Dawn Ultra Dish Soap
Powerful grease-cutting formula. The go-to solution for oil and grease stains.
View on AmazonHow to Get Oil & Grease Stains Out of Clothes
Oil and grease stains require special attention as they don't dissolve in water. The key is using a degreasing agent before washing.
Difficulty:
Medium
Quick Facts
Time Needed15-25 minutes
Success Rate90% with proper treatment
Key TipUse dish soap first!
Stain TypeOil-based
Step-by-Step Removal Guide
1
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.
Quick Fix: Sprinkle baby powder or cornstarch on fresh oil stains. Let sit for 30 minutes to absorb the oil, then brush off.
2
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.
Important: Don't wet the fabric first! Apply dish soap to the dry stain for maximum effectiveness.
3
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.
4
Rinse with Hot Water
Rinse with the hottest water safe for the fabric. Hot water helps dissolve and flush away the oil.
5
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.
6
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.
Already Washed or Dried?
An oil stain that survived the wash looks like a darker, see-through patch. Cover it with cornstarch or baby powder for an hour, brush off, then work in dish soap on the dry fabric, leave 30 minutes and wash in the hottest water safe for the fabric. For older stains, spray WD-40 first to reactivate the oil, then apply dish soap.
By Fabric
- Cotton and denim: Dish soap on the dry stain, then the hottest wash allowed.
- Polyester and activewear: Synthetics attract oil. Pre-treat with dish soap and a laundry degreaser, wash warm, and repeat.
- Silk: Blot with cornstarch only and take it to a dry cleaner.
- Car or motor oil: Use a heavy-duty degreaser or shampoo, leave 30 minutes, then wash hot.
Recommended Products
Top-rated products available in the United States
Lestoil Heavy Duty Cleaner
Industrial-strength degreaser. Excellent for motor oil and heavy grease stains.
View on AmazonGoo Gone Laundry Stain Remover
Specifically designed for grease, oil, and sticky stains on fabrics.
View on AmazonOxiClean MaxForce Spray
Pre-treatment spray with grease-fighting enzymes. Great for combination stains.
View on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
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
Why it works: Baking soda is a mild abrasive that helps scrub away oil, while dish soap breaks down the grease molecules. Together, they form a powerful degreasing team.
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Guides by Surface
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.
