How To Get Oil Out Of Carpet In 3 Methods – Removal Guides And Methods

There is an old saying that a finger stained in oil can soil the rest. Not sure how this analogy would work for carpets but anyone who has been in a place where an oil of any kind spilled on their carpet can tell you that it is not a pretty sight. 

As if that wasn’t bad enough, you also have to deal with the problem of stain transference. Unlike most stains that are likely to remain in the spot where the spill happened, oil stains have a way of moving around and if you don’t act quickly, what started out as a tiny spot can grow into a huge mess.

In this article, we will be looking at three methods for removing oil stains. These methods are perfect for just about any kind of oil stain and can be used on just about any type of carpet fabric.

That said, your focus should be on the ingredients used in each method. Go for the one that you feel is most available and accessible to you. The pro tips are there to make your job a whole lot easier for you.

All the best!

Video Explainer

How to Remove Oil Stain on Carpet Using Rubbing Alcohol

If you have a medicine cabinet, chances are you already have rubbing alcohol in it. This method is the easiest of all the three methods listed in this article, but the results can be just as effective.

Due to the nature of the solvent (rubbing alcohol) used, it is best to use this on smaller oil stain on the carpet

What You Will Need

1. Rubbing Alcohol
2. Clean white cloth (An extra cloth for rinsing the spot)
3. Cool Water
4. Fan (for ventilation)

Step 1: Apply rubbing alcohol on the stained spot

• Do try to enforce the necessary precautions when dealing with a substance like this (use a face mask, open up the windows etc.
• Pour the rubbing alcohol directly on the oil stain on the carpet
• Ensure that you soak the area thoroughly with the rubbing alcohol

Step 2: Rub the Alcohol into the carpet

• Pour some rubbing alcohol on the clean white cloth
• Use the clean cloth to work the alcohol deeper into the stained carpet
• Do not scrub vigorously, instead use a pressing motion to guarantee that the stain absorbs the alcohol

Step 3: Allow the carpet to dry

• Alcohol evaporates so after pressing it into the carpet, leave it for a few minutes to dry
• Check on the stain after it is dry
• If the stain is still visible, repeat step 2 and 3

Step 4: Rinse off excessive alcohol

• When you are satisfied with the results, you can rinse off the alcohol from the carpet
• Soak the spot with the water
• Use a clean cloth to soak up the water and then blot until it is dry

Step 5: Let the carpet air dry

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• Turn on the fan to its highest setting
• Put it directly over the spot if you can and leave it for as long as it takes to dry
• Carpet should be looking spotless

How to Remove Motor Oil from Carpet Using Dry Cleaning Solvent

Apart from cooking oils, motor oil is the next most common oil stain on the carpet, and while the two of them are different, they share a similar chemical structure with motor oil coming out most active.

But just because it is a severe kind of stain doesn't mean that you cannot remove it. This method is also effective on regular oil stains, and it is almost as easy as the method of using rubbing alcohol.

What You Will Need

1. Dry cleaning solvent (Perc is best for oil stains, but eco-lovers may want a more environmentally friendly alternative)
2. White clean cloth or paper towel
3. Water
4. Fan (to dry up the spot)

Step 1: Do a solvent test

• To avoid damaging your carpet, do a spot test before you apply on the stain
• Choose a carpet spot that is not visible and use the solvent on it
• Observe the results. If it is okay, proceed to the next step. If not, try another enzyme solution
• Moisten the clean cloth with water and use it to blot out the solvent

Step 2: Use the dry-cleaning solvent on the stain

• Spray the dry-cleaning solvent directly on the stain
• Use the white cloth or paper towel to massage the solution into the stained area
• Do this until you are confident that the solution is rooted in the carpet

Step 3: Leave the solvent in the carpet

• Give the solution some time to work its magic on the oil stain
• Set your timer for 5 minutes and then check on the stain when the time has elapsed
• At this point, there shouldn't be any stain on the carpet.

Step 4: Check on the stain

• Use a clean cloth to blot out the solvent from the carpet
• Pay attention to the stain. If still visible, repeat step 2 and 3
• If not, dampen the cloth with water and dab the area

Step 5: Allow the carpet to dry

• Use a dry cloth to dab the wet spot until it is more damp than soggy
• Turn the fan on to its highest setting and concentrate it on the spot that needs drying
• Leave it on until the place is perfectly dry

How to Get Oil Out of Carpet Using Baking Soda

This third step can seem a little complicated, and that is because of the many measures used in the process. This article breaks it down in simple to follow steps. The best part (besides getting rid of the oil stain) is that all the ingredients can be sourced right there in your home.

What You Will Need:

1. Baking Soda (Or cornstarch if you prefer)
2. Vacuum Cleaner
3. Cleaning Solvent
4. Clean white cloth
5. Liquid dishwashing soap
6. Vinegar
7. Warm water
8. Mixing bowl
9. Toothbrush (Use a bigger brush for more significant stains)

Step 1: Powder up the stains

• Apply the baking soda or cornstarch generously on the stain
• Ensure that you are covering the entire stain in either of the two powders
• They are both organic and non-toxic so don’t worry

Step 2: Work the powder into the stain

• Use the clean cloth to rub the powder into the carpet stain
• Apply just enough pressure to allow cornstarch o baking soda to penetrate the stain
• Use the brush get the powders deeper into the fabric of the carpet

Step 3: Allow the powder to sit in the carpet

• After brushing the cleaning agent into the carpet, allow it to set
• Set your timer to 15 minutes which should provide ample time for it to work
• You can leave it for longer if the stain is deep

Step 4: Vacuum the powder of the carpet

• At the end of 15 minutes, the baking soda should have absorbed the oil in the carpet
• Connect the vacuum to its power source and suck out the powders until nothing is left
• Inspect the stain and repeat the steps 1-4 if necessary

Step 5: Apply dry-cleaning solvent on the oil stain

• Spray the dry-cleaning solution on a clean white cloth
• Gently blot the oil stain with the dampened cloth
• Keep at this until you see that the stain is no longer transferring to the fabric

Step 6: Prepare the stain removal solution

• Pour 2 cups of water into the mixing bowl
• Add one tablespoon of white vinegar
• Finally, add one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid to the mix and stir

Step 7: Apply the solution on the stain

• Steep the clean white cloth into the stain removal solution you have just prepared
• Wring the cloth to drain excess moisture and then dab the stain spot
• Use a different dry cloth to dry up any excess moisture

Step 8: Wash out the carpet

• Pour a little liquid detergent on the stained spot
• Sprinkle some warm water and use either of the brushes to work up a lather
• Repeat until you are satisfied with the results

Step 9: Rinse the carpet

• First off, rinse the brushes and cloth in cold water
• Shake off the water from the brush and use on the spot. Repeat until the lather reduces
• Squeeze the material and use it to blot the spot until it somewhat dry

Step 10: Leave the carpet to dry completely

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• At this point, all powder, stain removal solution and detergent should no longer be on the carpet
• Turn on the fan and leave it to dry
• Check the carpet for signs of a stain and repeat the process if necessary

All of the methods listed here would save you on time, money and other resources. But if you would instead not get so physically involved in the oil stain removal process, look through your local business directory and reach out to businesses that offer professional carpet cleaning services.