A website from UGA Cooperative Extension

Textiles

Remove Stains From Grease (Automotive, Cooling, Vaseline)

Apparel/Fabrics

  1. Use talcum powder to absorb as much grease as possible. Brush thoroughly. Treat stain with a commercial pre-wash spot and stain remover. Launder in hottest water safe for the fabric, using heavy-duty liquid detergent recommended by detergent manufacturer to wash a normal load of clothes. If stain remains, a second treatment may be necessary.
  2. Flush with a commercial cleaner’ until no more stain is removed. Allow to dry completely. Sponge with water. Apply diluted hand dishwashing detergent and a few drops of ammonia. Continue as long as stain is being removed. Flush with water. Repeat if necessary. Bleaching with safe bleach may remove final traces of stain.

* Look for products containing petroleum distillates or hydrocarbon such as trichloroethane, xylene, methylenechloride, methane, benzene and/or naphtha. These chemicals may be found in such spot removers and cleaners as Guardsman’s Afta, Dap Cleaner and Thinner, Goof Off, M-1 Remover, Goo Gone, K2r.

CAUTIONS:

  • Always read the care label before trying any stain removal method. Do not use any products or procedures prohibited by the care label.
  • Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
  • Always pretest each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area first to determine colorfastness.
  • Be sure to store and dispose of products/cans/containers as recommended. Keep out of reach of children.
  • When using caustic or commercial cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate ventilation.

Carpet

Blended Fibers, Hemp, Lute, Natural Fibers, Synthetic Fibers, Wool

  1. Remove as much of the spilled substance as possible by blotting (not rubbing) with paper towels or absorbent cI oths.
  2. Dampen a clean, white cloth with a commercial dry-cleaning solvent’ and apply to the spot. Stand on the cloth for a moment or so to put the chemical into firm contact with the stain. This will allow the vapors of the solvent to dissolve the spot. Do not apply the solvent directly onto the carpet as it can dissolve the carpet backing. Remove the cloth. If any of the substance has transferred to it, place another portion of the cloth on the spot and again stand on it. Repeat until the spot is removed. If none of the substance transfers to the cloth, discontinue the use of the dry-cleaning solvent.* Allow the spot to dry.
  3. Use a combination solvent that contains glycerin, soap and water such as Magic, Shout or Spray ‘n Wash. Apply to a cleaning cloth (not the carpet) and place over the stain. Apply pressure without rubbing. Check the cloth to see if the soil is transferring to the cloth. If so, blot towards the middle of the stain, rotating to new and clean areas of the cloth. If stain does not respond to the rotating pressure, try agitating the stain by using an old toothbrush. Use reasonable caution and work toward the center of the stain so you don’t spread it. After you have loosened the stain with the brush, blot up with clean cloths. Reset the nap by brushing lightly after treating the spot. When stain appears to be gone, place a stack of 5-6 dry clean cloths over the stain and put a weight on top to absorb the solvent. To finally remove the combination solvent, mix 1 teaspoon of a neutral detergent in 1 cup of lukewarm water. Apply to a clean cloth and sponge the stained area. Blot. Sponge with clear water. Blot again and allow to dry.
  4. If grease stain remains, seek professional help. However, even this may not help. In some instances, it may be more advisable to cut out the damaged area and patch it without any more waste of time. Patching should be done by a skilled carpet installer.

Look for products containing petroleum distillates or hydrocarbon such as trichloroethane, xylf>-methylenechloride, methane, benzene and/or naphtha. These chemicals may be found in such spot removers and cleaners as Guardsman’s Afta, Dap Cleaner and Thinner, GOOF OFF, “M-1 Remover, Goo Gone, K2r, etc.

CAUTIONS:

  • Always pretest each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area first to determine colorfastness.
  • When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate ventilation. Do not have an open flame near flammable cleaning solutions. Wear rubber gloves.
  • When using solvent-based cleaners on carpet or upholstery, be careful not to overwet the carpet or the fabric. Solvents can destroy the carpet backing and foam padding used in uphol stery.

