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Removing Lamp Oil From Carpet

April Dowling

Lamp oil is a fuel designed to burn cleanly in oil lamps. Stains are inevitable, and can cause carpet to appear dirty and drab. Since lamp oil is a fuel, it is flammable and should be cleaned from carpet immediately after spilling.

Lamp oil can be removed from carpet with certain solutions.

Fortunately, lamp oil can be removed from carpet with basic cleaning solutions and techniques.

  1. Sprinkle baking soda onto the oil stain. The baking soda will absorb the lamp oil, lifting the oil from the carpet fibers.

  2. Allow the baking soda to set on the carpet for 15 minutes, then vacuum up the baking soda.

  3. Apply dry-cleaning solvent to a clean, white cloth. Dab the oil stain with the cloth.

  4. Inspect the carpet for remaining lamp oil. If oily stains remain, repeat the entire process until the carpet is completely clean.

  5. Tip

    A solution of 1 tbsp. liquid hand dishwashing detergent, 1 tbsp. white vinegar, and 2 cups warm water can be used instead of the dry-cleaning solvent. A paste of potter's clay can be placed over the lamp oil stain and then brushed off when the paste is dry.

    Warning

    Do not rub the stain, as that will only further push the oil into the carpet fibers.