oil and soot in carpet

[bushbaby_de]

Does anyone know how to remove large amounts of oil and soot from pale wool carpet please? There was an arson attack in my car park last night and I really wasn't thinking about the possibility of my shoes being dirty and I walked oil and soot and ash all over my carpet. Is it ruined? Do I need professional cleaners? Or would a vax with some sort of magic potion do it? I am short of cash so would prefer to fix it myself but don't want to wreck the carpet by mistake! many thanks.

[ladyalex]

I'd have a go with Vanish carpet cleaner spray asap. Don't think you'll do any harm.
Faster you get to it the better, though.
Good Luck.

[weeal]

first blot excess oil up with brown paper and a warm iron or you will spread it, then use carpet cleaner !

soot should be vacuumed up, use talc on top first, dont brush it!!!! then use carpet cleaner

[bushbaby_de]

Many thanks for your answers. My own attempts seem to be working on a small scale but i don't think i can get it all out on my own without spending hours and hours on it. I'm resorting to a professional cleaning company who are convinced they can get it out in about 45 minutes for around �60 so for peace of mind i'm letting them get on with it. That'll teach me!

[Whoever]

Have you tried phoning your house contents insurance company and explaining the situation? Maybe they would consider paying for the carpet to be profession cleaned.

[bushbaby_de]

Thanks Whoever but I particularly wanted to avoid an insurance claim as my flat got flooded last year and they already replaced the carpet once - with an associated hike in premiums! So spending my own �70 is cheaper in the long run than another insurance claim so close together. He did a brilliant job so I'm glad I got someone in and didn't do it myself!