Everyone gets oil and grease on their clothes all the time. But, oil stains can be tough to get rid of. If you spill oil on your clothes, it’s important to act quickly before the stains set in. But what if the stain has already dried?
In this blog, we’ll share 5 easy steps to remove oil stains using simple household items. We’ll also give you tips for tackling tough, set-in stains and explain how to handle oil stains on materials like wool, leather, and linen. Let’s get started!
But First, What Makes Oil Stains So Hard to Remove?
To easily remove oil stains from clothes, you need to understand how oil stains work.
When oil comes in contact with your clothes, it will bind tightly, making it very hard to remove. The nature of oil makes it resistant to water alone. You can’t just use water to remove it.
Acting quickly on oil stains is critical—if the stain sets, it becomes even harder to deal with. So, if you get an oil stain, treat it ASAP. Blot the excess oil with a paper towel or a clean cloth. This helps absorb as much oil as possible before it seeps deeper into the fabric. Don’t rub the stain, as this can spread the oil and make the stain worse.
Can You Remove Oil Stains After They’ve Set?
Yes, you can! Removing set-in oil stains is harder, but not impossible. Old oil stains often require more effort and specialized techniques, but with persistence, you can save your clothes.
What You’ll Need To Remove The Stains
- Dish soap
- Baking soda
- Laundry detergent
- Warm water
- Paper towels or cloth
Step-by-Step Guide to Remove Oil Stains
Blot the stain
Start by blotting the stain with a clean paper towel or cloth. Your goal is to soak up as much of the excess oil as possible before it seeps deeper into the clothes. Be careful not to rub the stain, as this can spread the oil further.
Apply dish soap
Dish soap is excellent for breaking down grease and oil. Apply a small amount directly to the stain and gently rub it into the fabric with your fingers or a soft brush. Make sure to work the soap into the fibers of the fabric to ensure it reaches the oil. Let the dish soap sit on the stain for 10–15 minutes to break down the oil completely.
Sprinkle baking soda
Sprinkle a generous amount over the stain, covering it completely. Then, use a soft brush or your fingers to lightly scrub the baking soda into the fabric. Let the baking soda sit for another 10–15 minutes for the best results.
Rinse with warm water
Now rinse the stained area thoroughly with warm water. The warm water helps to wash away the soap, baking soda, and any oil residue. Check the fabric to see if the stain is fading. If it’s still visible, you can repeat the earlier steps before moving on.
Machine wash
Finally, wash the clothing in your washing machine using the warmest water allowed by the care label on the garment. Use a quality laundry detergent to ensure the stain is completely removed. After washing, check to see if the stain is gone before drying the clothing. Heat from the dryer can set any remaining stain, making it harder to remove later.
How to Remove Set-In Oil Stains
Start by scraping off any hardened residue with a dull knife or the edge of a credit card.
Then, apply a small amount of dish soap directly to the stain, working it in with a toothbrush or soft bristle brush to penetrate the fabric fibers.
After letting the soap sit for 20–30 minutes, sprinkle baking soda over the area and add a few drops of water and white vinegar to create a paste. Scrub gently and let it sit for at least an hour, or overnight for tougher stains.
Rinse with warm water, then soak the garment in a mixture of warm water and laundry detergent for an hour before machine washing it in the hottest water allowed for the fabric.
For super stubborn stains you can try using Murphy’s Oil Soap or a degreasing solution specifically designed for fabric. Remember to avoid using a dryer until the stain is completely gone, as heat can set it permanently.
If all else fails, take the item to a professional cleaner to avoid damaging your garment further.
How to Remove Oil Stains from Delicate Fabrics
Wool
Wool is a delicate fabric, so you need to care for it very gently. To remove oil stains from wool, just follow the same process that is previously mentioned.
But, If the oil stain still persists, you can use a gentle wool detergent designed for stain removal, but avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the fibers.
Leather
Leather requires a bit different approach than the normal process. Avoid using water directly on leather, as it can damage the material. Always blot with a dry cloth or a cloth slightly dampened with a leather-safe cleaner.
Then, you can add the dish soap and baking powder before putting it in the washer. Check the care label and use the warmest setting applicable.
