How to Get Grease and Gravy Stains Out of Carpet

Grease is the stain that tricks people. It looks gone, then a dark spot shows up a week later. That's because oil doesn't mix with water — and leftover oil keeps grabbing dirt from shoes and socks. Here's how to get it out properly.

Step by step

1. Scrape off the excess with a spoon or dull knife. Lift — don't press it in.
2. Absorb the oil. Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch over the spot and leave it for 15–20 minutes, then vacuum.
3. Apply a detergent solution — ¼ teaspoon clear, non-bleach dish liquid in 1 cup of lukewarm water — and blot from the outside in. Dish soap is made to break up grease.
4. Repeat the detergent step until no more color comes up on the cloth.
5. Rinse by blotting with plain water, then press dry with a stack of paper towels.

As always, test the solution in a hidden spot first.

What to avoid

• Plain water first. It just spreads the oil.
• Rubbing. It works the grease deeper into the fibers.
• Leaving soap behind. Soap residue attracts dirt too, so rinse well.

Gravy and other mixed spills

Gravy is grease plus food — and sometimes dairy. Treat it like grease, but use cool water when rinsing, since heat can set the food proteins.

Why oily spots come back

If a shadow reappears after a few days, there's still residue deep in the fibers. A professional hot water extraction rinses it out instead of just treating the surface. Our stain removal guide covers grease, makeup and more, and you can get an instant estimate any time.