Cleaning Grease
Cleaning Grease Doesn’t Have To Be A Pain
Cleaning grease from your carpet or rugs can be quite tedious if done improperly, and you will want to approach the stain from the right angle. If you have wool carpet, you will need a dry cleaning solvent. If you have synthetic carpet, you will need to dilute ¼ teaspoon of liquid soap, 1 tablespoon of ammonia, and one quart of frigid water in a spray bottle. For oriental carpets, you will need one part white vinegar to two parts frigid water in a spray bottle. Blotting is the key to success when cleaning grease from rugs, and this should be done from the outer edge of the stain toward the middle of it. Rubbing the grease will only spread it and grind it into the fibers, causing it to become permanent. Once the stain has been thoroughly lifted, you will want to rinse the spot with cold water until all of the cleaning agent is gone. Place an absorbent towel and some weight on the areas for several hours.
For cleaning grease from clothing, the more quickly you can get to it the better. Unlike the common method for cleaning grease off of carpeting and rugs, you will want to treat the stain with a dry absorption powder before using detergent. Baby powder is an acceptable option, as are salt, baking soda, and corn starch. Sprinkle one of these agents onto the stain liberally after you have placed the clothing on a flat, dry surface. Once the powder has done its magic, you can brush it off and apply the detergent of choice. Concentrated liquid laundry soaps work well, as do concentrated dishwashing liquids. Use a toothbrush or your finger to brush the stain from the underneath, as this will loosen the grease from the fabric more favorably. Wash the item in hot water, and check the spot before drying it. You may need to flat dry it and repeat the process if there is still grease, as the heat from the dryer may spread and set the stain.
If you are in for cleaning grease from either finished or unfinished wood pieces, you will need to address how deeply the stain is set into the grain. Most high quality polyurethane finishes will withstand even hot grease, so a warm, wet sponge with dish detergent on it should suffice. If your finish is not so tough, or your wood is not finished at all, you will probably do best to make a stiff poultice for deep cleansing of the area. Do this with an absorbent powder, such as corn starch, and some type of chemical bonding agent. Turpentine or acetone could be considered as good choices, depending on the wood grain involved. Test your concoction in an inconspicuous area before applying to the stain. When you are sure that there will be no damage, apply the thick poultice to the grease and let it sit until it dries.