Grease and oil stains are some of the toughest messes to remove from carpets. Whether it’s a cooking spill, tracked-in motor oil, or an accidental drop from food, these stains can quickly settle deep into carpet fibers, leaving behind dark spots and unpleasant odors.
At Knight’s Coastal Cleaning Solutions, our carpet cleaning services have helped many Mississippi homeowners and businesses successfully remove stubborn grease and oil stains from their carpets. Drawing from that experience, this guide will walk you through safe, effective methods for treating grease and oil stains at home and explain when it’s best to call in professional carpet cleaners.
Why Grease and Oil Stains Are So Difficult to Remove
Unlike water-based stains, oil-based stains don’t dissolve easily with soap and water. Instead, they cling tightly to carpet fibers and attract dirt, which can make the problem worse if handled the wrong way. Rubbing the area or trying to soak it with water usually spreads the stain further rather than removing it.
The longer grease or oil sits, the deeper it penetrates into the fibers which is why quick action is essential when figuring out how to get grease stains out of carpet properly.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Remove Grease & Oil Stains From Carpet
1. Act Fast
- The quicker you respond, the better. Fresh grease hasn’t fully bonded to carpet fibers, so blotting right away gives you the best chance at removal.
2. Blot, Don’t Rub
- Use a clean white cloth or paper towel to gently blot the area. Press firmly but avoid scrubbing it only spreads the oil and pushes it deeper into the fibers.
3. Use an Absorbent Powder
- For fresh stains, sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch over the spot. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to absorb the oil, then vacuum thoroughly.
4. Apply a Safe Cleaning Solution
- Mix a few drops of mild soap solution (which cuts grease) with warm water. Lightly dampen a microfiber cloth with the solution and blot the stain. Always test on a hidden area first to avoid discoloration.
5. Rinse and Blot Dry
- Dampen a separate cloth with plain water to rinse out soap residue. Then blot with a dry towel to absorb extra moisture and let the carpet air dry.
6. For Stubborn or Old Stains, Call a Professional Carpet Cleaning Company
- If the stain doesn’t come out after DIY cleaning, it may have soaked too deep into the carpet fibers. In that case, a professional carpet cleaning service is your best option.
DIY methods can handle small, fresh grease stains but for larger, older, or deeply set stains, professional cleaning is the safest and most effective option. At Knight’s Coastal Cleaning Solutions (KCCS), we use advanced hot water extraction and specialized degreasing solutions that penetrate deep into carpet fibers, breaking down oils without harming the carpet backing. This is why so many homeowners trust us for carpet cleaning on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, including Pascagoula, Gulfport, Ocean Springs, Biloxi & Mobile AL.
Professional cleaning also:
- Extends carpet lifespan.
- Eliminates odors caused by grease buildup.
- Restores the carpet’s original look and texture.
Preventing Future Grease Stains on Carpet
- Place mats and rugs near entryways and kitchens.
- Avoid eating oily foods in carpeted areas.
- Schedule professional carpet cleaning to keep carpets fresh and resilient.
Following these simple tips can help reduce the chances you’ll need to search for how to get grease off carpet again in the future.
Final Thoughts
Grease and oil stains may look permanent, but with the right steps, you can often save your carpet. Always start by blotting gently, use absorbent powders, and test any cleaning solution in a small, hidden area before applying it more widely.
If the stain refuses to budge, keeps reappearing, or has already set deep into the fibers, it’s time to call in the professionals. At Knight’s Coastal Cleaning Solutions (KCCS), we provide trusted carpet cleaning services for homes and businesses across the Gulf Coast. Our team uses advanced cleaning methods designed to remove tough grease and oil without damaging your carpet, restoring freshness, comfort, and beauty to your space.
Don’t risk permanent damage. Call KCCS today at (228) 249-9334 for expert carpet cleaning in Mobile AL, Ocean Springs, Pascagoula, Gulfport, Biloxi and throughout Mississippi’s Gulf Coast.