How to Get Motor Oil Out of a Couch

By Lane Cummings Updated September 26, 2017

Motor oil and other grease stains are difficult to remove because they have a tendency to set quickly, and once they set, they have a tendency to attract dirt. It's slightly more difficult to remove motor oil from a couch, as you can't just treat the stain and then toss the couch into the washing machine. Even so, with motor oil, you still have a fighting chance to restoring your couch to its original beauty, as long as you act quickly.

Pre-Treatment

Scrape the excess motor oil off with a spoon. Blot with a paper towel
Shake baking soda, cornstarch, talcum or baby powder directly on the stain. Allow it to soak for 15 minutes.
Vacuum the powder off the surface area of the stain.

Treatment

Apply dishwasher fluid directly on the stain. Allow it to sit for thee to four minutes. Rinse with scalding water, and rub with a clean cloth. If the stain remains, go to the next step.
Dab the stained area with rubbing alcohol, and give it a couple minutes to break down the grease. Blot with a clean towel. If the stain remains, go to the next step.
Purchase mechanics hand cleaner, and rub it onto the stain with a toothbrush. Allow it to soak into the stain for a few minutes, and then rinse with warm water. Dry it gently with a towel.

Things You Will Need

Spoon
Paper towel
Baking soda, cornstarch, talcum or baby powder
Vacuum cleaner
Dishwasher cleanser
Cloth
Rubbing alcohol
Towel
Mechanics hand cleaner

References

Resources

Good Housekeeping: Stain Buster--Motor Oil/Grease

About the Author

Lane Cummings is originally from New York City. She attended the High School of Performing Arts in dance before receiving her Bachelor of Arts in literature and her Master of Arts in Russian literature at the University of Chicago. She has lived in St. Petersburg, Russia, where she lectured and studied Russian. She began writing professionally in 2004 for the "St. Petersburg Times."

How to Remove a Chapstick Stain From a Couch

How to Refinish Bruce Hardwood

How to Remove White Spots From Hardwood Floors

How to Calculate Air Conditioning Tonnage & Wattage

How to Clean Olive Oil Spills