Oil stains are among the most stubborn and frustrating issues to deal with when maintaining a property. Whether it’s from cooking mishaps in the kitchen or vehicle leaks in the garage, accidents can happen at any time, leaving unsightly stains on benchtops, floors, walls, carpets, and driveways. In many cases, these stains become noticeable only after a period of time has passed. Addressing them promptly and correctly can save you from costly bond deductions or future repair bills. In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of oil stains and share practical methods for removing them from various surfaces around your home.
Why Do Oil Stains Happen?
Oil stains are typically caused by:
Cooking oils & splatters: Oil stains are common in kitchens, often affecting walls, tiles, rangehoods, cooktops, benchtops, and wooden surfaces. Accidents in the kitchen happen at any time, and oil splatters are a frequent occurrence during cooking, food preparation, serving, or even dishwashing in a sink. Kitchen surfaces and accessories are regularly exposed to oil, making them prone to daily staining.
Body oils & lotions: Body oils and lotions are often transferred onto walls, mattresses, linens, and furniture through frequent contact. These residues can also accumulate on shower walls and floors due to daily use. Light-coloured fabrics, such as bed linen, tend to show oil stains and discolouration more easily. You may also notice oil spots on sofas and upholstered furniture over time.
Vehicle leaks & spills: If you park your car in the garage, it’s important to regularly check for oil leaks or drips, as these can leave greasy patches on the garage or driveway floor. Garages often serve as storage areas for extra household items, garden tools, and accessories, making them prone to clutter. In an unorganised space, oil spills can easily occur. For example, an oil container might fall off a shelf while you’re working on something else.
Accidental spills: Oily food or household products can easily be dropped onto carpets, rugs, or wooden floors during everyday activities. These spills are often unexpected and, if not cleaned up promptly, can soak into the surface, leaving behind stubborn and unsightly stains. On carpets and rugs, oil binds to the fibres, making it difficult to lift with water alone. On wooden floors, oil can seep into the grain, causing long-term discolouration or damage.
How to Remove Oil Stains from the Surface
Simple wiping with a clean towel or multipurpose spray isn’t enough to clean the oil part. That’s why specific techniques are needed for different materials.
A simple wipe with a clean towel or multipurpose spray is often not enough to eliminate oil stains. Oil tends to cling to surfaces and can seep into materials, making it difficult to remove without the right technique. That’s why different materials require specific cleaning methods to effectively lift oil and grease.
1. Walls with Oil Spots
For Mild Stains:
Mix a few drops of dishwashing liquid with warm water in a spray bottle. Apply this solution on the stained area and leave it for 5-10 minutes. Use a soft sponge to gently scrub the surface, then rinse with clean water. Clean the surface with a soft and dry microfibre cloth.
For Stubborn Grease:
In a small bowl, mix baking soda with a small amount of water to form a thick paste. Cover the oil-stained area with a generous amount of this paste by using a soft sponge or your fingers. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes to allow the baking soda to absorb the grease. Wipe away the paste with a damp cloth, then rinse and dry the surface.
2. Wooden Benchtop or Timber floors Oil Stains
Blotting:
Begin by blotting excess oil using a paper towel and gently pressing, don’t rub. You can also use a dry or lightly damp cloth to lift the oil. Blotting is an effective way of removing oil without spreading the stain further across the surface.
For Mild Stains:
In a small bowl, mix warm water with 8–10 drops of dishwashing liquid. Dip a sponge into the solution and gently scrub the stained area. Use a paper towel or dry microfiber cloth to clean it thoroughly. Repeat the process if necessary for lingering marks.
For Mild to Moderate Stains:
Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda or cornflour directly onto the fresh oil stains. Both act as absorbents, drawing oil out of the wood. Leave it for 20 minutes, then gently use a soft brush to lift the stain residue.
For Tough Stains:
Create a thick paste by mixing equal parts vinegar and baking soda. Apply this paste on oily stains and wait for 10-15 minutes. Use a soft brush to gently scrub the surface, then wipe it clean with a dry microfibre cloth. The vinegar not only helps break down the grease but can also leave the benchtop with a refreshed shine.
3. Carpet Oil Stains
Blotting:
Begin by carefully blotting the oil stain using a clean paper towel. Put a light pressure to soak the oil into a paper towel instead of rubbing to avoid damages to the carper fibers. A dry or lightly damp cloth can also be used to lift surface oil. At this stage, do not wipe or scrub the area, as doing so may cause the stain to spread or become more embedded in the fabric.
For Mild Stains:
Sprinkle baking soda, cornstarch, or baby powder onto the oil stain and leave it for 20 minutes to draw out the oil. Then vacuum the area to take off the dirty and stained particles without spreading into deeper areas. Place a paper towel over the remaining stain and gently press with a warm (not hot) iron for a few seconds at a time. The heat will help draw the oil up into the paper towel.
For Mild- Tougher Stains:
Add a few drops of dishwashing liquid to water and pour it into a spray bottle. Add 1/3 of white vinegar to your carpet cleaning solution. Sprinkle this solution on the stain and leave it for 15-20 minutes. Use a clean, damp cloth to blot the affected area and avoid scrubbing. This helps break down remaining oil and deodorise the carpet. Use a clean and dry microfiber cloth to blot the stained area to lift moisture, and repeat if needed.
