Grease · Carpet
Grease on Carpet — How to Get It Out
To remove a grease stain from carpet, blot up the excess oil immediately, cover the stain with baking soda to absorb what remains, then lift the grease with dish soap and warm water. Grease clings to carpet fibers and spreads if you rub, so patience and the right absorbent are key. Fresh stains come out easily; old ones need more time and sometimes a second round of baking soda.
- Time45 min
- DifficultyMedium
- MaterialCarpet
Watch out
WarningDo not use hot water or steam cleaners on grease stains before treating them — heat can set the oil permanently into synthetic carpet fibers.
TipAlways test dish soap on a hidden corner of the carpet first. Some dyes can bleed or fade, especially on wool or natural-fiber rugs.
TipAvoid colored towels or cloths when blotting — dye can transfer onto light-colored carpet when wet.
Do this
Blot up excess grease
Press a folded paper towel or clean white cloth firmly onto the stain to soak up as much grease as possible. Do not rub or scrub — that pushes the oil deeper into the carpet pile.
Work from the outside edge of the stain inward to keep it from spreading.
Cover with baking soda
Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda — about 1/2 cup for a dinner-plate-sized stain — over the greasy area. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes so the powder can absorb the oil.
For an old or heavy grease stain, leave the baking soda on overnight before vacuuming.
Vacuum thoroughly
Vacuum up all the baking soda, using slow overlapping passes to pull out as much absorbed grease as possible. Check the stain — if it still looks dark or oily, repeat the baking-soda step once more.
Apply dish soap solution
Mix 1 tsp of dish soap into a bowl of warm tap water (comfortable on your hands, about 100–110 °F). Dip a clean white cloth into the solution, wring it out well, and blot the stain gently.
Work the soap into the fibers
Use a soft brush or old toothbrush to work the soapy water into the carpet pile, brushing in the direction the fibers naturally lie. Let the soap sit for 5 minutes to break down any remaining grease.
Rinse and blot dry
Blot the area with a cloth dampened in plain warm water to lift out the soap, then press dry towels firmly onto the carpet to remove as much moisture as possible. Let the carpet air-dry completely before walking on it.
Common questions
What if the grease stain is old and already set?+
Old grease needs more time with baking soda. Sprinkle a thick layer over the stain and leave it overnight, then vacuum and repeat if necessary. Follow with the dish soap treatment, and be prepared to brush and blot twice.
Can I use baking soda on wool or natural-fiber rugs?+
Yes, baking soda is safe for wool and natural fibers. Just vacuum it up gently so you don't pull or distort the pile. Skip harsh scrubbing and use a very light hand with the brush.
Will dish soap leave a sticky residue in the carpet?+
Only if you use too much or don't rinse thoroughly. One teaspoon per bowl of water is plenty, and blotting with plain water afterward lifts out the soap. If the spot feels tacky when dry, blot again with a damp cloth.
Can I use cornstarch instead of baking soda?+
Yes, cornstarch absorbs grease just as well as baking soda. Sprinkle it on, let it sit for 20 minutes, then vacuum. Baking soda is easier to find in most kitchens, but either works fine.
Same stain, other materials
GreaseCotton
Grease on cotton — how to get it out
Grease stains on cotton come out best when you treat them with dish soap or baking soda before washing, because cotton fibers trap oil deep in their weave. Fresh grease lifts faster than set-in stains, but both respond to the same approach: break down the oil with a degreaser, then wash in the hottest water the fabric can handle. Cotton is tough and forgiving, so you can scrub, soak, and use high heat without worry.
GreaseCotton
Grease on Cotton Tablecloth — How to Get It Out
Grease stains on cotton tablecloths respond best to dish soap or baking soda applied before washing, because cotton's tight weave holds oil until you break it down with a degreaser. Tablecloths see repeated spills, so treat the stain as soon as you clear the table — fresh grease lifts far more easily than oil that has been ironed or dried into the fibers.
GreaseDenim
Grease on Denim — How to Get It Out
Grease stains on denim respond well to dish soap and hot water because denim is sturdy enough to handle aggressive treatment. The key is to absorb as much grease as possible before you add water, then use a degreaser to break down the oil. Denim's tight twill weave holds grease in the fibers, so you'll need a little patience and mechanical action to lift it out.
GreaseLeather
Grease on Leather — How to Get It Out
Grease stains on leather need to be absorbed, not scrubbed or washed, because leather is porous and water can leave permanent marks. The trick is to draw the oil out with a dry powder, then condition the leather once it's clean. Act quickly — fresh grease lifts more easily than old, set-in oil.
GreaseLinen
Grease on Linen — How to Get It Out
Grease stains on linen respond best to dish soap and hot water, because linen can handle heat and the soap breaks down the oil. Linen's absorbent fibers trap grease quickly, so treat the stain as soon as you can. The steps below work for cooking oil, butter, salad dressing, and most kitchen grease.
More stains on carpet
BloodCarpet
Blood on Carpet — How to Get It Out
Blood stains on carpet respond best to cold water and enzyme treatment, but you must work carefully to avoid pushing the stain deeper into the pile. Fresh blood lifts more easily than dried, so start as soon as you notice the spot. Never use hot water — it will cook the protein and set the stain permanently.
BlueberryCarpet
Blueberry Stain on Carpet — How to Get It Out
Blueberry stains on carpet are stubborn because the fruit's anthocyanin pigments bind quickly to fibers, but cold water and dish soap will lift most fresh stains if you blot carefully. Never rub or scrub hard, because that pushes the stain deeper into the carpet backing and spreads it sideways. Work from the outside edge toward the center to avoid a halo.
ChocolateCarpet
Chocolate on Carpet — How to Get It Out
Chocolate stains on carpet come out with cold water, dish soap, and patience — the key is lifting the oils and cocoa solids without pushing them deeper into the pile. Work from the outside of the stain toward the center, and never scrub in circles or you'll spread the chocolate and damage the carpet backing.
CoffeeCarpet
Coffee Stain on Carpet — How to Get It Out
Coffee stains on carpet respond best to cold water and dish soap or white vinegar, applied quickly before the tannins set. Even dried coffee stains can be lifted with repeated treatment, though fresh spills are always easier. The key is blotting—never rubbing—and working from the outside in to avoid spreading the stain deeper into the pile.
Chewing gumCarpet
Chewing Gum on Carpet — How to Get It Out
Chewing gum stuck in carpet comes out best when you freeze it hard, scrape away the bulk, and then dissolve any sticky residue with dish soap. The cold makes the gum brittle so it lifts cleanly without smearing deeper into the fibers. This method works on most synthetic and wool carpets without damage.