Help! Oil Stains on Rug ...

[Stevie]

Can anyone suggest an oil stain remover for rugs?

I have a medium/dark blue, low pile rug in my office and there are a few dark stains surfacing from using oil. I haven't attempted to clean them yet since I don't know what exactly to use. Has anyone here had this problem?

 

[lolaleigh]

I've had good results with both Dawn dishwashing detergent and vinegar. Also Greased Lightning is a good "degreaser."

Angie

 

[big bob]

I like to use shout.

 

[nikki_lav_2288]

ring around the table

Has anyone had ring around the table??

It happened at my old office where I had a light carpet. The carpet was a year old when I moved out. It wasnt so obvious when the table was in the room, but when I took out the table you could see a foot path around the table!

I have been in my new place since the middle of February. I started out in the smaller treatment room and moved myself into the larger treatment room about 3 weeks ago. I could see the start of ring around the table in the smaller treatment room. I was pissed!! I could actually see two dark spots on the carpet at the head of the table where I place my feet! My carpet isnt even light colored.

I cant imagine I am spilling that much oil on my carpet! I use a holster and if I was spilling that much oil on the floor, I would think it would also get all over my pants and shirt where the holster is, but I am not.

I am almost regreting having the landlord put carpet in the treatment rooms for fear I will have to pay to have a new flooring put down.

 

[Alyssaa]

I almost think that because we use so much product (oil, lotion, disinfectant sprays for the room), that it must settle into the rug (and everything else!).

The table covers and protects the section under it, and we are constantly walking around the table, solidifying the buildup, hence the ring.

I didn't think I was dripping that much oil on the rug either, and I can see are spots developing in other places as well. I was thinking of asking the landlord to replace it (at my expense, since it was new two years ago), but another rug doesn't sound like the right choice. I don't want to spend a lot of money - any good alternatives?

 

[Pompal 09.]

I would think a large area rug placed over the carpet would take the footpath around the table and protect the carpet. Plus, it would be extra padding to protect your feet & legs from wear and tear.

I doubt it is all oil. There could be a footpath around the table even if one only did work without oil. It's just a "heavy traffic pattern" - a repetitive motion injury!

 

[S L]

It might be a good idea to invest in a steam cleaner, and use it every so often. I have one personally that works wonders. I bought it brand new for around $100. With the children, my carpets look a mess quickly! So it has paid for itself many times in the last 8 years (in avoided carpet cleaning bills). But I'm just *Royal* about having my stuff look clean, so I'm glad you all told me about this issue beforehand, so I know to expect it.

 

[izzy123]

I am not sure a carpet steamer would work on my carpets. I have industrial tile carpet which is glued down. Do you think a steamer would loosen the glue?

As for a rug.... has anyone had a problem with them being a tripping hazard?

 

[pam]

I am not sure a carpet steamer would work on my carpets. I have industrial tile carpet which is glued down. Do you think a steamer would loosen the glue?

As for a rug.... has anyone had a problem with them being a tripping hazard?

I don't know about the steamer. I've only had problems with rugs if they are too lightweight. The heavier ones lie nice and flat, but the lighter ones will curl up on the edges, for some reason. My mom used to get big oval area rugs that were great, but I don't know where she got them. Last I knew, she still had 3 from when I was a kid - like 30 years ago - and they were still in nice shape. She moved to Arkansas, though, so I haven't thought about them or asked anything. I'll try to remember to ask her, and get back to you.