Grease and Oils
Fresh grease spots usually are the pure fat or oil. Old grease spots or stains from automobile, wheel, or machine greases usually contain also more or less dust, dirt, or fine bits of metal. (For road oil and axle grease, see [p. 27].) First scrape or wipe off as much of the grease as possible; then treat the stain by one of the following methods:
Soap and water.—If the material is washable, wash in warm sudsy water. Be sure to use plenty of soap on the stained part and rub well between the hands. The soaplike washing agents (soapless shampoos, oils, and lathers) are good to soften grease stains.
Place a grease or oil stain between paper towels or cleansing tissues and press with a warm iron.
Absorbents.—Use cornstarch, French chalk, or white talcum powder for fine materials; corn meal or salt for carpets, rugs, and other coarse materials. Dust the powder or salt over the spot, let stand until it absorbs the grease or oil, then brush off. Another method is to place the stained part between blotting papers and press lightly with a warm iron. Change the blotting paper as it becomes soiled. Or use cleansing tissues or paper towels in the same way. The advantage of using absorbents is that they do not wet the material or leave rings as water or grease solvents are apt to do.
Grease solvents.—Remove common grease and oils with carbon tetrachloride, gasoline, or benzene. Place a pad of clean cloth or a white blotter beneath the stain and sponge with a clean cloth, moistened with the grease solvent. Work from the wrong side of the material in order to push the dirt and grease out rather than to rub it into the material. Use light, brushing motions, work from the outside of the spot toward the center and spread or “feather out” the solvent into the cloth around the stain until there is no definite edge. Then pat dry with a clean, dry cloth.
If the grease spot contains dirt or fine bits of metal, first loosen the stain by rubbing a little lard, petroleum jelly, or dry-cleaning soap into it. Then sponge with the grease solvent or dip the stain into a small bowl of the solvent.
Another method is to make a paste by mixing cornstarch or talcum with carbon tetrachloride or other dry-cleaning fluid. Spread the paste over the spot; when dry brush it off. Repeat if necessary. The solvent does not spread and is less likely to form a ring if used in this way.