How to Remove Grease From Carpet

Grease and oil stains on carpet require a different approach than water-based stains. Because grease is hydrophobic (it repels water), water-based cleaners alone won't remove it. You need an absorbent to pull the grease out of the fibers, followed by a degreasing agent to break down what remains. Here's exactly how to do it.

What You'll Need

• Baking soda — Nutricost Baking Soda to absorb fresh grease from the fibers.
• Goo Gone — Goo Gone Original Liquid 8oz is a powerful degreaser that breaks down oil and grease without damaging carpet fibers.
• Isopropyl alcohol — Amazon Basics 99% Isopropyl Alcohol as an alternative degreaser for lighter grease stains.
• Microfiber cloths — white only.
• Spray bottle — for applying water rinse.
• Dish soap (a few drops) — as a final degreasing rinse.
• Spoon or dull knife — for scraping up solid grease.

Step 1: Remove Excess Grease

If the grease is solid or semi-solid (butter, lard, thick oil), use a spoon or dull knife to carefully scrape up as much as possible without pressing it deeper into the carpet. For liquid grease, blot — don't rub — with a clean microfiber cloth to absorb as much as possible.

Step 2: Apply Baking Soda to Absorb the Grease

Sprinkle baking soda generously over the grease stain. Let it sit for 15–30 minutes — the baking soda absorbs grease from the fibers. For heavy grease stains, leave it for up to an hour. Scoop up the baking soda and vacuum the area thoroughly.

Step 3: Apply Goo Gone

Apply a small amount of Goo Gone Original directly to the remaining grease stain. Let it sit for 3–5 minutes to penetrate and break down the grease. Blot firmly with a clean white cloth, working from the outside of the stain inward. Repeat as needed until no more grease transfers to the cloth.

Step 4: Degrease with Dish Soap

After Goo Gone treatment, apply a few drops of dish soap mixed with warm water to the area. Work it in gently with a cloth, then blot clean. Dish soap is a surfactant that helps lift any remaining grease and also removes the Goo Gone residue from the fibers.

Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse the area with clean water using a spray bottle and blot dry. Repeat the rinse until no soap residue remains — soap left in the carpet attracts dirt rapidly.

Step 6: Dry Completely

Blot as much moisture as possible, then allow to air dry with good ventilation. Run a fan to speed drying.

Alternative: Isopropyl Alcohol for Lighter Grease Stains

For lighter grease stains, 99% isopropyl alcohol is an effective degreaser. Apply to a clean cloth and blot the stain — don't pour directly onto the carpet. The alcohol dissolves the grease and evaporates quickly, leaving no residue. Follow with a dish soap rinse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use WD-40 to remove grease from carpet?

WD-40 can help loosen some grease stains, but it leaves an oily residue that can be harder to remove than the original stain. Goo Gone is a better choice — it's designed to be rinsed out cleanly.

Will baking soda alone remove grease from carpet?

Baking soda absorbs grease effectively but doesn't break it down chemically. It's an essential first step, but you'll need a degreaser like Goo Gone or isopropyl alcohol to remove what the baking soda leaves behind.

What if the grease stain has already dried and set?

Dried grease is harder but still treatable. Apply Goo Gone and let it sit for 10–15 minutes to soften the dried grease before blotting. Multiple treatments may be needed.

Final Thoughts

Grease stains require a two-step approach: absorb with baking soda first, then degrease with Goo Gone or isopropyl alcohol. Follow with a dish soap rinse to remove degreaser residue, and rinse thoroughly with water. Done correctly, even heavy grease stains can be fully removed from carpet.