How to Get Oil Stains Out of Clothes: The Complete Guide

Oil stains are one of the most frustrating things to deal with. Whether it’s cooking oil splashed on your shirt while flipping patties, greasy fingerprints on jeans, or even stubborn motor oil on work clothes, they all have one thing in common: they don’t go away easily. The worst part is that if you wash and dry the fabric without treating the stain first, you’ve basically printed it into the fabric.

The good news, however, is that with the right methods and oil stain remover tricks, you can save almost any outfit. This blog will walk you through exactly how to get oil out of clothes, no matter the fabric or how long the stain has been sitting there. Let’s get started.

Why Oil Stains Are So Hard to Remove from Clothes

Unlike food stains or mud, oil doesn’t dissolve in water. Laundry detergent alone often isn’t enough to break it down. That’s why if you just toss oily clothes into the machine, you’ll end up disappointed. To really remove oil stains from clothes, you need something that can cut through grease, absorb it, or lift it away from fibers before washing. That’s where a proper oil stain-removing routine comes in.

Things You Should Never Do When Dealing with Oil Stains

Before we get into the fixes, here are the mistakes that ruin your chances:

• Do not try to rub fresh oil stains. It will only spread the grease deeper into the fibers.
• Never use hot water right away, as it sets the stain.
• Make sure to never toss stained clothes into the dryer. Once the stain sets in, it’s ten times harder to remove.

If you remember nothing else from this blog, remember this: don’t add heat until the stain is gone.

Step-by-Step Proven Methods to Get Oil Stains Out of Clothes

Step 1: Blot the Oil Stain Immediately

The first thing you should do when oil hits your clothes is blot it. Use a paper towel, tissue, or clean cloth to dab gently and lift out as much excess oil as possible. Don’t rub, don’t smear, only blot. This simple step can make your later efforts far more effective.

Step 2: Use an Absorbent Powder

Kitchen hacks are often the best. Powders like baking soda, cornstarch, baby powder, or even plain talcum powder are fantastic oil absorbents. Sprinkle generously on the stain and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. For tougher stains, leave it for an hour.

Afterwards, brush it off gently. You’ll see that the powder has soaked up a good amount of oil already.

Step 3: Apply Dish Soap (The Best DIY Oil Stain Remover)

Dish soap was literally designed to cut grease, which makes it your most reliable tool to remove oil stains from clothes. Here’s how to use it:

• Squirt a few drops of clear liquid dish soap (any grease-cutting brand works) directly onto the stain.
• Gently work it in with your fingers or an old toothbrush.
• Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Rinse with warm water (make sure to check the fabric care label first).

This alone works for most fresh food or cooking oil stains.

Step 4: Make a DIY Oil Stain Removing Paste

For stains that survived the first wash, it’s time to level up. Make a paste of dish soap and baking soda. Spread it over the stain, let it sit for several hours (or overnight for stubborn spots), then scrub gently before rinsing.

This combo acts like a two-in-one: dish soap cuts grease, while baking soda lifts and scrubs.

Step 5: Wash with the Right Settings

Once you’ve pre-treated the stain, toss the garment into the washing machine. Use warm water for the fabric (always check the care label). Add your regular detergent and consider using an enzyme-based detergent for extra grease-fighting power.

After washing, air dry only. Check the stain. If it’s gone, great. If not, repeat the treatment before trying again.

Special Cases: How to Get Oil Out of Clothes Depending on Type

Different fabrics handle oil stains in different ways. Here’s how to deal with tricky ones:

Cooking Oil on Cotton or Denim

• Easy fabrics to work with.
• Dish soap and hot water wash usually does the trick.
• Repeat if needed, but don’t dry until the stain is invisible.

Delicate Fabrics like Silk or Wool

• Do not scrub the fabric like usual.
• Use cornstarch or baby powder to absorb oil.
• Blot gently with a cloth.
• The best option is to get professional dry cleaning.

Stubborn Motor Oil on Work Clothes

• Much tougher than food oil.
• Use a heavy-duty oil stain remover or degreasing laundry pre-treater.
• Wash separately, in hot water if the fabric allows.
• Multiple treatments may be needed.

Different Products That Work as Oil Stain Removers

Sometimes DIY isn’t enough. Commercial products can save the day when stains are too deep or old. Look for:

• Enzyme-based Detergents: These are great for organic stains and cooking oils.
• Grease-specific Stain Removers: Grease-specific stain removers are designed for things like motor oil, bacon grease, or salad dressing spills.
• Dry-Cleaning Solutions: This goes without saying, for delicates that can’t be treated with water, go for professional dry cleaning.

Always follow the label directions; being reckless can damage fabric.

Other Quick Hacks To Remove Grease From Clothes

• Chalk: Rubbing white chalk on a fresh grease spot can help absorb oil before washing.
• Dry Shampoo Spray: Works surprisingly well on fresh stains in a pinch.
• Brake Cleaner: Some people swear these cleaners lift oil stains. Yes, they might, but they’re risky, may damage fibers, and leave toxic residue. Use at your own risk, and only on tough work clothes you don’t mind experimenting with.

Wrapping Up

You came here to get oil out of clothes without guessing or destroying the fabric. With the right approach, you can rescue most garments. Remember, patience and repetition matter. Rarely does one treatment completely erase a tough stain the first time.

So next time a blob of butter, a drop of cooking oil, or a splash of motor oil lands on your outfit, don’t panic. Grab your dish soap, some baking soda, and follow the steps. That’s the best way to get oil out of clothes without ruining them.

If you found this guide helpful, you might also like our other cleaning tips - check out our blogs on how to remove grease stains from clothes and how to get paint out of clothes for more easy, fabric-safe solutions.

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