How to Remove Tar, Grease and Oil Based Spots from Carpet and Rugs

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  • Опубліковано 8 січ 2025

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  • @MackelBLewlis
    @MackelBLewlis 10 років тому +30

    slight variation: i rubbed in liquid dish detergent without water, waited a few minutes, then proceeded with the blotting using instead 90% rubbing alcohol. worked pretty great.

  • @vickiclark5823
    @vickiclark5823 8 років тому +6

    Thanks Robert!! My husband took down an old ceiling fan and placed it on our beige carpet, and a bright yellow oil leaked out. I immediately started soaking up the oil with paper towels. My first instinct was to spray the spot with ordinary foam carpet cleaner but I went to UA-cam instead, and found this video. I did not have denatured alcohol but I found some "Goof Off" paint and tar remover (main ingredient is xylene) under the sink. I put Goof Off on a white cotton rag and applied it to the stain, just as the video shows. After just a few applications of Goof Off, the yellow oil disappeared from the carpet and no longer showed on the white rag. Once the Goof Off evaporated, I gently cleaned the area with a mild solution of water and Dawn dishwashing liquid to get the oily feel out of the carpet. It worked! A one year old $800 carpet saved, and my husband is forgiven. :)

    • @RobertMartinServicesEtc
      @RobertMartinServicesEtc  8 років тому

      +Vicki Clark tell your husband he owes you a nice a dinner and a night out! I'm glad everything worked out for you.

    • @vickiclark5823
      @vickiclark5823 8 років тому +1

      You're so right! He couldn't believe I was so calm...

    • @carolinechew9155
      @carolinechew9155 2 роки тому

      Hahaha!!! I was just going to ask if you were still married???
      Hahaha!!
      Which parts of your house is he allowed in now?!? Haha.
      I replaced carpet with hardwood, then bought Waaay expensive Jute rugs to protect the hardwoods,-- then bought XLarge “Pottie Pads” to protect the Jute rugs!!!
      Hahaha.
      I’m a Doof, -- but I rescue animals. . . So. . .
      :)

  • @jmel999
    @jmel999 8 років тому +15

    Thanks for the great tip Bob! For our grease marks from dropping a hinge pin on our off white carpet, before trying the Denatured Alcohol I thought it would be a good idea to try your soapy solution first. So I chose DAWN Platinum which we have on hand and mixed it one tsp with 8 oz. water. Amazingly, it worked great!

    • @RobertMartinServicesEtc
      @RobertMartinServicesEtc  8 років тому +6

      +jmel I appreciate the feedback! Thank you!

    • @RazorBronzor
      @RazorBronzor 8 років тому +6

      I never thought anyone on UA-cam would end up saving my life, Thank you!

    • @divyavinu8015
      @divyavinu8015 Рік тому +1

      Thank you!! It works great

  • @janettevazquez8679
    @janettevazquez8679 2 роки тому +4

    Thank you so much for sharing your tip. Just got new carpet and a greasy hinge from a door fell right on it and I felt like it ruined my life lol but you saved the day.

  • @nwcountry
    @nwcountry 6 років тому +1

    I started just using the rubbing alcohol on stains that have been in my carpet since moved in. Not sure oil based, or water based but the alcohol alone has helped but the spots aren't dry yet. I'll be back to comment. Thank you Robert for the tip because I would have NEVER thought to try alcohol, and worse case scenario, I'll go down an buy some denatured;) I also had the Dawn detergent ready, 1/4 tsp in 4 oz. thank you again, Denise

  • @FiftyHandycap
    @FiftyHandycap 10 років тому +3

    I followed your guide only I used isopropyl alcohol instead of denatured alcohol and it worked great. Thanks for the tip!

    • @RobertMartinServicesEtc
      @RobertMartinServicesEtc  10 років тому

      Thank you for your positive comment. I'm glad I could be of assistance.

    • @FiftyHandycap
      @FiftyHandycap 10 років тому +2

      Robert Martin Not to mention that the motor oil stains were over a year old, I was amazed at how well it worked

  • @car_ventures
    @car_ventures 7 років тому +1

    I put a car jack into the trunk, its wheels had grease on them (lubricant chassis grease type stuff). Whilst the jack was secured and on a large piece of cardboard, it worked its way loose during the drive and rolled all over the trunk carpet, which now has many grease stains. Will give this is a try!

