Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500427
06/24/03
Wood Furniture - Grease Stains
Removing grease stains on furniture is at best a very
difficult procedure. If the stain is very deep or old, it
may be impossible to remove. One of the methods described
below might aid in removal of less severe stains. They
may also damage the finish so that refinishing is
required.
Method 1:
Place a blotter over the greasy spot. Press with a
warm iron. Repeat until the spot is removed. Heat of iron
may soften and damage the finish.
Method 2:
CAUTION: Dry-cleaning spot remover and mineral
spirits are poisonous and flammable. Follow caution on
labels.
Use in well-ventilated area. Do not use near flame,
spark, or pilot light. Do not smoke. Do not get on skin
or clothing. Make a thick paste of Fullers Earth and
liquid dry cleaning spot remover. Apply to the spot and
allow the paste to dry. Brush away dry residue. Repeat
several times if necessary. Solvent in spot remover may
soften and damage finish, so test before using.
Method 3:
Saturate the area with mineral spirits. CAUTION: Dry-
cleaning spot remover and mineral spirits are poisonous
and flammable. Follow caution on labels. Use in well-
ventilated area. Do not use near flame, spark, or pilot
light. Do not smoke. Do not get on skin or clothing.
Place Fuller's Earth, talcum powder, sawdust or an old
cloth over the spot to absorb the grease as it is drawn
out by the first application. Continue until the spot is
removed. The mineral spirits will remove most finishes
so that refinishing is needed.
This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus with references from Georgia
Extension bulletin How to Care for Your Furnishings.
This information is for educational purposes only. References
to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU
Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise
a commercial product or company.
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State
University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race,
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Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in
cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director,
MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This information is for educational
purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/04/08.
Data base 02 was last revised on 06/24/03.
For more information about this data base or its contents please contact
strausc@msu.edu .