Overview- How to Get Bike Grease Out of Carpet
Bike grease is one of the toughest stains for any surface. For anyone who owns a bike, it can be very difficult to remove a grease stain–especially from your carpet. Fortunately, this type of stubborn stain can be removed through a few different methods. But regardless of method, the most important step to remove bike grease is to start treating the stain immediately.
To treat any carpet stain, rub or apply your preferred cleaning agent on the surface and let it soak for 2–3 minutes. Then, proceed to clean according to the instructions below. Remember, the longer any grease stays on the carpet or rug, the harder it is to remove.
Since each surface responds differently to cleaning, the ideal oil removal option varies depending on the surface type. Continue reading this post to learn how you can remove bike grease stains safely!
Use Laundry Detergents
Liquid detergents are the recommended choice for treating bike grease stains on rugs, carpets, and synthetic fabrics. This method works best for treating stains on synthetic fabrics, whether new or old.- Apply a small quantity of detergent to the stain, let it sit for 5-15 minutes, and scrub slowly.
- Use a piece of soaked material (ex. wet cloth) to clean off the detergent.
- Allow the area to air-dry.
Use Baking Soda
Baking soda and detergent are a great way to clean bike grease from your carpet because these items are common, inexpensive, and non-toxic. This method is great for more stubborn stains, but also requires a vacuum cleanerand more time.- Prepare the surface to be cleaned by removing as much grease as possible by scraping upwards with a dull knife.
- Apply baking soda evenly to the surface and let sit for an hour. Baking soda needs time to absorb as much grease as possible. Dab the baking soda on the carpet, rather than rubbing it.
- Vacuum up the baking soda.
- Dab a small amount of detergent on the stain with a soft brush. Rub the stain to allow the soap to penetrate deeply.
- Rinse the stain with water and allow air-dry.
- You can also use a hairdryer to dry more quickly, but only use it for about 10-15 minutes and let the rest air-dry.
- Repeat the process as needed.
This method works best with small spots, although it can be applied to larger areas. An alternative to baking soda is vinegar–simply substitute vinegar for any step requiring baking soda.
Use Alcohol or Nail Polish Remover
- Apply isopropyl alcohol or nail polish remover on a clean white cloth. Do not use colored or patterned cloth. Also, since isopropyl alcohol is flammable, throw away the cloth after use and wash your hands thoroughly.
- Gently wipe the grease stain with the damp cloth. The alcohol or nail polish remover will cut the grease, dissolve it, and ultimately remove it from the carpet fibers. As soon as the stain dissolves, allow the carper to air-dry.
- Once dry, pour cold water over the stained area and wipe clean with a paper towel. Repeat until you have removed all alcohol residue.
Dos and Don’ts of Removing Bike Grease Stains from Carpet
- Before applying any one of the methods listed above, first test it on a small, hidden section of the carpet.
- You do not need to use more than one method to clean the grease. If you wish to do so, allow the carpet to dry completely (preferably overnight) before trying another method.
- Do not use harsh cleaning products, such as bleach or ammonia, and avoid hard scrubbing so as not to damage the carpet.
Bottom Line
When accidents happen, they can leave unpleasant stains on rugs and carpets. However, before you start cleaning consider these quick tips to ensure the best care for your carpet.
Be sure to check the specific care instructions that come with your carpet to ensure no special methods are required. Always test your cleaning solutions in a small, less visible area on the carpet. Finally, for stubborn stains, or if you are unsure of a safe way to clean your carpet, don’t hesitate to call in a professional cleaner.