How To Remove Oil Stains From Carpet

The carpets in our homes get a lot of abuse. 

Most spills or stains can be easily and quickly wiped away or vacuumed up.

However, when it comes to oil stains on carpets, they can be much more difficult to remove and frustrating – especially if you don’t know the right steps to take!

If we don’t remove the oil stains from the carpet ourselves, we have two choices – getting the carpet professionally cleaned or replacing the entire carpet.

With the number of stains that get on our carpets, we can’t afford professional carpet cleaners every time, let alone constantly replacing the whole carpet!

Replacing carpeting is not only expensive, but it’s also infeasible as a stain removal solution.

These are the reasons why it’s so essential for us to learn how to remove oil stains from carpet.

The good news is we can do it using only a few common household ingredients.

Items You’ll Need

In this section, we’ll list and discuss the items you’ll need to remove oil stains from carpet. 

We’ll provide any alternatives as options for each item, when applicable.

Water

Hot water, warm water and/or cool water are used to wash away soap and other treatments, moisten pastes and make solutions for various remedies.

Toothbrush, Soft-Bristled Brush, Sponge, Utility Brush, White Cloth, White Paper Towels, Washcloth, Or Towel  

A toothbrush, soft-bristled brush, utility brush, sponge, washcloth, or white cloth is used to apply and rub in the various soaps, solutions, or pastes to the stained area.

White paper towels or white cloths are used to blot up excess oil from the stain at various stages of the stain removal process.

A Towel or paper towel is used to blot the carpet dry.

I’ve found that these microfiber cleaning cloths work really well.

Liquid Dish Soap

Any mild liquid dish soap, such as Dawn, which has grease-cutting capabilities, is used to clean the stained area.

Cornstarch, Baking Soda, Or Talcum Powder

Cornstarch, baking soda, and talcum powder are all absorbent substances used to soak up excess oil and draw oil out of the stain.

If you have run out of baking soda and need to order some, click here.

Dull Knife Or Butter Knife

A dull knife or a butter knife is used to lift any oily solids from the stain before applying stain removal treatment.

Vacuum Cleaner

A vacuum cleaner is used to remove the cornstarch, baking soda, or talcum powder following its treatment.

A vacuum cleaner is also used to clean the carpet area after the stain has been removed.

Dry-Cleaning Solvent

A dry-cleaning solvent is used in one of the treatments to break down the oil for removal.

A carpet cleaning product is an acceptable alternative.

Household Ammonia

Household ammonia is used along with water and dish soap to make a solution for stain removal.

  • Mix 1 tablespoon liquid dish soap
  • into 2 cups of hot water
  • Add 1 tablespoon of household ammonia

White Distilled Vinegar

White distilled vinegar, or just white vinegar, is used along with water and dish soap to make a solution for stain removal.

To order some white vinegar, click here.

  • Mix 1 tablespoon of dish soap 
  • and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar 
  • with 2 cups of warm water

Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is used as a solvent to break down the oil in the stain for removal. 

Commercial Stain Remover Specifically Made For Carpet

Commercial stain remover specifically made for carpet, such as ChemDry Grease & Oil Carpet Stain Remover, which I found on Amazon.

There are many others out there – look at your carpet’s care label before selecting the appropriate stain remover.

Step By Step Instructions For How To Remove Oil Stains From Carpet

 #1 Cornstarch/Baking Soda/Talcum Powder

Use a dull knife, a butter knife, or a similar implement to scrape off any oily solids from the stained area.

Apply a dusting of cornstarch, baking soda, or talcum powder onto the oil stain to absorb the oil.

Use one of the brushes from the items list to work the powder into the stained area’s carpet fibers. 

Allow the powder to sit on the stain for at least 15 minutes before vacuuming the area very thoroughly to remove every bit of powder.

Squirt a couple of drops of liquid dish soap on the stain and use one of the brushes from the items list to rub the soap into the carpet gently.

Pour a small amount of warm water to rinse the stain and quickly keep blotting at it with a clean cloth or sponge, repeating until all the soap is removed and the carpet is mostly dry.

Allow the carpet to dry completely and then check it carefully for evidence of oil.