Hard Surface Floors

Brick, Concrete, Stone/masonry

  1. Quickly apply an absorbent material such as cornmeal, sand, sawdust or Fuller’s Earth. Leave on stain for a few hours, then sweep or vacuum up.
  2. For fresh stains, make a strong solution of laundry detergent and hot water. Scrub stain using a stiff brush. Rinse well. Dry and repeat if necessary.
  3. Sprinkle dishwasher detergent (dry) on wet floor. Let it stand a few minutes. Rinse with hot water. Scrub and rinse.
  4. Dissolve 1 cup of Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) in 1 gallon hot water. Mop or pour over stain and allow to soak 15-20 minutes. Scrub vigorously with a stiff brush or broom. Rinse thoroughly. Repeat if necessary.
  5. If stain remains, make a paste of 1 cup strong powdered cleanser, 1 cup powdered chalk and enough water to make a thin paste. Cover the stain with the paste and leave overnight. Rinse with clear water. Repeat if necessary.
  6. Mix 1 part sodium citrate to 6 parts water and 6 parts glycerin. Add enough Whiting or Fuller’s Earth to make a thick paste. Spread paste on stain and let stand for up to 1 week. Add new paste when it dries. Brush dry paste away and rinse thoroughly with water. Repeat if necessary.
  7. Scrub with an oil-based solvent such as mineral spirits or naphtha to remove stain.
  8. Check at paint or hardware stores for commercial products used in removal of grease stains.

The Portland Cement Association provides these tips for removing grease/oil stains from concrete surfaces:

  1. Absorb all free-standing grease with paper towels or absorbent cloths. Do not wipe – that will spread the stain and drive it into the concrete. Cover the stained area with dry cement for at least a day, repeating the process until no more grease is absorbed.
  2. If stain remains, mix a paste of 1 part TSP to 6 parts water. Apply to the affected area. Allow a full day for drying and then scrub the surface with clear water.
  3. If stain has penetrated the surface, saturate the area with mineral spirits or paint thinner, covering the liquid with dry cement, talcum powder, cornstarch or kitty litter. The next day, sweep away the covering material and repeat if necessary.

CAUTIONS:

  • Provide good ventilation. Solvents are flammable so avoid sparks or flames. Do not use benzene. It will ignite from a spark produced from friction or rubbing.
  • Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
  • Be sure to store and dispose of products/cans/containers as recommended. Keep out of reach of children.

Resilient (Except Cork)

  1. Remove as much of the grease as possible by placing newspapers or paper towels on the spill. Rub the stain with a cloth dampened in a solution of detergent and warm water. Rinse well.
  2. If stain remains, use a concentrated commercial household cleaner and rinse well. If stain is stubborn, a mild scouring powder may be used. Rub gently to prevent scratching the surface. Rinse thoroughly and dry. If floor finish has been removed, re-coat.

CAUTIONS:

  • Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
  • Be sure to store and dispose of products/cans!containers as recommended. Keep out of reach of chi Idren.

Wood (Oiled, Stained, Varnished, Waxed)

  1. Mix dishwashing detergent in hot water and swish to make a great volume of suds. Dip a cloth in only the foam and gently wipe. Rinse with a clean cloth moistened in clear water. Polish or wax as soon as possible.
  2. If stain remains, apply a solvent-based cleaning wax using a piece of superfine (#0000) steel wool as an applicator. Rub gently in the direction of the grain of the wood. When stain is removed, polish surface using a soft cloth.
  3. If black spots remain on varnished wood, remove finish. Apply a commercial wood bleach or a liberal amount of a hot, saturating solution of oxalic acid and water. Allow to remain overnight then rinse. When wood is dry, smooth surface with fine (#000) sandpaper. Refinish.

CAUTIONS:

  • Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
  • Be sure to store and dispose of products/cans/containers as recommended. Keep out of reach of children.

Furniture

Wood (Exterior)

Redwood outdoor furniture naturally resists weathering and rot. However, it should be coated with a sealer to keep out moisture and thus retard cracks. Use a solution of 1 gallon hot water and 1 cup Trisodium Phosphate (TSP). Rinse thoroughly and allo, dry.

CAUTIONS:

  • Always pretest each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area first to determine colorfastness.
  • When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate ventilation. Do not have an open flame near flammable cleaning solutions. Wear rubber gloves.

