How to Get Oil Out of Carpet
- Oil stains sink deep into carpet fibres and need fast action.
- Blot first, then absorb oil with baking soda or cornflour.
- Mild washing-up liquid breaks down grease safely.
This method works on fresh and dried oil stains. - Professional cleaning is best for large or stubborn spills.
To get oil out of the carpet, blot the spill gently to remove excess oil. Cover the stain with baking soda or cornflour and leave it for 15 to 30 minutes to absorb grease. Vacuum thoroughly, then blot with warm water and a small amount of washing-up liquid. Rinse with clean water and blot dry. Repeat if needed.
Did you know that a surprising 27 % of Brits admit to not cleaning their carpets (e.g., beyond occasional vacuuming), which implies many stains (including oil) may not be properly treated or removed.
Why Oil on Carpet Is Hard to Clean
Oil stains are difficult because oil does not mix with water. Once spilled, it sinks deep into carpet fibres and attracts dirt. If not treated quickly, oil stains can darken and become permanent.
Common oil stains include:
- Cooking oils and butter
- Engine oil or grease
- Make-up and beauty products
- Hair oils and lotions
This is why knowing how to remove oil stains from carpet properly matters. If you are deciding whether an oil stain is worth fixing, our guide on cleaning carpets vs replacing carpets explains when professional cleaning makes sense.
What to Do Immediately After an Oil Spill on Carpet
Acting fast gives you the best chance of removing oil completely.
- Blot excess oil using a clean cloth or paper towel. Do not rub.
- Apply an absorbent powder like baking soda or cornflour.
- Leave it for 15 to 30 minutes so it can draw oil out of the fibres.
- Vacuum thoroughly to remove all powder.
These steps alone can significantly reduce visible oil stains.
How to Remove Oil from Carpet: Step-by-Step Guide
What You Will Need
- Baking soda or cornflour
- Washing-up liquid
- Warm water
- Clean white cloths or towels
- Vacuum cleaner
Step 1: Absorb the Oil
Sprinkle baking soda or cornflour over the stain. Leave for 30 minutes, or longer for heavy stains.
Step 2: Vacuum the Area
Vacuum slowly and thoroughly to remove all powder and absorbed oil.
Step 3: Prepare a Cleaning Solution
Add a few drops of washing-up liquid to a bowl of warm water. Do not use hot water.
Step 4: Blot the Stain
Dip a clean cloth into the solution and blot the stain gently. Work from the outside towards the centre.
Step 5: Rinse
Blot the area with plain water to remove soap residue.
Step 6: Dry
Blot with a dry towel and allow the carpet to air dry fully.
This method is safe for most carpets and works on fresh and dried oil stains. If you are dealing with more than oil alone, see our guide on how to tackle common carpet stains for advice on food, drink, and pet-related marks.
Can You Remove Old or Dried Oil Stains from Carpet?
Yes, dried oil stains can still be removed, but they may need repeated treatments. For stubborn stains, allow the baking soda to sit overnight before vacuuming. Avoid aggressive scrubbing, which can damage fibres.
If stains remain after several attempts, professional carpet cleaning is recommended.
DIY Cleaning vs Professional Carpet Cleaning
DIY Cleaning
- Best for small, fresh spills
- Low cost
- Limited effectiveness on deep stains
Professional Carpet Cleaning
- Ideal for large or old oil stains
- Uses specialist grease-removal solutions
- Extends carpet lifespan
Frequently Asked Questions
Does baking soda really remove oil from carpet?
Yes. Baking soda is highly effective at absorbing oil and grease from carpet fibres. When sprinkled generously and left to sit, it draws oil out of the carpet, making it easier to vacuum away before deeper cleaning.
Can I use vinegar on oil stains in carpet?
Vinegar alone is not very effective on oil-based stains. Oil repels water, so acidic cleaners like vinegar don’t break it down well. A grease-cutting washing-up liquid works much better, as it’s designed to dissolve oils.
Will oil stains come back after cleaning?
Yes, oil stains can reappear if residue remains deep in the carpet backing or underlay. This is called “wicking.” Thorough rinsing, proper blotting, and allowing the carpet to fully dry help prevent stains from returning.
Is it safe to use washing-up liquid on carpet?
Yes, it’s safe if used correctly. Use only a small amount, dilute it with warm water, and rinse thoroughly afterward. Too much detergent can leave sticky residue that attracts dirt.
When should I call a professional carpet cleaner?
You should consider a professional if the stain is large, old, deeply set, or caused by engine oil, cooking grease, or other heavy oils. Professional equipment can extract oil from deep within the carpet fibres and underlay more safely and effectively.
How to Get Oil Out of Carpet
Did you know that 2 million British adults—about 41%—have never washed their carpets, according to recent research? This means many carpets could be harbouring stubborn stains, including oil spills, making effective stain removal even more important.
Quick Answer: How Do You Get Oil Stains Out of Carpet?
To remove oil from carpet, start by blotting the spill gently—never rub. Then cover the stain with baking soda or cornstarch and leave it for 15–30 minutes to absorb the grease. Vacuum it up, then blot the area with warm water and mild dish soap. Rinse with plain water and blot dry. Repeat as needed. This oil stain removal method works on fresh and dried-in stains.
Why Oil on Carpet Is Hard to Clean
When oil spills on carpet, it penetrates deep into the fibres and doesn’t mix with water, making it harder to clean than other stains. Whether it’s a cooking accident, engine grease, or beauty product, knowing how to remove oil stains from carpet quickly is key to preventing permanent marks.
Wondering if it’s worth the effort? Here’s our honest take on cleaning your carpets vs replacing them.
What to Do Immediately After an Oil Spill on Carpet
Here’s how to act fast when there’s an oil spill on carpet:
– Blot the excess oil. Use a paper towel or clean cloth to gently soak up as much oil as possible. Avoid rubbing.
– Absorb the stain. Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch over the oil and let it sit for 15–30 minutes. These powders draw oil out of the carpet.
– Vacuum thoroughly. Remove the powder completely using a vacuum cleaner.
These simple steps can drastically improve your chances of getting oil out of carpet without leaving a trace.
How to Remove Oil from Carpet: A Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide
You’ll need:
Baking soda or cornstarch.
Washing-up liquid.
Warm (not hot) water.
Clean cloths or white towels.
Vacuum cleaner
1. Apply baking soda or cornstarch to the oil stain and leave it for 30 minutes.
2. Vacuum up the powder.
3. Mix a cleaning solution: Add a few drops of washing-up liquid to warm water.
4. Blot the stain with the soapy solution using a clean cloth—don’t soak the carpet.
5. Work from the edges in to avoid spreading the stain.
6. Rinse with plain water by blotting gently.
7. Blot dry with a clean towel and allow the carpet to air dry.
This method is ideal for cleaning oil off carpet after small spills or greasy accidents. Dealing with more than just oil? Check out our guide on how to tackle common carpet stains for more tips.