How to Remove Grease and Oil from Carpet

For a spot like oil tracked in from the garage, here are the DIY steps to clean and lift the liquid.

1. Sprinkle some baking soda onto the area and work it into the area with a plastic or metal spoon. The baking soda will begin to absorb the oil and gently pull it away from the carpet fibers.
2. As the baking soda begins to clump or discolor, vacuum it away and repeat this step until it no longer absorbs any more of the oil.
3. Next, make a cleaning solution by combining 2 cups of water with ½ to 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap in a spray bottle.
4. Spray the area and agitate with a spoon and allow it to sit for 1-2 minutes.
5. Next, using a dry, white towel, blot the area, repeating this step until no more oil is absorbed. This may take several attempts depending on the size of the spot and the amount of oil.
6. Finally, rinse with clean water and blot the area as dry as you can with another fresh white towel.

For a spill like from a slice of greasy pizza, here are the steps to clean and lift from carpet

1. Start by sprinkling some baking soda on the spot. Work the baking soda in and around the spot with a spoon. The baking soda should clump or discolor as the grease is absorbed. Vacuum the clumped baking soda, and repeat this action until it no longer clumps.
2. Next, spray the area with an ammonia and water solution. To make this, add 12 oz. of water to 3 oz. of non-sudsy ammonia. Agitate with a spoon and again use a clean white absorbent towel to blot dry.
3. Repeat this step until as much of the grease as possible has been removed. Once that’s done, you’ll want to flush the area with clean water and blot up as much excess as you can.
4. Finally, spray the area with a vinegar and water solution. To make this, add 4 oz. of white vinegar to 12 oz. of water. Leave the solution on the spot for at least one minute before blotting up as much of the liquid as possible. No need to flush the area with water, let any remaining vinegar remain and the area dry completely before walking on it.