Upholstered Furniture

Blended Fibers, Fiberglass, Natural Fibers, Synthetic Fibers, Wool

  1. Removes much of the spilled substance as possible by blotting (not rubbing) with paper towels or absorbent cloths.
  2. If stain remains, dampen a clean, white cloth with a commercial dry-cleaning solvent’ and apply to the spot. Press the cloth with your hand for a moment or so that the vapors of the solvent wi II dissolve the greasy stain. Check to see if any stain is transferring to the cloth. If so, rotate the cloth, always keeping a clean portion against the stain. When all stain is removed, blot and allow to dry. If a white, powdery residue remains on the surfac€, brush or vacuum away.
  3. Make a Dry Spotter by combining 1 part coconut or mineral oil and 8 parts liquid dry-cleaning solvent.* Apply Dry Spotter to a folded clean, white cloth and place on the stain. Apply some pressure with your hand. Let it remain in place as long as any stain is being lifted. Rotate the damp pad as it picks up the stain. Keep pad moist with Dry Spotter. When all stain is lifted, apply liquid dry-cleaning solvent’ to a clean cloth and sponge the cleaned area thoroughly. Blot and allow to dry.
  4. If stain remains, make a Wet Spotter by combining 1 part glycerin, 1 part white dishwashing detergent and 8 parts water. Shake well. Add a few drops of vinegar to the Wet Spotter. Apply in the same manner as described for the Dry Spotter in Method #3. When stain is removed, sponge the area with clear water, blot thoroughly and allow to dry.

*Look for products containing petroleum distillates or hydrocarbon such as trichloroethane, xylene methylenechloride, methane, benzene and/or naphtha. These chemicals may be found in such spot removers and cleaners as Guardsman’s Afta, Dap Cleaner and Thinner, GOOF OFF, M-l Remover, Goo Gone, K2r, etc.

CAUTIONS:

  • Always pretest each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area first to determine colorfastness.
  • When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate ventilation. Do not have an open flame near flammable cleaning solutions. Wear rubber gloves.
  • When using solvent-based cleaners on carpet or upholstery, be careful not to overwet the carpet or the fabric. Solvents can destroy the carpet backing and foam padding used in upholstery.
  • Overwetting with water may cause the finish on the upholstery fabric to migrate and thus leave a circle in the treated area.
  • Vinegar should be diluted with 2 parts water to 1 part vinegar if used on cotton or linen.

Walls And Ceilings

Paper (Regular, Untreated, Plastic Coated, Vinyl)

  1. Make a blotter by folding together several thickness of paper towel. Place over stain and press with warm iron until grease is absorbed by paper towel.
  2. If the paper is washable, try wiping off stain with a sponge dipped in sudsy water followed by a sponge wrung out in clear water. Use overlapping stokes to avoid streaking.
  3. If the paper is washable and stain remains, make a paste of Fuller’s Earth and drycleaning solvent. Apply and allow to dry. Brush it off. Another option is to wipe gently using a sponge or soft cloth moistened with denatured alcohol or a commercial spot remover. Use this method only on small stained areas.

Wood Paneling (Stained)

  1. Apply a commercial cleaner made for wood or a wood cleaning wax. When using these products, follow the directions on the containers.
  2. For heavy build-up of grease, moisten a cloth with a petroleum solvent such as mineral spirits. Rub on a small area of the soiled wood, turning the cloth as you clean. If solvent dulls the finish, apply a wax suitable for wood finish .

Look for products containing petroleum distillates or hydrocarbon such as trichloroethane, xylene rnethylenechloride, methane, benzene and/or naphtha. These chemicals may be found in such spot removers and cleaners as Guardsman’s Afta, Dap Cleaner and Thinner, GOOF OFF, M-1 Remover, Goo Gone, K2r, etc.

CAUTIONS:

  • Always pretest each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area first to determine colorfastness.
  • Solvents are flammable and dangerous to breath. Use only in a well-ventilated area. Be sure there are no sparks or flames (such as pilot lights) in area.
  • Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used. • Be sure to store and dispose of products/cans!containers as recommended. Keep out of reach of chi Idren.

Other/interior – Kitchen/Bathroom Cabinets (Wood)

  1. Apply a commercial cleaner made for wood or a wood cleaning wax. When using these products, follow the directions on the containers.
  2. For heavy build-up of grease, moisten a cloth with a petroleum solvent such as mineral spirits. Rub on a small area of the soiled wood, turning the cloth as you clean. If solvent dulls the finish, apply a wax suitable for wood finish.

CAUTIONS:

  • Always pretest each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area first to determine colorfastness.
  • Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
  • Be sure to store and dispose of products/cans!containers as recommended. Keep out of reach of children.
  • When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate ventilation. Do not have an open flame near flammable cleaning solutions. Wear rubber gloves.

