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.
[Illustration: 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.