💧 Oil & Grease Stain Removal
Oil and grease stains require special attention as they don't dissolve in water. The key is using a degreasing agent before washing.
Quick Facts
Time Needed
15-25 minutes
Success Rate
90% with proper treatment
Key Tip
Use dish soap first!
Stain Type
Oil-based
Step-by-Step Removal Guide
Blot Excess Oil
Use paper towels to blot as much oil as possible. Don't rub - this spreads the stain. For fresh stains, cover with cornstarch or baby powder to absorb oil.
Apply Dish Soap
Apply liquid dish soap (like Dawn) directly to the dry stain. Work it in gently with your fingers. Dish soap is designed to cut through grease.
Let It Sit
Allow the dish soap to penetrate the stain for 5-10 minutes. The soap molecules will surround and break up the oil molecules.
Rinse with Hot Water
Rinse with the hottest water safe for the fabric. Hot water helps dissolve and flush away the oil.
Check Before Washing
If the stain is still visible, repeat steps 2-4. Don't put in the washing machine until the stain is gone or very faint.
Wash in Hot Water
Wash in the hottest water safe for the fabric with regular detergent. Add a scoop of oxygen bleach for extra cleaning power. Air dry to check results.
🛒 Recommended Products
Top-rated products available in the United States
Dawn Ultra Dish Soap
Powerful grease-cutting formula. The go-to solution for oil and grease stains.
Lestoil Heavy Duty Cleaner
Industrial-strength degreaser. Excellent for motor oil and heavy grease stains.
Goo Gone Laundry Stain Remover
Specifically designed for grease, oil, and sticky stains on fabrics.
OxiClean MaxForce Spray
Pre-treatment spray with grease-fighting enzymes. Great for combination stains.
🏠 DIY Home Remedy
Baking Soda & Dish Soap Method
An effective combination for tough grease stains:
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons baking soda
- 2 tablespoons dish soap (Dawn or similar)
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar (optional)
Method:
- Mix baking soda and dish soap to form a paste
- Apply paste directly to the oil stain
- Scrub gently with an old toothbrush
- Let sit for 30 minutes
- Rinse with hot water
- Repeat if necessary
- Wash normally in hot water
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove old, set-in oil stains?
Yes, but it requires more effort. Apply WD-40 or eucalyptus oil to the stain to dissolve the old oil, then treat with dish soap. You may need to repeat several times before washing.
What's the best method for motor oil stains?
Motor oil is heavy and requires strong degreasing. Use Lestoil or a commercial degreaser, or try applying shampoo (designed to remove scalp oils). Work it in well, let sit for 30 minutes, then wash in hot water.
Why shouldn't I wash oil stains immediately?
Water and regular detergent can't break down oil effectively. If you wash without pre-treating, the oil will spread and potentially set in the fabric. Always pre-treat oil stains with a degreasing agent first.
Does WD-40 really work on oil stains?
Yes! Spray WD-40 on the stain, let sit for 10 minutes. The solvents dissolve the oil. Then apply dish soap and wash normally. It sounds counterintuitive but works great on old grease stains.