How to Remove Oil Stains From Clothes 

As any home cook knows, oil stains are just part of the kitchen game. Whether you’re whipping up a quick dinner or flipping pancakes, it’s easy to end up with an unwelcome oil or grease mark on your favourite shirt or the kids’ clothes.

But don’t worry—oil stains are no match for a little quick action and the right techniques. With these tried-and-true methods, you can say goodbye to greasy marks for good!  TABLE OF CONTENTS

Why Quick Action Matters in Removing oil stains from clothes quickly

Timing is everything when it comes to an stain removal, especially with those pesky oil stains! If you’ve ended up with a greasy stain on your favourite pair of jeans, you know how crucial it is to act fast.

Oil stains can quickly become stubborn and set into the fabric, making them a real headache to deal with later on.

Now, here's the kicker: oil doesn’t play nice with water. Unlike food stains and others that might lift easily with a splash of warm water, oil stains often needs a little extra help.

In fact, using just water can sometimes make matters worse by spreading that oily culprit even further! So, get in there with some savvy know-how for effective removal.

Remember, the sooner you tackle that stain, the greater your chances of wiping it away completely. 

What You’ll Need:

Tools:

•    Butter knife, spoon, or credit card

•    Soft toothbrush

•    Washing machine

For Cooking Oil Stains:

•    Paper towels

•    Dishwashing Liquid Baking soda

•    White distilled vinegar

•    Quality laundry detergent

•    Hot water

For Dried Cooking Oil Stains:

•    Cardboard

•    WD-40

•    Cotton ball or swab (optional)

•    Baking soda

•    Laundry detergent

•    Hot water

Step-by-Step Guide to Remove Cooking Oil Stains

Remove Excess Oil

Start by gently scraping off any solid oil or food particles with a dull knife or spoon.

If the oil stain is liquid, blot the area with a paper towel to soak up as much oil as possible. Be careful not to rub, as this can spread the stain.

Apply Baking Soda and Vinegar

Here’s where the magic happens. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda directly onto the stain. The baking soda will help absorb the oil.

For larger oil stains, you can even leave it overnight! Once the baking soda has soaked up the oil, gently scrape it off using a plastic knife or the edge of a credit card.

Now, pour a capful of white distilled vinegar onto the stain. The vinegar will help break up the oil and remove any lingering residue.

Use an old toothbrush to gently scrub the affected area with the vinegar into the fabric. You should see the stain starting to fade.

The Final Wash

Once the stain is looking better, it’s time for a good wash.

Place the item into the washing machine with a good quality laundry detergent, and use the hottest water safe for the fabric.

The heat will help break down any remaining oil residue.

Stubborn Oil Stains

For those particularly stubborn oil and grease stains—especially those that have already survived the wash and dry cycle—don’t panic!

WD-40, yes, the same stuff you use for squeaky hinges, and it can work wonders on grease stains. Here’s how:

Spray a generous amount of WD-40 onto the stained area. Let it sit for a minute or two to penetrate the fabric.

Sprinkle baking soda over the oil stain. The baking soda will fizz and work its magic on the grease. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.

Gently rub the baking soda into the fabric using a soft brush or an old toothbrush. You should see the stain start to lift.

Rinse the area with cold water.

Apply a few drops of liquid laundry detergent to the stained area, let it sit for a few minutes, and then give it another gentle scrub.

Wash as usual in the hottest water that is safe for the fabric.

Before Washing:

The washing process is critical for oil or grease stain removal. Before washing the item, check the care label for the recommended water temperature!

Important Tips

Check the Care Label

Always refer to the care instructions before using any detergent or stain remover. Test it on a hidden spot first to avoid discolouration, especially in delicate fabrics.

Don’t Rub the Stain

Resist the temptation to rub at the oil stain right away. Rubbing can push the oil deeper into the fabric, making it tougher to clean.

Hot Water

After treating the stain with detergent or dish soap, rinse it with hot water. The heat helps liquefy the oil, allowing it to mix more easily with the cleaning agents.

“Dry Clean Only” Items

Gently blot any excess oil with paper towel and take the garment to your dry cleaner as soon as possible. If using a home dry cleaning kit, treat the stain with the included remover before placing it in the dryer bag.

Laundry Detergent Alternative

If you’re out of laundry detergent, don’t fret! Dish soap can work wonders as can hair shampoo. Just choose a brand focused on grease removal for the best results.

Final Thoughts

The key to tackling oil stains is to act quickly. The sooner you treat the stain, the better your chances of getting it out completely.

Whether it’s a fresh spill or an older stain, these techniques will help you save your clothes from a greasy fate. And remember—while oil stains can be stubborn, they aren’t permanent if you catch them early.

Before drying, always inspect the stained area carefully. Repeat the treatment process before air-drying, preferably on a portable clothesline, if there’s even a hint of the stain left.

Happy cleaning, everyone! With a bit of patience and these simple steps, you can keep your favourite clothes looking fresh and grease-free.

For more great laundry ideas continue reading The Clothesline Store Blog articles here!