  • @edsevensky3919
    @edsevensky3919 3 роки тому +1

    Thanks, upstate buddy! Dunmore/Scranton transplant put this advice to good use when the greasy wheels of a mirror door got put on our carpet.

  • @TammyLawman
    @TammyLawman 8 років тому +3

    I was thrilled to find your video after a houseguest tracked greasy footprints all through the house. The carpet is less than 2 years old and I thought it was completely ruined. The denatured alcohol and water/dish soap worked great on all the spots except the two heaviest and I thought I'd try those again tomorrow to see if it will clear up. It's much better than it was so thank you!

  • @Dizzer187
    @Dizzer187 7 років тому +3

    This is a great post Thanks. My carpet had the same great result. Good man.

  • @-smp-scientificmethodpersp838
    @-smp-scientificmethodpersp838 6 років тому

    Better than all the other UA-cam videos I found

    • @RobertMartinServicesEtc
      @RobertMartinServicesEtc  6 років тому +1

      Thank you for your appreciation and comment on the video. We are always glad to help.

  • @sirgilmour
    @sirgilmour 11 років тому

    very nice video i must say, i have not tried yet, but i have some wd-40, release all, vinegar, resolve (spray'n'wash), butane gas, clr

  • @colyncolyn3446
    @colyncolyn3446 7 років тому +2

    good tips, off to get the required goods for countless oil stains walked in from our garage in our rental apartment. Wish me luck, the carpets are beige o-O will take a before and after shot for you.

    • @RobertMartinServicesEtc
      @RobertMartinServicesEtc  7 років тому

      Looking forward to seeing the results. Please remember to always blot and do not rub.

    • @colyncolyn3446
      @colyncolyn3446 7 років тому +2

      yeah you weren't kidding, the previous tenants tried to remove a stain and SHREDDED the carpet in one area, and the stain was still there.

  • @tnijoo5109
    @tnijoo5109 2 роки тому +2

    This was very helpful. Thank you. ❤

  • @rebeccaparrish954
    @rebeccaparrish954 7 років тому +1

    I work in a big warehouse and the forklifts and chariots constantly leave black grease around and there was a huge glob of it in the freezer that I didn't notice till I had tracked it around and I managed to get it in my cream colored carpet, so I'm going to try this and see if it works out. I'll update later.

    • @RobertMartinServicesEtc
      @RobertMartinServicesEtc  7 років тому

      Rebecca Parrish thanks for watching video. I'm interested to find out the results. Please let me know

  • @karin2825
    @karin2825 8 років тому +5

    Hi Bob,I have some serious tar like substance on my berber carpet and tried your method to no avail. This sticky substance had been put on the concrete flooring to use as an adhesive, I believe, for linoleum a long time ago. After the carpet layers were done laying carpet I noticed black spots in several areas. Do you have any suggestions for their removal? after dabbing the spot with both alcohol and then soapy water (yes, I used what you recommended) some of the sticky substance can be picked off, but none of it ended up on the towel, and there is still plenty on there that I am not able to peel off. Please help! Thank you!

  • @barbarakraus-blackney3997
    @barbarakraus-blackney3997 2 роки тому +1

    Will this work on a 100% wool carpet that machine gear lubricant globs got on? Thank you.

    • @RobertMartinServicesEtc
      @RobertMartinServicesEtc  2 роки тому

      Yes this will work on wool carpet but please be advised that pre-testing to ensure the dyes are stable is key. It's also important to note that if you were using any type of detergent, it should not have a pH of higher than 8 to 8 and 1/2. Wool is natural hair and very susceptible to bleaching.