Exterior Surfaces

Foundations

Brick, Concrete, Cement, Stone

  1. Quickly apply an absorbent material such as cornmeal, sand, sawdust or Fuller’s Earth. Leave on stain for a few hours, then sweep or vacuum up.
  2. For fresh stains, make a strong solution of laundry detergent and hot water. Scrub stain using a stiff brush. Rinse well. Dry and repeat if necessary.
  3. Sprinkle dishwasher detergent (dry) on wet floor. Let it stand a few minutes. Rinse with hot water. Scrub and rinse.
  4. Dissolve 1 cup of Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) in 1 gallon hot water. Mop or pour over stain and allow to soak 15·20 minutes. Scrub vigorously with a stiff brush or broom. Rinse thoroughly. Repeat if necessary.
  5. If stain remains, make a paste of 1 cup strong powdered cleanser, 1 cup powdered chalk and enough water to make a thin paste. Cover the stain with the paste and leave overnight. Rinse with clear water. Repeat if necessary.
  6. Mix 1 part sodium citrate to 6 parts water and 6 parts glycerin. Add enough Whiting or Fuller’s Earth to make a thick paste. Spread paste on stain and let stand for up to 1 week. Add new paste when it dries. Brush dry paste away and rinse thoroughly with water. Repeat if necessary.
  7. Scrub with an oil-based solvent to remove stain.

Check at paint or hardware stores for commercial products used in removal of stains.

The Portland Cement Association provides these tips for removing grease stains from concrete surfaces:

  1. Absorb all free standing grease with paper towels or absorbent cloths. Do not wipe – that will spread the stain and drive it into the concrete. Cover the stained area with dry cement for at least a day, repeating the process until no more grease is absorbed.
  2. If stain remains, mix a paste of 1 part TSP to 6 parts water. Apply to the affected area. Allow a full day for drying and then scrub the surface with clear water. c. If stain has penetrated the surface, saturate the area with mineral spirits or paint thinner, covering the liquid with dry cement, talcum powder, cornstarch or kitty litter. The next day, sweep away the covering material and repeat if necessary.

CAUTIONS:

  • Provide good ventilation. Solvents are flammable so avoid sparks or flames. Do not use Benzene. It will ignite from a spark from friction or rubbing.
  • Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
  • Be sure to store and dispose of products/cans/containers as recommended. Keep out of reach of chiIdren.

Porches, Decks, Patios

Asphalt, Brick, Concrete, Cement, Masonry, Stone

  1. Quickly apply an absorbent material such as cornmeal, sand, sawdust or Fuller’s Earth. leave on stain for a few hours, then sweep or vacuum up.
  2. For fresh stains, make a strong solution of laundry detergent and hot water. Scrub stain using a stiff brush. Rinse well. Dry and repeat if necessary.
  3. Sprinkle dishwasher detergent (dry) on wet floor. Let it stand a few minutes. Rinse with hot water. Scrub and rinse.
  4. Dissolve 1 cup of Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) in 1 gallon hot water. Mop or pour over stain and allow to soak 15-20 minutes. Scrub vigorously with a stiff brush or broom. Rinse thoroughly. Repeat if necessary.
  5. If stain remains, make a paste of 1 cup strong powdered cleanser, 1 cup powdered chalk and enough water to make a thin paste. Cover the stain with the paste and leave overnight. Rinse with clear water. Repeat if necessary.
  6. Mix 1 part sodium citrate to 6 parts water and 6 parts glycerin. Add enough Whiting or Fuller’s Earth to make a thick paste. Spread paste on stain and let stand for up to 1 week. Add new paste when it dries. Brush dry paste away and rinse thoroughly with water. Repeat if necessary.
  7. Scrub with an oil-based solvent to remove stain.
  8. Check at paint or hardware stores for commercial products used in removal of stains.

The Portland Cement Association provides these tips for removing grease stains from concrete surfaces:

  1. Absorb all free standing grease with paper towels or absorbent cloths. Do not wipe – that will spread the stain and drive it into the concrete. Cover the stained area with dry cement for at least a day, repeating the process until no more grease is absorbed.
  2. If stain remains, mix a paste of 1 part TSP (Trisodium Phosphate) to 6 parts water. Apply to the affected area. Allow a full day for drying and then scrub the surface with clear water.
  3. If stain has penetrated the surface, saturate the area with mineral spirits or paint thinner, covering the liquid with dry cement, talcum powder, cornstarch or kitty litter. The next day, sweep away the covering material and repeat if necessary.

