How to Get Oil Out of the Couch?

Updated on September 16, 2008
M.R. asks from Aurora, IL
16 answers

I spilled an entire jar of scented oil in the living room - one of those reed difusers. The oil is everywhere but my main concern is the couch because it has stained. This happened yesterday. Any suggestions on how to get that out?

2 moms found this helpful

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E.U.

answers from Chicago on

I did the same thing awhile back and I'm almost positive that I used either baby powder or cornstarch. I'm really thinking baby powder. It did the job and let me tell you it was all over. Just let it soak in and then vacumme it up. Hope that helps!!

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J.D.

answers from Decatur on

I would suggest lightly spraying with a degreaser and blotting it up. maybe even try Dawn dish detergent with it. Prob wheatever you use whether it works or not can't do any more damage than what's done. Good luck!!!!

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L.B.

answers from Chicago on

When my still devious daughter was 2 y.o. (currently 7), she got into a bottle of baby oil and empty the thing all over my favorite red dress of hers. I was pretty upset, but I hand washed it in a lot of Dawn (which I didn't really use) and it totally worked. I was so surprised, but it somehow really does attract the oil/grease. I would blot and use Dawn, hopefully you have something to soak up the water/soap, I wouldn't use just a towel, but something to suck up the wetness like a shop vac or rent a carpet cleaner. Good Luck.

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C.B.

answers from Chicago on

Hi,
If the oil is already set-in, you need to reactivate it by using WD-40. Just spray the stain with this and immediately use Dawn dishwashing liquid (not a knock-off). I would put the dawn on a rag (do Not dampen) rub it into the stain and alittle over the edge of the stain, working it in good. Take a paper towel and blot, then dampen a new rag work into a lather and blot up the rest. Your couch should look as good as new. This also works on salad dressing stains, butter stains and grease when they get on clothes even after they have been washed and dried. Good Luck and Congratulations!

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P.G.

answers from Chicago on

You can try wetting the area slightly then cover with baking soda . The baking soda absorbs the moisture and hopefully the oil also. I use baking soda for carpet stains also after a good scrub with spot remover has been used it works well. Also for pet stains , my sister used it when her son got permenant marker on her couch and it worked also. Hope this helps good luck. Hey but I bet your couch (SMELLS) great. lol

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A.J.

answers from Rockford on

Marisa,
I would like to suggest Dawn dishsoap. It works wonders on grease. I usedit a few years back when an oil filled heater got a pin hole in it and spewed the oil all over my carpet. I used Dawn and a scrub brush on carpet then my carpet shampooer. Worked like a charm, I would suggest testingon a spot that is not visible on your couch first. If that doesn't work I guess a carpet cleaning company that does upholstery also..... good luck!
A.

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J.E.

answers from Chicago on

oh I need to know this one too! My son took a tube of aquaphore all over the couch and no the couch is not leather either!
Thanks
J.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.A.

answers from Chicago on

Can you take the styrofoam out of the cover? Take it out and run that thing through the wash a few times and see what happens. Otherwise I'm thinking you could turn the cushion over???

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S.P.

answers from Chicago on

I have a suggestion. Try this cleaning soultion called sol-u-mel it's gets out anything. for more info on where to find this you can contact me at ____@____.com

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C.C.

answers from Chicago on

I would try a solution of one part vinegar to 4 parts water, and see if it can break up the oil any. Then steam clean or shampoo it. Grease and oil and really tough. Good luck.

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B.A.

answers from Chicago on

I would take brown paper grocery bags and put them wherever there is oil. If possible weight them with an item that won't matter if it gets a little oil on it. Replace these as necessary until they are no longer absorbing excess oil. Then use Dawn dishwashing detergent as it breaks up oils, check on a hidden place for colorfastness.

Oh congrats and good luck on having kids that close together, it will be a blessing and a challenge.

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S.E.

answers from Chicago on

Try the cornstarch/baby powder first (you can even use flour) to blot up as much as possible, vacuum it off, then use the Dawn. This has worked for me. You could try the paper bag thing someone mentioned, too. The idea is just to blot up as much as possible before washing.

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A.H.

answers from Chicago on

You can try some white vinegar.

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K.S.

answers from Chicago on

I have 2 remedies for that....Dawn dishwashing liquid (cuts the grease, just ike the commecial says) - just pour some of the soap on a damp rag and rub it, then wipe with a clean cloth. Or you can use Ivory soap. Take a bar of the soap, wet it and rub it directly on the grease. Both of those always work for getting oil/grease stains of clothes and firniture.

Hope that helps!

L.C.

answers from Chicago on

Vinegar! Blot up the excess oil with a cloth, paper napkin or paper bag and then pour vinegar on it and blot. Vinegar is great for ring around the collar - pour vinegar on the collar, then use your regular spot stain remover. I also use vinegar for white or light shirts arm pit stains. Mix it with water to clean your windows/mirrors and put it in a spray bottle to deodorize areas. Throw a cut in with your wash - especially with sheets - helps remove the body oil.

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J.K.

answers from Chicago on

I've heard that baby powder soaks up oil.

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