  • @brendadevries6087
    @brendadevries6087 10 років тому +2

    I really appreciate this video. I have some stubborn grease stains on my carpet, and can't wait to try this out. Also, I returned home from a weekend-long trip out of town (Thursday through Monday) to find the corner of the carpet nearest to the bathroom completely soaked with water, and the whole room smelled like mildew. I sopped up the water the best I could with towels, and opened the window and turned on the fan. Is there anything else I can do to remove the mildew smell from the carpet?
    Thanks,
    Brenda DeVries
    Southern California

    • @RobertMartinServicesEtc
      @RobertMartinServicesEtc  10 років тому +1

      Thanks for checking out the video! Unfortunately water can cause unseen damage behind the carpet. Hopefully when you say "the corner of the carpet", you might be able to peel back the carpet and padding a bit. It sounds like you may need to dry and treat the sub floor with an anti microbial such as "Microban". Not sure how big your area is but you can use fans and dehumidifiers to fully dry the area. Even after correcting the problem causing the odor, you may have a residual smell that was absorbed by porous surfaces and materials. If you have further questions please feel free to email me at info@procleaner.biz and again thanks for looking.

    • @skekch
      @skekch 4 роки тому

      Baking soda

  • @jwalker277
    @jwalker277 4 роки тому +2

    Denatured Alcohol and 4 oz water to 1/4 teaspoon Dish detergent - cloth

  • @SplitScreenSamba
    @SplitScreenSamba 5 років тому +1

    hi there, my shop down the road sells denatured alcohol but its bright purple (presumably to put me off drinking it) - will this stain the light carpet purple?

    • @RobertMartinServicesEtc
      @RobertMartinServicesEtc  5 років тому

      I've never seen purple denatured alcohol. And I would guess that that is to discourage you from possibly drinking it . The reason I suggest using denatured alcohol because it will not leave many of residuals or impurities basic rubbing alcohol, Etc might leave in the carpet. I would have to say do not use the purple as I am not sure that may cause further damage. Thank you for your question, that's a very good point.

  • @doloreslarrick9402
    @doloreslarrick9402 7 років тому

    This is a very helpful video! Thank you. Can you tell me will it work for a WD_40 stain my son got in our carpet. I have been attempting this but maybe I need to work on it longer? Thanks

    • @RobertMartinServicesEtc
      @RobertMartinServicesEtc  7 років тому

      Sometimes a spot such as WD40 may contain both oil and water based components. First attempt with the alcohol until you no longer have any success. Then you can try a water based cleaner such as a drop of Dawn dish detergent, laundry soap or a citrus based cleaning product.

  • @teammosin9999
    @teammosin9999 3 роки тому +1

    Thank you for this!! Very clear and helpful

  • @WowRixter
    @WowRixter Рік тому

    Came across your old video. I have tiny spots of black oil stains from my chain as I move my bike my basement. Besides Denatured Alcohol what can I use? Can't find that stuff where I live

    • @RobertMartinServicesEtc
      @RobertMartinServicesEtc  Рік тому +1

      You could try mineral spirits you can maybe try a slight amount of lighter fluid. Whatever you decide to use make sure you pre-test first an inconspicuous location

    • @WowRixter
      @WowRixter Рік тому

      @@RobertMartinServicesEtc thank you. I have some of that. I'll try with a Q-Tip

  • @rivazza68
    @rivazza68 2 роки тому +1

    Thank you, so much appreciated sir.👍👍👍

  • @RobertMartinServicesEtc
    @RobertMartinServicesEtc  12 років тому +6

    You are very welcome and keep tuning in for more DIY carpet spot cleaning tips.

  • @fannyflap80
    @fannyflap80 Рік тому

    Hi! I recently spilled almost a litre of sunflower oil on a large rug. I removed what I could and gave the rug to a cleaning company but they didn’t do a very good job. The oil is still visible and it has spread all over. It has been a couple of weeks and the dry grease smell is getting stronger. Do you have any tips on what I can use. I’m going to take the rug out and wash it in the garden.

    • @RobertMartinServicesEtc
      @RobertMartinServicesEtc  Рік тому

      I would be careful taking the rug outside and soaking it. Are we talking about an area rug or a domestic carpet? Do you have any idea on what type of face fiber construction , like wool, nylon, olefin, etc. ? You may find this is something best not attempted at home.Also water will not be effective, you need a dry cleaning solvent like mineral spirits or denatured alcohol

  • @patrickdillon7837
    @patrickdillon7837 4 роки тому +1

    Thanks for the video. You said dish detergent, but you showed laundry detergent. So that was a bit confusing.