For Tougher Stains:
Use Baking soda, dishwashing liquid and warm water to make a thick paste. Put generous amount of this paste on the stained carpet then leave it for 30 minutes. Use a soft toothbrush for a gentle srcrubbing on the carpet without spreading the stain. Rinse by blotting with plain water. Try to blot the stained area with a clen cloth and open the window to dry the carpet completely.
4. Greasy Oil Stains on the Garage Floor
- Sprinkle cat litter, baking soda or sawdust over the oil stain overnight and sweep it up in the morning. Scrub the area with a stiff brush using a degreaser or a hot water & dishwashing liquid solution. Use a pressure wash to remove the dirt thoroughly and rinse the area well.
- For concrete floors, take a bowl and mix some baking soda, white vinegar and water to make a paste then apply directly on a stained carpet. Leave it for 30 minutes and then scrub the area well with the hard scrubber or simply pressure wash the area to remove the stain.
5. Oil Stains on Stone or Tiled Floors
- For oil stains on tiled or stone floors, begin by applying baking soda or cornstarch directly to the stained area and leave it for 20-30 minutes. Then, scrub the surface gently using a soft brush and a mild dish soap solution to lift the remaining residue. Use a wet cloth to remove the dirt, and dry the area with a soft cloth.
Important:
- Avoid using acidic cleaners like vinegar on natural stone, as they can cause etching or discolouration. Similarly, do not use bleach on natural stone surfaces it can damage the finish and lead to permanent staining.
6. Remove oil stains from the appliances.
Kitchen appliances such as ovens, microwaves, rangehoods, and refrigerators can easily accumulate oil stains from cooking splatter and handling with oily hands. Here’s how to clean them effectively:
1. Surface Preparation:
Turn off and unplug the appliance and let it’s cool down completely. Take a paper towel or dry cloth to remove loose dirt and food crumbs from the cooktiop, microwave or oven.
2. Degreasing Solution:
Mix a few drops of dishwashing liquid with warm water in a spray bottle. Lightly spray the affected areas and let the solution sit for 5–10 minutes to break down the grease.
3. Wipe and Scrub Gently:
Use a soft Kitchen cleaning sponge or a wet microfiber cloth to scrub the appliances and remove the dirt. If you’ve tough spots then make a thick paste by mixing baking soda, white vinegar and water then leave it for 15 minutes. Cut the lemon into half then scrub the strain or use a soft sponge to remove the stain.
4. Rinse and Dry:
Wipe away any soap or residue with a damp cloth, then dry thoroughly with a clean microfiber cloth to avoid streaks or water spots.
5. Stainless Steel Tip:
When cleaning stainless steel appliances, always wipe in the direction of the grain to maintain the finish. For a polished, streak-free look, use a stainless steel cleaner or apply a small amount of olive oil to a soft cloth and buff the surface. Alternatively, white vinegar can be used to clean and add shine. Simply spray it onto the surface, wipe with a microfiber cloth, and dry thoroughly
How to Treat Oil Stains at the End of Lease
End-of-lease cleaning is a crucial part of the moving-out process and plays a key role in securing the full refund of your bond. Before releasing your bond money, the landlord or real estate agent will inspect the condition of the rental property. Whether oil stains on walls, floors, carpets, or in the garage that can lead to deductions if not properly addressed. Thoroughly cleaning these areas in advance helps you avoid unnecessary charges and ensures a smooth handover.
When preparing your property for the final inspection:
Inspect High-Risk Areas:
Carefully check areas prone to oil build-up, such as the kitchen, garage, and beneath furniture, for any hidden or dried oil stains.
Use the Right Cleaning Methods Early:
Address stains well in advance using appropriate techniques for each surface. Avoid last-minute scrubbing, which can worsen the stain or damage the material.
Consider Professional Help:
If stains are too stubborn, widespread, or on delicate surfaces, hiring a professional cleaner is often the smarter and more cost-effective choice. A professional Michael’s cleaning team has the expertise and tools to remove oil stains thoroughly and leave a strong, positive impression on your property manager or landlord. This not only increases your chances of a full bond refund but may also help you secure a good reference for future rental applications. Michael’s end of lease cleaning services typically offer a comprehensive, deep clean of the entire property to meet real estate inspection standards.
General tips on How to Remove Oil Stains from Your Property:
- Act Quickly When You Notice a Stain:
As soon as you find the oil stain, then try to remove it early as possible. Fresh stains are far less likely to set into surfaces, fabrics, or fibres. Whether it’s on the carpet, benchtop, floor, or walls, act promptly to blot, absorb, and treat the area before the oil has a chance to soak in and become more stubborn. - Avoid Scrubbing:
Scrubbing oil stains on carpets, painted walls, or delicate surfaces. That can make the problem worse by spreading the stain or pushing the oil deeper into the material. Instead, gently blot or dab the area with a clean cloth or sponge to lift the oil without causing further damage. - Touch Up When Necessary:
In cases where oil stains on walls are severe or have discoloured the paint, consider applying a thin layer of matching paint to cover the affected area. - Avoid Harsh Chemicals:
Refrain from using abrasive cleaners or strong chemical solutions, as these can strip paint, damage protective coatings, or cause discolouration. - Skip the Wire Scrubbers:
Do not use tough wire scrubbers or abrasive pads, as they can scratch and damage surfaces like painted walls, appliances, tiled floors, and timber finishes. - Use the Right Floor Cleaner:
When cleaning timber floors, opt for a suitable wood floor cleaner or a clean-and-shine liquid specifically designed for timber. This helps maintain both cleanliness and the natural shine of the surface without causing damage.
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