Removing Grease Stains On Your Area Rugs

Area rugs cover a large amount of the floor, and it seems almost impossible that an area rug can go on for years without somebody accidentally spilling a plate of spaghetti and meatballs onto it. The worst rug stains possible would likely be grease stains, as the indelible lipid fats and oils penetrate deep into the rugs’ fibers, making them extremely difficult to remove. Of course, a serious grease stain on your area rug should be treated professionally as it is probably impossible for you to clean by hand, but if it is a small stain, it may be possible to treat it yourself for the time being, before you send it for its regular thorough overall cleaning treatment. Here are two ways you can try to clean your area rugs.

The Scrubbing + Dry Spotter Method

IMPORTANT: This method is not recommended for Oriental rugs or rugs made from natural fibers! Such rugs are delicate and would not hold up against scrubbing. You should not attempt to clean them by yourself; instead, you should call a professional cleaning company to ask what can be done.

For this method, you need a brush, a clean white cloth, and cornmeal. You would also need liquid dry cleaning solvent and coconut oil, as well as an absorbent pad.

First, blot the grease stain with the cloth to soak up as much as possible. Then, apply cornmeal to the stain, which should absorb most of the oils. With a stuff bristled brush, brush the stain out firmly, taking care not to damage your area rug.

If you can still see the grease, take a clean sponge and apply a special dry spotter. You can make this using 8 parts liquid dry cleaning solvent and 1 part coconut oil. Use an absorbent pad to cover the stain with more dry spotter. The pad should begin picking up the stain. If not, try the next method of removal.

The Wet Spotter Method

This method calls for a sponge, water, white vinegar, dishwashing detergent, and glycerine. You also need a bottle and an absorbent pad.

With a clean, wet sponge, pat the stain. Then put a few drops of white vinegar on it, along with a wet spotter. You can make this using one part dishwashing detergent, 8 parts water, and 1 part glycerine, shaken well and stored in a plastic bottle. Pour a significant quantity of the wet spotter onto a clean, absorbent pad, placing the pad directly on the grease stain. You may need to replace the pad with a new one soaked in wet spotter as the grease stain is slowly absorbed. Repeat the process as many times as necessary in order to clean the grease stain. The downside of this method is that your rug may take on the strong smell of vinegar, but if it works it may be worth it, and you can try to air out the rug later on.

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