  • @jdrumz321ify
    @jdrumz321ify 7 років тому +3

    Will this work on old stains too??

  • @cjj140
    @cjj140 9 років тому

    Lanolin in Dish detergent will bleach your carpet, laundry detergent is what you need to use or a lot of ppl are going to have discolored spots on their carpet.

    • @RobertMartinServicesEtc
      @RobertMartinServicesEtc  9 років тому +4

      +cjj140 thank you for your input. First we always advocate pre-testing any cleaning agent in an inconspicuous location first, as to not cause further damage to carpets and upholstery. Second, I have never seen dish detergent bleach a dish rag. I have never seen dish detergent bleach the shirt of a person doing dishes for that matter either. However, refer to rule number one where we stress that any cleaning solution should be pre-tested on an inconspicuous spot in the event such damage might occur. Again thanks for watching the video and your input.

  • @RagingSurf90210
    @RagingSurf90210 10 років тому +1

    Wow, this works great. Thanks, Bob!

  • @ladygrim412
    @ladygrim412 5 років тому +2

    Great tip, thank you!

  • @johnthor4999
    @johnthor4999 10 років тому +1

    Do you know what kind of stores would would have the alcohol?

    • @RobertMartinServicesEtc
      @RobertMartinServicesEtc  10 років тому

      I would suggest Lowes, Home Depot or a local Paint store. I purchased mine at Lowes. Thanks for watching. Remember to blot and don't pour.

    • @johnthor4999
      @johnthor4999 10 років тому +1

      Robert Martin Thanks, just want to try it on car carpeting.

  • @anon2687
    @anon2687 8 років тому +1

    My boat sunk a couple times last summer :-( --- and now the indoor outdoor carpet is all stained with probably oil/gas. How would you attack large areas like this ??!?

    • @RobertMartinServicesEtc
      @RobertMartinServicesEtc  8 років тому

      +Ruthie anon I hope nobody was hurt and thank you for the question. Without actually seeing the situation and the extent of the damage I can offer a few pointers on the subject. When you are saying indoor outdoor carpet, I'm going to assume the carpet yarns are constructed of Olefin. There are different fibers for different applications but Olefin is usually used in wet and outdoor applications. The carpet backing is a different story however I will again assume the carpet was designed for outdoor and marine use. Olefin is chemically resistant to bleach and other cleaning agents so color loss should not be an issue and most of what you see is dirt and not damage. Olefin is also very oil loving and has an affinity for oil based soils. It also has a lower melting point than other fibers so excess heat can cause further damage. Even heavy rubbing of the carpet with a towel or a bonnet can cause friction burning and pile disturbance. All this being said, the best approach I feel would be hot water extraction, commonly referred to as steam cleaning. You can try to rent a carpet cleaning machine with a hand tool, keep your cleaning water at a temperature no higher that 120 F, extract as much moisture from the carpet as possible and try to dry as quick as possible. Use a pump sprayer to mist down a pre-treatment and let it work for about 5 or 10 minutes, use a comb to gently work it into heavier soiled areas. Laundry detergent can be used as it contains both water and oil based cleaning agents. Larger cleaning supply companies carry cleaning solutions designed specifically for the cleaning of Olefin carpet. During or after cleaning the carpet you will want to rinse the soapy residue with fresh water or an acidic rinsing agent. Always pretest any cleaning solution in an inconspicuous location first to make sure it will not cause more damage. I suggest calling a professional cleaning service simply because of the submersion issue. However I've given you a little bit of knowledge here to guide you in either way you choose to proceed. At least you can ask the right questions if you decide to hire a professional cleaner.

    • @anon2687
      @anon2687 8 років тому +1

      Well thank you kindly! No, no one was in the boat - it has a slow leak somewhere; it sunk on its mooring in the lake. It's hubby's fishing boat. I appreciate your detailed reply. I will show this to my husband and hope we can revive the carpet. I really appreciate your assistance!

  • @Kevin-sj5km
    @Kevin-sj5km 5 років тому

    Now I have oil stains on my cars carpet I use the dish soap to get the stains out of the carpet correct?

