how to get oil stains out of clothes

How to Get Oil Stains Out of Clothes (Easy Steps to Follow)

Ever had a cooking or car mishap that left your favorite shirt stained with oil? We've all been there. Whether it's cooking oil, motor oil, or makeup oil, each comes with its own challenge. The stubborn nature of these oil stains can be a headache, leaving you wondering if there's a foolproof way to remove them. Fear not!

In this guide, we’ll discuss a step-by-step process on how to get oil stains out of clothes. From kitchen blunders to engine leaks, we've got you covered with easy solutions.

 

How To Get Oil Stains Out Of Clothes?

Oily stains can be a real pain to remove, and the key to success is tackling the problem as soon as it happens. The longer you wait, the tougher it gets.

 

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Even if the stain seems minor initially, it tends to darken over time as it sets into the fabric. The absorption level increases with time, making dried stains nearly impossible to remove without causing harm to your garments.

Now, let's discover how to get oil stains out of clothing using simple household cleaning items:

What You'll Need

  • Paper towels
  • Dish soap
  • Hot water
  • Toothbrush
  • Baking soda
  • Color-safe bleach (optional)

 

Step-by-Step Instructions

Blot Out the Stain

Use a paper towel to blot as much oil as possible immediately after spotting the stain. Avoid rubbing, as it can embed the grease deeper into the fabric.

Apply Hand Soap/Detergent

Add a few drops of hand soap or detergent to the stain, rub the fabric together or use a toothbrush to work in the soap and loosen the oil.

Rub Baking Soda (For Stubborn Stains)

For tough stains, rub baking soda on the stain along with the dish soap. Scrub with a toothbrush and let it sit until the baking soda forms a dry paste.

Rinse and Soak In Hot Water

Rinse the fabric with hot water after leaving the hand soap/detergent and baking soda for about an hour. Submerge the cloth in hot water and let it soak for an additional hour.

Wash and Air-Dry

Once the stain is nearly gone, wash the cloth in warm water using a washing machine and let it air dry. Repeat if necessary.

Soak In Bleach And Water

If the stain persists after washing and drying, mix warm water with color-safe bleach cleaner and soak the fabric for about an hour. Wash and dry as usual.

How To Get Old Oil Stains Out Of Clothes?

 

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While it's best to remove oil stains immediately, there's hope even if they've dried. Here are simple steps to help you get rid of those pesky stains:

  1. Scrape and Blot With Liquid Dish Soap: Apply liquid dish soap to the stain and leave it for 10 minutes. This helps break down the grease.
  2. Soak in Warm Water With Stain Remover or Detergent: Soak your garment in warm or hot water for at least 30 minutes. Add some store-bought stain remover or laundry detergent to the water to enhance the cleaning process.
  3. Wash in the Machine: Place the item in the washing machine with detergent, using the warmest water recommended on the care tag.
  4. Line Dry: After washing, line dry your clothes. Never use the dryer for items with oil stains, as it can set the stain further.

 

How To Get Olive Oil Stains Out of Clothes? 

To remove olive oil stains, follow these steps:

  1. Gently scrub the stain with hand dishwashing soap.
  2. Rinse the stained area thoroughly to remove the olive oil and the dishwashing liquid.
  3. Apply a laundry prewash stain remover to treat the stain.
  4. Wash the fabric in warm water to remove the oil stain completely.

 

How To Get Motor Oil Stains Out Of Clothes?

Oil is oil, whether it's from your car or your kitchen. So, getting it out of clothes follows the same steps: 

  1. Blot out the stain
  2. use dish soap (and add baking soda for stubborn stains like motor oil)
  3. Scrub with a toothbrush
  4. Rinse and soak in hot water
  5. Toss it in the washing machine

 

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How To Get An Oil Stain Out Of Clothes (Stubborn Stains)?

  1. Spray the stained area with WD-40® or a similar water displacement lubricant. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes to reactivate the stain.
  2. Try treating the stain again using liquid dish soap.
  3. Hand wash your clothes in the sink using warm water.
  4. After washing, drain the water and gently squeeze out excess water from the garment.
  5. Mix a new detergent solution with warm water and repeat the treatment until there's no lingering grease odor.
  6.  Rinse your clothes in clean water and line-dry the garment.

 

Conclusion

Dealing with oil stains on your favorite clothes may seem daunting, but you can save your garments from permanent damage with the right approach. Whether it's cooking oil, motor oil, or even olive oil, our guide on how to get oil stains out of clothes provides you with a solution to tackle them. Moreover, by following our instructions, you can eliminate oil stains from your clothes. So, the next time an oil mishap occurs, fear not – you know how to clean your clothes.

 

How Is Fomin Pioneering A Global Shift Towards A Plastic-Free Future?

 

Our resolute mission at Fomin is to spearhead the creation of a world free of plastic pollution. By choosing Fomin, you actively contribute to a paradigm shift. Each acquisition of our Eco Clean Towels, Deodorant Wipes, Bathroom Soap Refill Packs, and Hand Soap Sheets is a tangible step towards preventing the detrimental impact of plastic bottles on our precious marine ecosystems.

Choose Fomin, and let's sculpt a future where the beauty of our planet is preserved, free from the chains of plastic pollution.

 

FAQs

How To Get Engine Oil Stains Out Of Clothes?

To remove engine oil stains, apply a small amount of hand soap or detergent to the stain, rub gently, and wash your cloth with warm water.

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