CAUTIONS:

  • Provide good ventilation. Solvents are flammable so avoid sparks or flames. Do not use Benzene. It will ignite from a spark created by friction or rubbing.
  • Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
  • Be sure to store and dispose of products/cans/containers as recommended.
  • Keep out of reach of children.

Masonry (Painted)

Mix dishwashing detergent in hot water and swish to make a great volume of suds. Dip a cloth in only the foam and gently wipe. Rinse with a clean cloth moistened in clear water.

Wood

  1. Rub lightly with paint thinner. If spot remains, wet cotton with hydrogen peroxide and place over the spots. Wet more cotton with household ammonia and lay this on top. Let dry. Repeat process until the stains disappears.
  2. For dark spots, make a paste of rottenstone or baking soda and cigarette ashes mixed with linseed or mineral oil. Rub the stain, moving in the direction of the grain. Wipe with plain linseed or mineral oil. Repeat if necessary.
  3. If stain remains on wood, apply a solvent-based cleaning wax using a piece of superfine (#0000) steel wool as an applicator. Always rub gently in the direction of the grain of the wood. Refinish if necessary.

CAUTIONS:

  • Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
  • Be sure to store and dispose of products!canslcontainers as recommended. Keep out of reach of children.

Siding/walls

Aluminum, Vinyl

Mix dishwashing detergent in hot water and swish to make a great volume of suds. Dip a cloth in only the foam and gently wipe. Rinse with a clean cloth moistened in clear water.

Brick, Concrete, Cement, Stone, Stucco

  1. Quickly apply an absorbent material such as cornmeal, sand, sawdust or Fuller’s Earth. Leave on stain for a few hours, then sweep or vacuum up.
  2. For fresh stains, make a strong solution of laundry detergent and hot water. Scrub stain using a stiff brush. Rinse well. Dry and repeat if necessary.
  3. Sprinkle dishwasher detergent (dry) on wet floor. Let it stand a few minutes. Rinse with hot water. Scrub and rinse.
  4. Dissolve 1 cup of Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) in 1 gallon hot water. Mop or pour over stain and allow to soak 15-20 minutes. Scrub vigorously with a stiff brush or broom. Rinse thoroughly. Repeat if necessary.
  5. If stain remains, make a paste of 1 cup strong powdered cleanser, 1 cup powdered chalk and enough water to make a thin paste. Cover the stain with the paste and leave overnight. Rinse with clear water. Repeat if necessary.
  6. Mix 1 part sodium citrate to 6 parts water and 6 parts glycerin. Add enough Whiting or Fuller’s Earth to make a thick paste. Spread paste on stain and let stand for up to 1 week. Add new paste when it dries. Brush dry paste away and rinse thoroughly with water. Repeat if necessary.
  7. Scrub with an oil-based solvent to remove stain.
  8. Check at paint or hardware stores for commercial products used in removal of stains.

The Portland Cement Association provides these tips for removing grease stains from concrete surfaces:

  1. Absorb all free standing grease with paper towels or absorbent cloths. Do not wipe – that will spread the stain and drive it into the concrete. Cover the stained area with dry cement for at least a day, repeating the process until no more grease is absorbed.
  2. If stain remains, mix a paste of 1 part TSP to 6 parts water. Apply to the affected area. Allow a full day for drying and then scrub the surface with clear water.
  3. If stain has penetrated the surface, saturate the area with mineral spirits or paint thinner, covering the liquid with dry cement, talcum powder, cornstarch or kitty litter. The next day, sweep away the covering material and repeat if necessary.

CAUTIONS:

  • Provide good ventilation. Solvents are flammable so avoid sparks or flames. Do not use Benzene. It will ignite from a spark from friction or rubbing.
  • Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
  • Be sure to store and dispose of products/cans/containers as recommended. Keep out of reach of children.

Wood

  1. Mix dishwashing detergent in hot water and swish to make a great volume of suds. Dip a cloth in only the foam and gently wipe. Rinse with a clean cloth moistened in clear water.
  2. If stain remains, apply a solvent-based cleaning wax using a piece of superfine (#0000) steel wool as an applicator. Rub gently in the direction of the grain of the wood. Refinish if necessary.

CAUTIONS:

  • Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
  • Be sure to store and dispose of products/cans/containers as recommended. Keep out of reach of children.