7 Best Carpet Cleaners for Oil Stains 2025

Instant magic is the best way to describe FOLEX Professional Carpet Cleaner — this formula doesn’t just clean, it erases oil stains with a precision that feels almost too good to be true. Its amazing surfactant action breaks down greasy residues on contact, lifting oil, food grime, and pet messes without requiring rinsing or extraction. For homeowners battling fresh spills or set-in grease marks, FOLEX delivers no-wait results that solve the biggest pain point of most carpet cleaners: the long, messy cleanup process.

In real-world testing, a motor oil spill on a medium-pile living room carpet vanished within seconds of application — no scrubbing, no residue, no re-soiling. The 34 oz bottle offers generous coverage, and because it doesn’t leave behind sticky residues, carpets stay cleaner longer. It works equally well on upholstery and area rugs, provided they’re colorfast and water-safe. However, it’s not designed for deep-pile or heavily soiled carpets where soil has penetrated the backing — in those cases, a pre-vacuum or light blotting may still be needed.

Compared to Resolve’s budget option, FOLEX performs like a professional-grade solution, outshining cheaper sprays in both speed and reliability. While Resolve requires longer dwell time and may need reapplication, FOLEX removes stains instantly and prevents reappearing spots thanks to its non-magnetic formula. It’s the ideal pick for families, pet owners, and anyone who values immediate, no-fuss cleanup. When performance, safety, and simplicity converge, FOLEX stands head and shoulders above entry-level competitors.

Resolve Carpet and Rug Cleaner Spray punches way above its budget price, making it the go-to for cost-conscious households facing everyday oil and food spills. Its deep-penetrating formula tackles common offenders like vegetable oil, salad dressing, and pet grease with solid reliability, breaking down stains at a molecular level to help prevent reappearing spots. With a simple spray-and-blot method, it’s designed for users who want a no-hassle, widely available solution — and it delivers, especially on fresh stains.

In testing, Resolve handled a week-old olive oil stain on a low-pile carpet after two applications and light scrubbing. While it didn’t vanish instantly like FOLEX, it did fully lift the oil without discoloring the fibers. The 22 oz bottle is compact but effective for small jobs, and the fresh scent lingers pleasantly without being overpowering. However, on thick or heavily soiled carpets, it struggles to reach deep into the backing, sometimes leaving a slight residue if not wiped thoroughly.

When stacked against Bull Shot MAX Strength, Resolve lacks the foam-driven lift and heavy-duty power for older, set-in oil stains. But for routine maintenance and light spills, it offers unmatched value. It’s the best budget-friendly choice for renters, parents, or anyone who needs a reliable, affordable cleaner on hand. While it won’t replace professional tools, it outperforms its price tag in real home environments.

When oil stains turn into deep-set nightmares, Bull Shot MAX Strength rises to the challenge with stain-lifting foam that dives aggressively into carpet fibers. Engineered for the toughest, oldest messes, this formula combines high-intensity foaming action with concentrated cleaning agents to emulsify and extract oil, grease, and even dried motor residue — a rare feat among consumer-grade sprays. The shake, point, and spray design makes it effortless to apply, and in most cases, you can walk away for 1–20 minutes and return to a spotless carpet.

Real-world tests on a six-month-old cooking oil spill in a high-traffic kitchen showed dramatic improvement after one treatment, with complete removal after a second pass and light blotting. The foam clings vertically, making it excellent for upholstery and car seats, and it neutralizes odors at the source — a major win for pet owners. However, on dense wool or specialty weaves, it can leave a damp spot if over-applied, requiring ventilation or a fan to dry.

Compared to FOLEX, Bull Shot trades instant visibility for deeper penetration, making it better suited for neglected stains rather than fresh spills. While FOLEX wins on speed, Bull Shot conquers the toughest oil stains with relentless cleaning power. It’s the top pick for garages, workshops, or homes with frequent oil, grease, or pet accidents — where performance trumps speed.

Carbona 2 in 1 Oxy-Powered Carpet Cleaner brings a clever dual-action design to the fight against oil stains, pairing an oxy-boosted foam with a built-in brush applicator for hands-on cleaning control. This isn’t just a spray-and-wait product — it’s engineered for users who want to actively engage with the cleaning process, especially on greasy spots that need mechanical agitation. The oxygen-powered formula breaks down oil molecules on contact, while the dual-head applicator allows you to sponge surface stains and scrub deep with bristles — all in one tool.

In testing, it excelled on a butter stain embedded in a textured rug, where the bristle side lifted grime that sprays alone couldn’t reach. The 13.5 fl oz size is compact, making it ideal for spot treatments and travel, and the lack of harsh solvents keeps it safe for most synthetic fibers. However, it’s not recommended for silk, velvet, or water-sensitive fabrics, and the foam dissipates quickly, requiring prompt wiping.

Against Chemical Guys SPI_191_16, Carbona lacks the deep-penetrating extraction power for automotive use but wins in user control and fiber safety. It’s the best oxy-foam formula for households that prefer mechanical cleaning with chemical support. If you like to feel the stain lifting and want a tool that does more than just spray, Carbona delivers a uniquely tactile cleaning experience.

Built for grease warriors, Chemical Guys Lightning Fast is a heavy-duty extractor that thrives in environments where oil and grime are constant threats — think car interiors, garages, and workshop floors. This formula doesn’t just lift stains; it emulsifies and extracts them, using powerful surfactants to dissolve grease and pull it to the surface for easy wiping. With a fresh scent and no residue, it’s safe for daily use on fabrics, car seats, and home upholstery without degrading materials over time.

In real testing, a motor oil spill on a car’s fabric seat was nearly gone after one spray and wipe — no scrubbing, no soaking. The 16 fl oz bottle is compact but highly concentrated, making it ideal for on-the-go cleaning. It works exceptionally well on synthetic fibers and automotive textiles, though on thick residential carpet, it may require a second pass. Unlike general carpet sprays, it’s formulated to repel re-soiling, a critical advantage in high-grease areas.

Compared to Resolve, it’s in a different league — more aggressive, more precise, and built for auto use. While Resolve is best for kitchen spills, Chemical Guys dominates where grease and oil are routine. It’s the best choice for car owners and mechanics who need a fast, reliable cleaner that won’t damage interiors. When grease is the enemy, this is the weapon of choice.

RemoovABull stands out with a solvent-free, residue-free formula that tackles oil and grease without compromising carpet integrity — a rare feat in heavy-duty cleaning. Most oil removers rely on solvents that can degrade backing or soften adhesives over time, but RemoovABull uses a fast-acting, water-based system that breaks down oil molecules safely, making it ideal for homes with kids, pets, or allergy concerns. Its inverted spray valve allows precise application even in tight spaces like car seats or under furniture, giving it an edge in usability.

In real testing, a coffee and motor oil blend on a car mat was lifted cleanly with one spray and a quick wipe — no scrubbing, no lingering smell. It works in seconds on fresh stains and holds up well on older ones with light agitation. The formula is safe on most standard carpets, though caution is advised on Berber weaves, where over-saturation can cause wicking.

Compared to Bull Shot, it’s less foamy but safer for long-term use, trading aggressive lift for material preservation. While Bull Shot dominates on old stains, RemoovABull wins with its solvent-free formula — making it perfect for frequent cleaning without fiber damage. For eco-conscious users and car detailers alike, it’s a smart, sustainable upgrade.