Oil stains on clothes can be frustrating, especially when they seem impossible to remove. Whether it’s cooking oil, motor oil, or even salad dressing, oil stains tend to cling to fabric fibers, making them tough to treat. However, with the right techniques and products, you can successfully remove oil stains from your clothes and restore them to their former glory.
In this blog, we’ll cover how to remove oil stains from clothes using household items, as well as specific stain removers designed to tackle stubborn grease. Let’s dive in!
1. Act Quickly
The faster you treat an oil stain, the easier it will be to remove. Once you notice the stain, try to take action before it has a chance to set in. Blot the excess oil with a paper towel or clean cloth. Avoid rubbing, as this can push the oil deeper into the fabric.
2. Use Absorbent Materials
Before applying any cleaning solution, use absorbent materials like cornstarch, baking soda, or talcum powder to lift the oil from the fabric. Sprinkle the powder generously over the stain and let it sit for 15–30 minutes. This will help draw the oil out of the fabric fibers.
Afterward, shake off the excess powder or gently brush it away.
3. Apply Dish Soap
Dish soap is designed to cut through grease and is excellent for treating oil stains. Apply a small amount of dish soap directly to the stain, gently rubbing it into the fabric with your fingers or a soft brush. Allow the soap to sit for about 5–10 minutes before rinsing the area with warm water.
Pro tip: Liquid laundry detergent or hand soap can also work if dish soap is not available.
4. Soak in Hot Water
For tougher oil stains, soaking the garment in hot water can help break down the grease. Fill a sink or basin with warm to hot water (check the care label to make sure the fabric can handle heat), and add a small amount of laundry detergent. Let the clothing soak for 30 minutes to an hour, then rinse thoroughly.
5. Use Stain Removers
If the stain persists, consider using a commercial stain remover specifically designed for grease and oil stains. Products like Shout, OxiClean, or Zout can help lift stubborn stains. Follow the instructions on the label, and ensure you test the product on an inconspicuous area of the fabric first to prevent damage.
6. Wash and Dry Carefully
After treating the stain, wash the garment according to the care instructions. Use the warmest water the fabric can tolerate. Check the stained area before drying the item, as heat can set the stain if it’s not completely removed. If the stain is still visible, repeat the treatment steps before drying.
Additional Tips
Avoid using bleach on oil stains, as it can sometimes make the stain worse.
Dry cleaning may be necessary for delicate fabrics like silk or wool.
If you’re dealing with motor oil, the steps above should still work, but you may need a stronger stain remover.
Conclusion
Knowing how to remove oil stains from clothes can save you time, money, and stress. With prompt action and the right tools, you can tackle even the toughest stains. For professional care, consider using a laundry service like You Laundry, where your garments receive expert treatment and care. Whether it’s oil, grease, or any other stubborn stain, we’re here to help you keep your clothes fresh and clean.
By Arvind karnik
Oil stains on clothes can be frustrating, especially when they seem impossible to remove. Whether it’s cooking oil, motor oil, or even salad dressing, oil stains tend to cling to fabric fibers, making them tough to treat. However, with the right techniques and products, you can successfully remove oil stains from your clothes and restore them to their former glory.
In this blog, we’ll cover how to remove oil stains from clothes using household items, as well as specific stain removers designed to tackle stubborn grease. Let’s dive in!
1. Act Quickly
The faster you treat an oil stain, the easier it will be to remove. Once you notice the stain, try to take action before it has a chance to set in. Blot the excess oil with a paper towel or clean cloth. Avoid rubbing, as this can push the oil deeper into the fabric.
2. Use Absorbent Materials
Before applying any cleaning solution, use absorbent materials like cornstarch, baking soda, or talcum powder to lift the oil from the fabric. Sprinkle the powder generously over the stain and let it sit for 15–30 minutes. This will help draw the oil out of the fabric fibers.
Afterward, shake off the excess powder or gently brush it away.
3. Apply Dish Soap
Dish soap is designed to cut through grease and is excellent for treating oil stains. Apply a small amount of dish soap directly to the stain, gently rubbing it into the fabric with your fingers or a soft brush. Allow the soap to sit for about 5–10 minutes before rinsing the area with warm water.
Pro tip: Liquid laundry detergent or hand soap can also work if dish soap is not available.
4. Soak in Hot Water
For tougher oil stains, soaking the garment in hot water can help break down the grease. Fill a sink or basin with warm to hot water (check the care label to make sure the fabric can handle heat), and add a small amount of laundry detergent. Let the clothing soak for 30 minutes to an hour, then rinse thoroughly.
5. Use Stain Removers
If the stain persists, consider using a commercial stain remover specifically designed for grease and oil stains. Products like Shout, OxiClean, or Zout can help lift stubborn stains. Follow the instructions on the label, and ensure you test the product on an inconspicuous area of the fabric first to prevent damage.
6. Wash and Dry Carefully
After treating the stain, wash the garment according to the care instructions. Use the warmest water the fabric can tolerate. Check the stained area before drying the item, as heat can set the stain if it’s not completely removed. If the stain is still visible, repeat the treatment steps before drying.
Additional Tips
Conclusion
Knowing how to remove oil stains from clothes can save you time, money, and stress. With prompt action and the right tools, you can tackle even the toughest stains. For professional care, consider using a laundry service like You Laundry, where your garments receive expert treatment and care. Whether it’s oil, grease, or any other stubborn stain, we’re here to help you keep your clothes fresh and clean.