How to Get Oil Stains Out of Clothing

As with removing all stains, time is of the essence. Your best bet is to act as soon as you notice the stain. Remove excess oil with a spatula, butter knife, or spoon. Be extra careful not to spread the liquid.

Lay the garment down on a flat surface, then pour an ample amount of liquid laundry detergent directly onto the stain. In this case, more is better. Make sure to apply enough detergent to fully soak through the garment. As a note, gentle detergents might not be powerful enough to tackle oil stains, so you may want to opt for something that specifically fights grease. Alternatively, you can use dish soap for this step. Just be sure to avoid any cleaning agents that contain lotion (as it can make the stain worse).

Since oil and water don’t mix, use as much hot water as possible to drive out the oil. After letting your garment soak in the soap for five to 10 minutes, wash it thoroughly. Be careful not to let the soap dry on the fabric during the soaking stage. The key to successfully getting oil stains out of clothing is to use the hottest water you can, but be sure to follow label’s instructions, as hot water can damage certain fabrics.

Check your work before drying the garment. Examine the stained area and allow the fabric to air-dry. Take note of whether any dark spots remain. If the oil hasn’t been completely removed, repeat steps two and three as needed. Avoid using the dryer, as the heavy heat can cause existing oil to permanently stain the garment.

If the stain still won’t budge, the best solution may be to consult a professional. Dry cleaning is often the best option for unusual or delicate fabrics—especially if its care label recommends avoiding hot water. Once the stain is removed, you’ll be free to wash, dry, and (most importantly) wear the garment as usual.

Ready for your next challenge? Keep reading to learn how to clean leather in four steps.

This story was published at an earlier date and has been recently updated.