^{[5]
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- If handled with caution rubbing alcohol is entirely safe.
- One benefit of rubbing alcohol is that most people already have it in their medicine cabinet.
2
Press the rubbing alcohol onto the stained carpeting. After doing so thoroughly, let the carpeting dry. If the oil stain is still visible, repeat the process using more rubbing alcohol.
- As rubbing alcohol is a solvent, it will help to dissolve the oil and separate it from carpet fibers.
3
Remove excess rubbing alcohol from the carpeting. Once the carpeting has sufficiently dried and the stain has been erased, rinse the entire area with water, and blot the water out with a fresh cloth or paper towels. This should take care of any residual alcohol and reduce the odor.
- Do not use air fresheners or fragrances to deal with the smell, as this may only make matters worse.
- Open windows and turn on a fan; improving ventilation is the best approach. ^{[6]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using Dry Cleaning Solvent

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Apply dry cleaning solvent to a clean cloth or paper towel, and press it against a small, hidden area of your carpeting. After several minutes, take a damp cloth and blot out the solvent. Allow test area to dry, and make sure the solvent did not leave a stain or remove dye from the carpeting.
Using a cloth or paper towels, press the solvent into the stained carpeting, moving from the outer edges to the middle of the stain. Press hard enough for the solvent to penetrate deep into the carpet fibers. ^{[7]
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Then allow the stain area to dry. Try using a fan or dehumidifier in the room to speed the drying process.
If traces are found, repeat the process described above. You may need to clean the area multiple times before the stain disappears completely. This is normal with oil stains because the oil may seep up through the carpet fibers after the initial cleaning.

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How do you get oil stains out of carpet?

Raymond Chiu
House Cleaning Professional
Raymond Chiu is the owner of Maid Sailors Cleaning Service, offering affordable residential and office cleaning services. Since its founding in 2014 in New York City, Maid Sailors has expanded to several cities, including Boston, Chicago, and Austin. The company has earned a reputation as one of the most reliable and best cleaning services in the industry.

Raymond Chiu

House Cleaning Professional

Expert Answer

Dab and soak up as much of the oil as possible with an absorbent towel. Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch generously over the stain and let it sit for 15 minutes.This will soak up the majority of the oil without spreading it to the rest of the carpet. Vacuum the powder away. Next, dab the stain with a towel with a mixture of water and a few drops of dishwasher detergent. Dab with just warm water and a towel to remove as much of the soapy mixture as possible. Be sure to dab and never to wipe, as this can cause the stain to spread. Let the stain air dry and repeat the steps if necessary. It is important to remove oil as soon as possible before it causes permanent staining with age.

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Tips

Blot out as much of the oil as possible with a cloth or paper towels as soon as you discover the stain. If the spilled oil or grease soaks down into the padding beneath the carpet, you may need to call in a professional carpet cleaner, so it is important to soak up the oil spill as possible before it sets.

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If a spill is very large, try using an old bathing towel instead of a cloth or paper towels.

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If the stain persists after repeatedly attempting one method, try a second.

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Warnings

Be careful not to pour rubbing alcohol directly onto a stain. Although rubbing alcohol can be effective, if you use too much it may soak into the carpet backing. Alcohol that reaches the backing can destroy it by breaking down the latex bond, damaging your carpet.

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