How can I remove embedded oil/grease stains from my carpet?
Question:My husband never removes his work boots resulting in my badly soiled and stained carpet. I have used the Rug Doctor but still cannot remove the deeply embedded oil/grease from the carpet? Any suggestions would be helpful.
Answers:
Grease from carpet
General Info:
Be sure to check the helpful hints for the Do's and Don'ts of stain removal and Six Sure Ways to Set Stains
Tools & Chemicals:
Dry cleaning solvent, dish washing or fine fabric detergent, white terry towels, white vinegar, warm water, measuring cup, vacuum. Dry cleaning solvents can be purchased at your Gregory store or at your local carpet cleaning supply retailer.
Technique:
* Work on removing the stain as soon as you notice it. The longer the stain is left on the carpet the greater the chances are of the stain setting.
* In every case remove all excess wet or dry material before attempting to clean. Blot wet materials using a white terry towel (check helpful hints for a detailed description of blotting). Vacuum excess dry materials or gently scrape up materials with a spoon.
*Apply a small amount of dry cleaning solvent to the white terry towel and blot the stain. Continue until no further transfer of material to the towel is apparent.
*If the stain remains proceed to the next step.
*Mix 1/2 tsp. of dish washing soap or fine fabric detergent into 1 (8 oz.) cup of warm water.
*Apply a small amount, blot or tamp and repeat until the stain is removed. Be patient. Complete removal may require repeating the same step several times. Tamp down on the carpet; do not scrub as this may distort the texture of the pile.
* Cover the stain with the towel and press down repeatedly to absorb the stain material and detergent.
*Once the stain is completely removed, rinse the area with cold water; blot with a dry white terry towel until all moisture is removed. Repeat this process several times to remove cleaning solution residue. (Residue can attract soils).
* If the spot or stain turns brownish when dry, mix 1 part white vinegar and two parts water. Apply a small amount and blot. Repeat only once.
Precautions:
Never use a stronger concentration than is recommended. Never use laundry detergent or automatic dish washing detergents because they may destroy or dye some fibers. Never use non-volatile solvents as they can cause delamination in synthetic carpets either immediately or over a period of time. Non-volatile solvents do not dissipate at room temperature & will remain in your carpet. Never pour solvents directly onto your carpet or saturate your carpet. Instead apply the solvent to a white terry towel and blot the stained area. Never use highly combustible solvents such as gasoline or paint thinners.
Oil - motor from carpet
General Info:
Be sure to check the helpful hints for the Do's and Don'ts of stain removal and Six Sure Ways to Set Stains.
Tools & Chemicals:
Dry cleaning solvent, dish washing or fine fabric detergent, white terry towels, white vinegar, warm water, measuring cup, vacuum. Dry cleaning solvents can be purchased at your Gregory store or at your local carpet cleaning supply retailer.
Technique:
* Work on removing the stain as soon as you notice it. The longer the stain is left on the carpet the greater the chances are of the stain setting.
*In every case remove all excess wet or dry material before attempting to clean. Blot wet materials using a white terry towel (check helpful hints for a detailed description of blotting). Vacuum excess dry materials or gently scrape up materials with a spoon.
* Apply a small amount of dry cleaning solvent to the white terry towel and blot the stain. Continue until no further transfer of material to the towel is apparent.
* If the stain remains proceed to the next step.
*Mix 1/2 tsp. of dish washing soap or fine fabric detergent into 1 (8-oz.) cup of warm water.
* Apply a small amount, blot or tamp and repeat until the stain is removed. Be patient. Complete removal may require repeating the same step several times. Tamp down on the carpet; do not scrub as this may distort the texture of the pile.
*Cover the stain with the towel and press down repeatedly to absorb the stain material and detergent.
*Once the stain is completely removed, rinse the area with cold water; blot with a dry white terry towel until all moisture is removed. Repeat this process several times to remove cleaning solution residue. (Residue can attract soils).
*the spot or stain turns brownish when dry, mix 1 part white vinegar and two parts water. Apply a small amount and blot. Repeat only once.
Precautions:
Never use a stronger concentration than is recommended. Never use laundry detergent or automatic dish washing detergents because they may destroy or dye some fibers. Never use non-volatile solvents as they can cause delamination in synthetic carpets either immediately or over a period of time. Non-volatile solvents do not dissipate at room temperature & will remain in your carpet. Never pour solvents directly onto your carpet or saturate your carpet. Instead apply the solvent to a white terry towel and blot the stained area. Never use highly combustible solvents such as gasoline or paint thinners.
Of course test this on a piece of carpet like in the closet in case it stains. Use penetration spray (you get it in the automotive section. Spray it on, and immediately blot it up. You can also try soaking it in hair shampoo.
First use WD40 on the stains to loosen up and dissolve the oils and grease. Then immediately follow up with a thorough carpet shampoo to remove the dissolves oils and grease. Call a pro or rent a professional carpet shampooer to properly extract all the dirt.
Most importantly tell you husband to take off his dirty shoes and clothes before soiling your furniture and carpet. I know it's going to be rough to get him to change but give it a try.
Ok, in order to "cut" an oil product, or a grease product, what you do is use a "thinner" oil or grease product!
Yep! I have tried it and it works... Try using WD-40 or PB BLASTER (The stink will go away after awhile), on a rag and rub it into the grease stains, and it "will" cut the stains after awhile. (Dont rub...dab a lot of times until it starts to work, rubbing it will just smear that grease and embed it into the bottom of the carpet).. Spray in a well concealed area first, to see if it will do any damage to your carpet..(like in a closet to make sure it wont ruin your carpet, then use it where the grease stains are)...
Some types of fibres may 'melt' with some solvents from cans, so thats what you want to make sure of, that your carpet can stand up to the spray or fluids.
If the grease is "gobbed on", then spray the area, and leave to soak for awhile, then spray again and start working it with an absorbant cloth.
I wish you well...
Jesse
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