Removing Lamp Oil From Carpet
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.
Things You Will Need
- Baking soda
- Vacuum cleaner
- Dry-cleaning solvent
- Clean, white cloth
- Potter's clay (optional)
Fortunately, lamp oil can be removed from carpet with basic cleaning solutions and techniques.
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Sprinkle baking soda onto the oil stain. The baking soda will absorb the lamp oil, lifting the oil from the carpet fibers.
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Allow the baking soda to set on the carpet for 15 minutes, then vacuum up the baking soda.
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Apply dry-cleaning solvent to a clean, white cloth. Dab the oil stain with the cloth.
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Inspect the carpet for remaining lamp oil. If oily stains remain, repeat the entire process until the carpet is completely clean.
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.
References
Tips
- 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.
Warnings
- Do not rub the stain, as that will only further push the oil into the carpet fibers.
Writer Bio
April Dowling first started writing in high school and has written many news articles for newspaper and yearbook publications. She is currently pursuing a career as an online writer and affiliate marketer. Dowling writes for several websites and keeps many blogs.
Photo Credits
- retro lamp image by Aleksandr Ugorenkov from Fotolia.com
- retro lamp image by Aleksandr Ugorenkov from Fotolia.com
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