How To Get Oil Stains Out Of Clothes
Do you have stubborn oil stains that you don't know how to remove? It’s important to know what your stain is composed of before starting the wash process. Oil-based stains behave differently than other types of stains like coffee, hair dye or grass and can include:
Cooking oils like olive, vegetable or canola oil
Condiments like salad dressing and mayonnaise
Cosmetics like liquid makeup and moisturizers
Oils from your skin that can build up on your shirt collar
- Oily ingredients such as coconut oil and butter
It’s important to act fast so the stain doesn’t spread or set in further. Always check your garment’s care label for any specific requirements before starting to treat the stain, then count on these quick steps below to help you tackle oil stains in cotton, synthetics, wool and delicates.
What Draws Oil Out Of Clothes?
Dish soap that is specifically designed for removing grease may be useful for drawing oil out of clothing. Baking soda or cornstarch may also help to remove oil from clothing, when left to absorb the oil for up to 24 hours.
How to Get Oil Out of Clothes Step-by-Step
The sooner an oil stain is treated, the easier it may be to remove. Following the steps below may help remove the oil from your clothing and keep a stain from forming permanently.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
Paper towels
Butter knife or spoon
Liquid dish soap
Stain pretreatment or liquid enzyme detergent
Warm water
Step 1: Remove Excess Oil
Blot the stain gently with a paper towel to remove as much oil as possible. Scrape off any excess oil with a dull or smooth butter knife or spoon if necessary. Removing the excess oil can help ensure that as much oil as possible is removed prior to the garment being washed and dried.
Step 2: Pretreat Stained Clothes
Pretreating stains quickly after they occur is important to improve your chances of removing them. The pretreatment process will vary based on the type of fabric.
Cotton & Synthetics: Gently rub liquid dish soap (if choosing to hand wash), stain pretreatment or liquid enzyme detergent into the stain and let sit for 10 minutes. If using liquid dish soap, be sure to fully remove the soap by rinsing the garment thoroughly before placing the item in the washer.
Wool, Knits & Delicates: Mix a mild detergent in the warmest water temperature recommended on the garment’s care tag, then add the garment to the water and gently massage the soapy solution through it. Soak for 5-10 minutes.
Step 3: Wash Clothes in a Machine or By Hand
Machine wash the garment, or rinse if handwashing, in the warmest water temperature recommended on the garment’s care tag.
Always use hot water on oil-stained whites
Body oil buildup can cause whites to darken over time. Hot water does the best job of melting away oily stains from whites. Learn more about which water temperatures to use for which stains and always check the care tag before tackling any stains.
Step 4: Line Dry - Do Not Use a Dryer
Never machine dry anything that has ever had any type of oil on it as no washer can completely remove oil and could result in a fire. Heat can set stains that aren’t completely removed, so line dry the item.
How To Remove Old, Set-In Oil Stains From Clothes
Extra steps might need to be taken in order to get dried oil out of clothes. If you’re not able to target a stain immediately after it occurs, follow the steps below to help remove the set-in oil stain.
Step 1: Pretreat Oil Stains
Pretreating the stain can help begin to break up stains before washing. Blot the stain with a paper towel. Rub liquid dish soap (if choosing to hand wash) into the stain, covering it and let it sit for 10 minutes. Be sure to fully remove the soap by rinsing the garment thoroughly before placing it in the washer.
Step 2: Soak the Stained Clothes
Soak the garment in warm or hot water for at least 30 minutes to help lift the oil out of the garment. Check your garment’s care tag for specific fabric requirements. Dissolve store-bought stain fighter or detergent in the water if desired.
Step 3: Wash Clothes in a Washing Machine or Hand Wash
Using the warmest water allowed by the garment’s care tag, machine wash or rinse the garment. You can try repeating the steps above if the stain is not completely removed.
Step 4: Line Dry
To avoid allowing a stain to set permanently, always line dry items that you have treated for stains. Never machine dry anything that has ever had any type of oil on it, as no washer can completely remove oil and could result in a fire.
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