Xmess accidents: how to get grease stains out of carpets  

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It’s ‘snow’ joke when you hear the SPLAT of thick gravy hitting your carpet, or notice a grease stain left over from a mistle-toast mishap. Our latest social campaign is all about celebrating the holiday season for what it is, and the Xmess that comes as a result of all the festive fun, joy and togetherness. It’s inevitable; the fun memories will stay for the year, but stains don’t have to!

Fortunately, Plenty kitchen paper is here to make your holidays that little bit easier. You can rinse, wring and use our sheets up to 3 times as well as use them to create ‘tree-mendous’ Christmas decorations.

Now, let’s dive into our simple guide on how to get grease out of a carpet using Plenty.

How to remove grease from carpets: a step-by-step guide

The guests have arrived, and your mother-in-law has decided to drop all the freshly baked Yorkshire puddings on the floor on the way to the table – Xmess at its finest! If the grease has spread to the carpet, you’ll be wondering how to remove that pesky stain…

1. Use a dull knife to remove any solids, lifting it away from the carpet.
2. Sprinkle the surface of the stain with baking soda, which will absorb the grease.

   Tip

   It’s a good idea to check how your carpet and baking soda get on before Christmas arrives as some textiles can be sensitive to it, causing the carpet to discolour. Always check this in a small, inconspicuous area before using it all over your carpet.

   ‘Whatever solutions or products you use when cleaning the carpet, do a patch test first to make sure it won’t ruin your carpet,’ says Sarah Dempsey, cleaning expert at Myjobquote.co.uk. 

3. Work the powder into the stain using a soft bristled brush.
4. Leave the powder to sit for 15-20 minutes.
5. Vacuum up the powder after the time has elapsed.
6. Mix together 1 tbsp of washing-up liquid and 1 tbsp household ammonia in 2 cups of hot water.
7. Dip a sponge into the solution, and blot at the stain.
8. Use a dry sheet of Plenty Original to continue blotting the stain until there is no greasy mark left behind. Remember: one sheet does Plenty!
9. Always rinse the area with a soft, damp cloth to remove any soapy residue.
10. Allow the area to air dry.

Do’s and don’ts for removing grease from carpets

If you have grease on the carpet, stain removal is easy if you remember these tips and tricks:

1. DO treat stains as quickly as possible. If you promptly remove grease, carpet fibres are less likely to become permanently stained.
2. DO always test any products you are using on an inconspicuous spot first to check it doesn’t cause staining or discolouration.
3. DO always check the label on any cleaning agents and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. DON’T rub stains as this will push the grease deeper into the carpet fibres and make the stain larger.
   ‘For thick pile carpets, remove the grease by gently wiping upwards. For flatweave or looped-pile carpets, dampen the area with your cloth and blot it dry,’ advises Sarah Dempsey
5. DON’T mix ammonia with bleach as this creates a toxic gas.

‘Make sure you have a good supply of bin liners, cleaning products and clean clothes in your cupboards before the big day approaches,’ Sarah Dempsey suggests. ‘Pop all your supplies into a caddy with a carry handle, so you can grab it quickly in an emergency.’

So, now you can save your carpet from becoming ‘Xmessy’ with our guide on how to get rid of grease stains! You can also check out our ultimate festive cleaning checklist to make your house as sparkly as your baubles, or alternatively, our guide to preparing the best holiday meals.  Have your ‘elf’ a very merry Xmess!

Sarah Dempsey is a cleaning expert at Myjobquote.co.uk.