After cleaning, use a leather conditioner to maintain the leather’s softness and prevent it from drying out or cracking.
Linen
For linen, follow the normal steps, but you can’t use hot water as it can shrink linen. Always use lukewarm or cool water when cleaning oil stains on linen.
When Should You Use Dry Cleaning?
Certain fabrics, like silk, wool, and delicate synthetics, are not suited for typical home washing methods due to their sensitivity. These materials can easily lose their shape, texture, or color if exposed to harsh chemicals or excessive heat. When dealing with stubborn oil or grease stains that just won’t come out with standard cleaning techniques, it’s best to take the garment to a dry cleaner.
Dry cleaning uses special solvents that can break down oil stains without damaging the fabric itself, providing a more effective and fabric-safe solution. If you’re unsure how to handle a particular fabric, or if your at-home attempts haven’t worked, dry cleaning is a reliable choice to preserve both the fabric and its appearance.
Why You Should Never Machine Dry Oil-Stained Clothes
It’s tempting to throw your clothes into the dryer after treating an oil stain, but this is a mistake that can make the problem worse. The heat from the dryer can cause the oil to set into the fabric permanently, making it nearly impossible to remove later. Instead of machine drying, always air dry the item after stain treatment. This gives you the opportunity to check if the stain is fully gone and to repeat the cleaning process if needed.
If the stain has been successfully removed, only then can you safely machine dry the garment. By air drying, you prevent the heat from fixing the stain and ensure the best chance of full stain removal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Removing Oil Stains
- Don’t Rub the Stain: Rubbing pushes the oil deeper into the fabric, making it harder to remove.
- Don’t Use Hot Water Right Away: Hot water can set the stain. Start with warm water to see if it helps first.
- Don’t Skip Pre-Treatment: Before washing, use something like dish soap or baking soda to break down the oil. This step is key to removing the stain completely.
By avoiding these missteps, you’ll ensure better results and protect your clothes.
Laundry Made Easy at The Dutchman’s Laundry
At The Dutchman’s Laundry, we make laundry simple! Need quick help? Use our drop-off service, and we’ll handle the washing for you. Want to do it yourself? Our easy-to-use coin machines are ready for you. Our laundromat is clean, comfortable, and perfect for saving time. Stop by today and make laundry hassle-free!
Final Checklist for Stain-Free Clothes
Here’s a quick recap of the best practices for tackling oil stains:
- Act quickly: Treat the stain immediately to prevent it from setting.
- Use the right tools: Keep dish soap, baking soda, and laundry detergent handy.
- Be gentle: Avoid rubbing the stain to prevent further damage.
- Check before drying: Ensure the stain is completely gone before using a dryer.
- Consider professional help: For delicate fabrics, opt for dry cleaning.
With these tips, you can confidently remove even the toughest oil stains from your clothes and keep your wardrobe looking fresh!
FAQs
Q. Does Oil Stain Permanently?
A. Oil stains are not necessarily permanent, but they can become stubborn if left untreated for too long. Once the oil sets into the fabric, it bonds tightly to the fibers, making it harder to remove. However, with proper treatment using dish soap, baking soda, and laundry detergent, even set-in oil stains can often be removed.
Q. Can Oil Stains Be Washed Off?
A. Oil stains cannot be removed with water alone because oil and water don’t mix. However, when you use a grease-cutting dish soap or laundry detergent, the oil can break down and be washed off in the laundry. For best results, treat the stain before washing and avoid machine drying the clothing until the stain is completely gone.
Q. Does Vinegar Remove Oil Stains?
A. Vinegar is not the most effective solution for removing oil stains on its own, as it doesn’t break down oil like dish soap does. However, it can be used as part of a stain-removal process. For example, after using baking soda or dish soap to tackle the oil, a vinegar rinse can help remove any lingering residue and freshen the fabric.
Q. How Do You Remove Burnt Oil Stains?
A. Burnt oil stains, such as those left on stovetops or cookware, can be removed by creating a paste of baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for 15–20 minutes. Then, scrub gently with a sponge or brush. If the stain is on fabric, follow the same steps as removing dried oil stains: use dish soap, baking soda, and laundry detergent to treat the stain before washing.