    • @servicesetceteracarpetupho3841
      @servicesetceteracarpetupho3841 5 років тому

      If it is oil I would start out by using denatured alcohol. Thanks for watching, questions are always welcome.

  • @MrsTracey617
    @MrsTracey617 9 років тому

    I wonder if I could try this on a sweatshirt?? My zipper hoody is trashed from work.. It used to be pink.. Now it's grey with stains everywhere!! Can u help? Do u think this might work?? I work with boxes and mail.. And the trucks being in the warehouse running... the Diesel fuel and the dirt from the boxes just ruin my clothes.. But I only care about my hoody.. Cuz it's thick and durable.. I wanna try my best to keep it somewhat clean.. Maybe if I soak it overnight in the detergent or alcohol maybe it may take some of the harsh stains out? What do u think? All my stains are oil based stains.. Definitely! And they've also been washed in the washer and dryer prior to me writing this.. As I've been wearing this hoody for a few months that it's been cold.. So if you have any suggestions I'd greatly appreciate it thank you so very much and have a great day

    • @RobertMartinServicesEtc
      @RobertMartinServicesEtc  9 років тому +1

      +Tracey Smith thank you for your question. Yes you can try this with your hoody. Please pre test an inconspicuous area first to make sure you won't cause more damage due to unstable color dyes. Also for fabric use a spray bottle with the nozzle close up to the spot and spray your cleaning agent through the spot. Agitate the spot by lightly rubbing the surface of the fabric together and let sit for 5 minutes before washing in cold water. If your hardware store carries mineral spirits I suggest using that however "Denatured Alcohol" will work. Again thanks for watching and feel free to contact us with any questions.

    • @MrsTracey617
      @MrsTracey617 9 років тому +1

      +Robert Martin hey thanks so much for getting back!!! I'm waiting till the wknd to try and wash it with ur method.. I'll check out Home Depot after work to see if they have the mineral spirits stuff.. And if not.. Just grab the denatured alcohol.. I'm praying this works... If it works.. I should start seeing the stain disappearing when I test it on the small spot.. Then I'll know if I can follow thru with the whole sweatshirt?? Right?? Or will it only come out in the washer? Then proceed to let it air dry so I don't set in anymore stains.. Know what I mean? Well.. I'll let u know how it works😉 even if it works a little.. It will be better then what it looks like already lol and it's an American Eagle zip up hoody with nice thick fur on the inside.. I was crushed when I noticed the first stain.. Cuz I only wear it to work.. Not while I work.. So since then it's been a work sweater 😢 cuz grease and oil I could never get out I figured.. So here's to hoping it comes clean🙏🏻

    • @RobertMartinServicesEtc
      @RobertMartinServicesEtc  9 років тому

      +Tracey Smith the test area is to make sure that there will not be any adverse reaction to the color dye. When you test a small area blot with a white cotton or terry cloth and look for 2 things. Look at the cloth 1 to make sure the is no dye is transferring from the garment to the towel. This would not be good and that cleaning agent should not be used. 2, look for transfer of the soil to the cloth. As long as there is soil transfer and no dye loss keep going. After my test I usually spray the areas in question, slightly agitate without disturbing the weave or the fabric, let it sit about 5 minutes and the wash. Keep in mind you should use a laundry detergent in the wash too so that any part of the soil that is water based will come clean as well. I hope this clarifies things. Good luck and let us know how things turn out.

    • @RobertMartinServicesEtc
      @RobertMartinServicesEtc  9 років тому

      Tracey Smith I'm wondering how this turned out for you. Let me know, I'm interested, perhaps you need further info.

  • @alicedelaney8794
    @alicedelaney8794 7 років тому +1

    would methylated spirits or ordinary alcohol work?

    • @RobertMartinServicesEtc
      @RobertMartinServicesEtc  7 років тому

      I would say no on the ordinary alcohol. Ask for mineral spirits if I'm understanding correctly, mineral spirits are a type of dry solvent. I would say yes on the mineral spirits. I have heard where carpet cleaners have used mineral spirits to construct their own dry cleaning spotter.

