
Oh no, an oil stain on the sofa is never fun, but don't worry! With a little patience, you can often get it out. The key is to act as quickly as possible.
First, gently blot the fresh stain with a clean cloth or paper towel to lift as much of the excess oil as you can. Be careful not to rub, as that can push the oil deeper into the fabric.
Next, you'll want to use an absorbent powder. Generously sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch directly onto the stain, covering it completely. Let it sit for at least 15-20 minutes, or even a couple of hours if you can. The powder will work to draw the oil out of the upholstery fibers. After it has sat for a while, use a vacuum to clean up all the powder.
For any remaining stain, a simple solution of a few drops of grease-fighting dish soap mixed with water can be very effective. Before applying anything wet, it's always a good idea to check your sofa's cleaning tag for a code (like 'W' for water-safe or 'S' for solvent-based cleaners only). If water is safe to use, dip a clean cloth into the soapy mixture and gently dab at the stain. Then, use another cloth dampened with plain water to blot the area and rinse out the soap.
Finally, blot the spot with a dry towel to absorb excess moisture and then let it air dry completely. You might need to repeat the process for a very stubborn stain.


