How to Get Oil Stains Out of Clothes

How to Remove Cooking and Vegetable Oil Stains From Clothes

Oil stains on synthetic materials are more challenging than natural fabrics like cotton. But if you act swiftly, you will have greater success getting rid of these stains.

1. Remove Excess Oil

   • Remove any oily solids from the fabric with a dull knife or spoon.
   • Blot liquid oil stains with a paper towel. This makes it easier to treat the stained area and prevents oil from seeping into more of the material.

2. Apply Baking Soda and Vinegar

   Use baking soda to pull more oil from the fabric after finishing Step 1. Baking soda is a dry ingredient that draws oil and grease out of fibers.

   • Use a liberal amount of baking soda to coat the stain.
   • Remove the layer of baking soda dampened from the oil or grease using a dull plastic knife or the edge of a credit card.
   • Apply another layer until the baking soda does not draw any more oil.
   • Leave the dry baking soda on the stain overnight if the stain is large.
   • Leave the baking soda on the stain for 30 minutes to an hour if the stain is small.
   • Use your hand or toothbrush to remove the baking soda from the stain.
   • Pour a capful of white distilled vinegar directly onto the stain to further break it up.
   • Use a soft toothbrush to scrub the vinegar.
   • Proceed to the next step after most of the stain is gone.

   Tip

   For non-washable clothes and shoes, sprinkle oil stains with cornstarch or baby powder to help absorb the oil from the fabric.

3. Apply Detergent

   • If some of the stain is still visible, apply a heavy-duty laundry detergent to the stained area. Or use a grease-cutting liquid dish soap for tougher stains.
   • Saturate the stain until both sides of the fabric are soaked.

   Quick Fix Alternative

   Reach for hair shampoo if you do not have laundry or dish detergent. Apply a drop or two of shampoo to the stain, and work it in with an old soft toothbrush. (Shampoo for oily hair works best.)

4. Let the Liquid Sit

   • Allow the liquid to sit for at least three to five minutes but no longer than 10 minutes. You do not want to let the area become dry.
   • As the solution seeps into the fabric, the grease will break down.

5. Wash as Directed

   Check the clothing care label to determine what water temperature to launder the garment once the stain is removed, and then wash it in the hottest water advised. 

6. Inspect Stained Area

   • Check to ensure the stain is removed before machine drying the clothing. Ensure there is no hint of a mark or darkened ring.
   • Repeat the previous steps if any trace of the stain remains.
   • Allow the clothing to air-dry.
   • When the stain is gone, washing and drying is typically safe. 

How to Remove Cooking Oil Stains After Drying

Old cooking oil stains on clothes that have already been washed and dried are more challenging to remove, but it's still possible by using a combination of WD-40, baking soda, and liquid laundry detergent. Try this strategy.

1. Cut Cardboard to Shield Garment

   • Cut a piece of cardboard that is larger than the stain.
   • Place the garment flat on a surface such as a table or counter.
   • Place the piece of cardboard directly under the stain so the treatment only affects that one layer of stained clothing. The cardboard will protect the rest of your garment and prevent the oil from being reabsorbed into the fabric.

2. Apply WD-40

   Depending on the size of the stain, either spray or use a cotton swab to smear it with this solvent.

3. Add Baking Soda

   • Add a thick layer of baking soda over the WD-40.
   • Using small circular motions, use an old, soft toothbrush and scrub the baking soda into the stain.
   • As the baking soda becomes damp or clumpy, brush it off and replace it with a new layer of baking soda.
   • Keep repeating this until your baking soda looks clean and clump-free.
     

4. Use Liquid Detergent

   Once the baking soda is gone, add a thick layer over the stain of your liquid laundry detergent or dish soap (either works).
   

   While You're At It

   Have a clogged toilet? Dish soap can also be used for unclogging a toilet.

5. Launder as Usual

   Pop the garment into the washing machine. Wash it in hot or warm water so the stain remains liquified for easier removal.

6. Inspect the Stain

   • Once you remove the item from the washer, check if the stain is fully removed.
   • If not, repeat the steps.
   • If it is removed, it is safer to air-dry the item rather than run the risk of putting it into the dryer to reset any remaining stain.

Additional Tips for Removing Oil Stains

• Check the care label and first test any detergent, stain remover, or cleaning solution in an inconspicuous area to ensure it does not discolor the fabric.
• Do not rub the stain immediately since this will push the oil deeper into the fabric and make it harder to remove.
• Run hot water on the oil stain after treating it with detergent or dish soap. Hotter temperatures liquify the oil, making it easier to interact with the detergents.
• For garments labeled dry clean only, blot the excess oil and visit your dry cleaner as soon as possible. If you use a home dry cleaning kit, treat the stain with the provided remover before putting the garment in the dryer bag.
• Use dish soap as an alternative to laundry detergent. Look for brands that focus on grease removal rather than softness.