    • @alicedelaney8794
      @alicedelaney8794 7 років тому +1

      thank you for your help

  • @annajolie228
    @annajolie228 10 років тому

    Will this work if the stain is a few days old

    • @RobertMartinServicesEtc
      @RobertMartinServicesEtc  10 років тому +1

      Yes as long as the spot is oil based you should have no problems. Thanks for watching!

  • @cringeworthy2040
    @cringeworthy2040 6 років тому

    Does this work for grease that's been in carpet for months? Does Wal-Mart carry that stuff🤔

    • @RobertMartinServicesEtc
      @RobertMartinServicesEtc  6 років тому +2

      I can't guarantee if this will work for spots that are a few months old because of potential water based contaminants that may be in the grease. However there is a very good chance that it will work. Not sure if Walmart carries Denatured alcohol but you can check the paint and hardware aisle. A local hardware store should carry it.

  • @microclues327
    @microclues327 2 роки тому +1

    great tip!!!!!!!

  • @jillbrogan8002
    @jillbrogan8002 10 років тому +1

    Thankew so much - Great information. On my way to get denatured alcohol. Hope they sell it in smaller quantities.

    • @RobertMartinServicesEtc
      @RobertMartinServicesEtc  10 років тому

      Thank you for viewing and remember to blot with a white towel, never rub. I have purchased in quart size at my local hardware store. Work the spot from the outside inward. We would appreciate letting us know how you make out.

  • @MsNeech76
    @MsNeech76 12 років тому +1

    Thank you so much!!

  • @ladyt-cj4gg
    @ladyt-cj4gg 4 роки тому

    How do u remove crisco? Out of carpet

    • @RobertMartinServicesEtc
      @RobertMartinServicesEtc  4 роки тому

      I would gently scoop as much as possible using a spoon and then proceed as if you were removing an oil or grease based spot.

  • @kutieluvsmj7
    @kutieluvsmj7 10 років тому +2

    omg if i would have known about this earlier....... group one reality is trying to charge us 850 dollars for the livingroom carpet because of oil stains.

    • @RobertMartinServicesEtc
      @RobertMartinServicesEtc  10 років тому

      I'm glad you found the video helpful. If you have further questions please drop us an email at info@procleaner.biz

  • @celloivan
    @celloivan 10 років тому +1

    Good work, thanks for sharing

  • @khyae1167
    @khyae1167 3 роки тому

    Thanks!

  • @AussieTVMusic
    @AussieTVMusic 2 роки тому +1

    methylated spirits here in Australia

  • @1viva
    @1viva 5 років тому +1

    Wow! Thank you. :-)

    • @RobertMartinServicesEtc
      @RobertMartinServicesEtc  5 років тому +1

      My pleasure! Thanks for watching.

    • @1viva
      @1viva 5 років тому +2

      @@RobertMartinServicesEtc "It worked!!" :-O Thanks Robert!!! :-) ♥

  • @Welter87
    @Welter87 2 роки тому +1

    Thanks pal! you saved my ass!

  • @_wimza_7983
    @_wimza_7983 7 років тому

    For all of you that either walked oil in yourselves or your dopey mrs like in my case.. 1001 spray, took me three attempts and now the stain is pretty much gone.

  • @dougrose8303
    @dougrose8303 9 років тому

    This does not work! Tried the denatured alcohol and it did nothing. Dawn dishwashing liquid took heavy grease right out of my carpet.

    • @RobertMartinServicesEtc
      @RobertMartinServicesEtc  9 років тому +1

      +Doug Rose happy to hear you were able to remove the spot. As I did mention in the video, one of the products you will need is a "degreasing type of dish detergent". It's highly unusual that Denatured alcohol did "nothing", however not all grease is the same and sometimes does contain more than just oil based soils. Dawn is a detergent and detergents are a combination of both oil based and water based cleaning agents. Again, happy to hear the stain was removed and I'm so glad our video was helpful. Thanks for your input!

    • @tstbastm
      @tstbastm 8 років тому +9

      +Doug Rose - Why post such a rude comment when you know full well that your "grease stain" may not be a candidate for denatured alcohol? Why mislead people from listening to experts, who obviously have positive experience with denatured alcohol..... Sometimes, I just can't understand human nature. (Thanks to the producers of the video.. Your tips are greatly appreciated).