Repeat the process as many times as needed until the oil stain is gone

Step #2 is an option if more aggressive measures are needed following, or in place of, step #1.

#2 Dry-Cleaning Solvent (Optional, If Necessary)

Using a clean, white cloth or a paper towel, blot at the stain with a dry-cleaning solvent or a carpet cleaner.

Keep blotting until the oil stops transferring from the stain to the cloth, repeating until the stain is gone.

Allow the carpet to dry completely and then check it carefully for evidence of oil.

Repeat the process as many times as needed until the oil stain is gone.

Step #3 is another option if more aggressive measures are needed following, or in place of, steps #1 and 2.

#3 Rubbing Alcohol (Optional, If Necessary)

Using a clean cloth or a paper towel, apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol and press it onto the stained area.

Allow the carpet to dry and check for evidence of oil.

If the stain is still visible, repeat the process using more rubbing alcohol until the stain is gone.

Use a fan to ventilate the area and dry the carpet.

Once dry, rinse the area with a small amount of water, then blot dry with a new cloth or paper towel.

Pro Tip:

Using a fan or dehumidifier helps to ventilate and helps to disperse the strong odor created by the rubbing alcohol – do not spray any fragrances or anything else to minimize the smell.

Step #4 is another option if more aggressive measures are needed following, or in place of, steps #1, 2, and 3.

#4 White Vinegar Solution (Optional, If Necessary)

Make the vinegar solution as outlined in the items list.

Using a sponge, apply the vinegar solution to the oil stain and then blot it with paper towels until the liquid is absorbed.

Apply cold water to the stained area, with a clean sponge, and then blot it dry using paper towels to remove the vinegar solution.

Allow the carpet to dry completely and check it carefully for evidence of oil.

Repeat the process as many times as needed until the oil stain is gone.

Step #5 is another option if more aggressive measures are needed following, or in place of, steps #1, 2, 3, and 4.

#5 Household Ammonia Solution (Optional, If Necessary)

Make the household ammonia solution as outlined in the items list.

Using a sponge or brush, apply the ammonia solution to the oil stain and then blot at it with paper towels until the stain is removed.

Use cold water and a cloth to rinse the stained area and then blot it dry using paper towels to remove the ammonia solution.

Allow the carpet to dry completely and check it carefully for evidence of oil.

Repeat the process as many times as needed until the oil stain is gone.

Step #6 is another option if more aggressive measures are needed following, or in place of, steps #1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.

#6 Commercial Stain Remover Specifically Made For Carpet (Optional, If Necessary)

If your oil stain is extremely persistent, you may need a commercial stain remover specifically made for carpet; finding one was mentioned in the items list.

Once you’ve selected the appropriate oil stain remover for your carpet, follow the instructions on the package and those on your carpet’s product care label to remove the oil stain.

If the above steps still leave you with an oil stain on your carpet, you may want to seek a professional carpet cleaner to remove the stain.

Commonly Asked Questions

Is WD-40 an effective oil stain remover for carpet?

-Yes, it is. First, spray the WD-40 onto the stained area, then let it sit for 1-2 minutes before using your regular carpet cleaner or gently cleansing the area with a sponge and warm, sudsy water.

Repeat the process until the stain is gone.

Be sure to allow the carpet to thoroughly dry as a soapy, wet carpet both attracts soil and has the potential for mildew or mold to form.

What are some good oil stain removers for carpet?

There are many out there – they can be found at grocery stores, home improvement stores, and even online.

I found a couple on Amazon getting good results and reviews:

It’s formulated to remove stains effectively, but the secret is in the brush. 

Reviews raved about the brush applicator and how much easier it was to use.

Apply it to the stain and allow it to penetrate for a few minutes. 

Lightly blot at it with a cloth and a small amount of water. 

Allow the area to dry completely. 

May have to repeat the application.

Conclusion

Have you enjoyed learning how to remove oil stains from carpet? 

It doesn’t take a lot of effort, product, or money to do it yourself – it just takes knowing what to do and what to use!

All of that is better than having to call in the professionals to either clean your carpet or even replace it!

Good luck!