Grease doesn't dissolve in water, which is why a damp cloth alone just spreads it. The winning combination is an absorbent powder to draw it out, then a degreasing washing-up liquid to lift the rest.
Don't add water yet. Blot up excess oil, then cover the mark generously with bicarbonate of soda (or cornflour) to start drawing the grease out of the pile.
- Bicarbonate of soda or cornflour
- Washing-up liquid
- Clean white cloths
- Warm water
- A blunt knife / spoon
Step by step (carpet)
- Absorb the grease by covering the mark with bicarbonate of soda or cornflour; leave 15–30 minutes, then vacuum.
- Treat what's left with a strong squirt of washing-up liquid (a degreaser) worked into a little warm water; dab on.
- Blot gently, lifting the loosened grease — swap to a clean cloth often.
- Rinse with a clean damp cloth and press dry.
- Repeat the powder step for a stubborn greasy shadow.
Warm (not hot) water is fine here because grease isn't protein — the warmth actually helps the degreaser work.
By surface
🛋️ Sofas & upholstery
Check the cushion's cleaning code first: W or W/S means the method above is fine used sparingly; S means solvent-clean only, so leave that to a professional. Use less water than on carpet and blot, don't soak.
🧶 Wool & delicate rugs
Use cool water and a gentle touch — wool can ‘brown’ if over-wet and some rug dyes run. Test a hidden corner first, and for an antique, hand-knotted or silk rug, don't gamble — leave it to us.
🛏️ Mattresses
You can't rinse a mattress, so go light: blot, treat sparingly, then use bicarbonate of soda to absorb the rest. Never soak it — trapped moisture leads to mould and smells.
✅ Do
- Absorb with powder before any water
- Use a degreasing washing-up liquid
- Swap to a clean cloth often
- Test on a hidden patch first
🚫 Don't
- Add water before absorbing the grease
- Rub it in
- Use bleach
- Leave soap residue behind (it attracts dirt)
Tried it and the cooking oil & grease mark is still there — or it's a wool rug, a mattress or something you'd hate to ruin? Don't keep scrubbing; that's how a stain turns permanent. We can often draw out what's left with professional hot-water extraction, and we'll tell you honestly what we expect to get up before we start. Watford family business, 25 years, fully insured — the quote's free.
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