How to Remove Bacon Grease From Carpet

By
Mary Marlowe Leverette
mary marlowe leverette spruce gardening board
Mary Marlowe Leverette
Mary has been a Master Gardener for 30+ years and a commercial and residential gardener for 50+ years. She is a former Clemson University Extension Agent.
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Updated on 02/22/23
How to Remove Bacon Grease From Carpet

The Spruce / Michela Buttignol

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 10 - 15 mins
  • Total Time: 15 - 20 mins
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $0 to 10

Though bacon is best enjoyed in the kitchen during breakfast, the grease can wind up staining rugs or carpeting—which is not ideal. Grease is an oil-based stain, a tricky one to remove from carpeting. Therefore, it is best treated as soon as it happens. That begins our guide for removing bacon grease from a fabric carpet or rug.

No need to fret over some spilled bacon grease. Here is our guide for lifting the stain from carpeting using cornstarch, detergent, and water.

 Stain Type  Oil-based
 Detergent Type  Dishwashing liquid
 Water Temperature    Cold, warm

Before You Begin

As guidance prior to beginning, get to cleaning up oil stains as soon as possible. Oil stains are some of the most difficult to remove unless you get to them immediately. Be sure to act quickly to ensure the best chance of removing the bacon grease stain.

When to Call a Professional

In addition, if the carpet or upholstery fabric is silk or vintage, contact a professional upholstery cleaner for assistance and more stain removal tips. You don't want to unintentionally damage your carpet or furniture by attempting to clean it yourself.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • 1 dull knife or spoon
  • 1 soft-bristled brush
  • 1 sponge
  • 1 vacuum

Materials

  • 1 box cornstarch or baking soda
  • 1 roll paper towels or clean, white cloths
  • 1 bottle dishwashing detergent
  • 1 bottle household ammonia

Instructions

Materials for removing bacon grease from carpets

The Spruce / Sarah Crowley

How to Remove Bacon and Other Pork Stains From Carpets

  1. Sprinkle Stain With Absorbent Powder

    Sprinkle the stain with cornstarch or baking soda to absorb the oil. This is the best way to begin tackling the stain.

    Use a soft-bristled brush to work the powder into the carpet. Allow the absorbing powder to sit on the stain for at least 15 minutes and then vacuum away. 

    Sprinkling absorbent powder onto the bacon grease stain

    The Spruce / Sarah Crowley

  2. Apply a Cleaning Solution

    The powder should have absorbed some of the oil, which will aid in lifting the stain.

    • Next, mix 1 tablespoon of hand dishwashing detergent in 2 cups of hot water. Add 1 tablespoon of household ammonia.
    • Blot the stain with a soft-bristled brush dipped in the cleaning solution until the stain is removed.
    • Absorb the cleaning solution with a dry paper towel.
    Applying a cleaning solution to the stained area

    The Spruce / Sarah Crowley

  3. Rinse Soap Out of the Carpet

    Use a sponge to "rinse" the stained area with plain water because leaving the soapy residue in the carpet fibers will attract soil. Blot repeatedly with a clean white cloth until no soap remains.

    Rinsing soap out of the carpet

    The Spruce / Sarah Crowley

  4. Air Dry and Vacuum

    Allow the area to air dry away from direct heat or sunlight, then vacuum to lift carpet fibers.

    Air drying and vacuuming the carpet after stain removal

    The Spruce / Sarah Crowley

Additional Steps to Remove Pork and Bacon Stains

  • The same cleaning tips recommended for carpet can be used to remove bacon and other pork grease stains from upholstery.
  • Take extra care when cleaning to not over-wet the fabric. Excessive moisture in the cushions can cause mildew growth in the batting.
  • If you drop raw pork on your clothing or carpet, follow the steps to remove blood stains from these fabrics.
  • Many pork spills create combination stains due to the method of cooking and added ingredients. You may need to follow additional steps to remove gravy, BBQ sauce, or cheese. 
How to Remove Bacon and Other Pork Stains From Clothes