Removing Oil Stains From Clothes

One of the most effective ways to remove oil stains from clothes is to apply a pre-treatment with a liquid dish soap or a laundry detergent that contains enzymes, followed by washing in the hottest water recommended for the fabric. You can also try baking soda, cornstarch, WD-40, or a commercial stain remover designed for oil stains. It's important to treat the stain as soon as possible and avoid drying the garment until the stain is completely removed.

How to Remove Fresh Oil Stains

1. Remove as much excess oil as possible by blotting the stain with a cloth or napkin.

2. Apply baking soda or cornstarch to the area until a thick layer covers the stain.

3. Let sit for at least thirty minutes to an hour to let the baking soda absorb the oil. 

4. Scrub the area with a toothbrush until the majority of the baking soda is gone.

5. Next, add a small amount of dish soap to the area and work it into the fabric with your fingers.

6. Wash your garment like normal in the highest temperature water your garment will allow.

7. If you still notice the stain after washing your garment, don’t put it in the dryer. Repeat the process and check the results then. If the stain is gone, feel free to dry your garment. 

How to Remove Set-in Oil Stains

1. Put cardboard behind the stain to act as a buffer between the different layers of your garment.

2. Apply the stain with a small amount of WD-40 with either the spray attachment or a cotton bud. The WD-40 will help to break down the set-in stain.

3. Remove as much excess oil as possible by blotting the stain with a cloth or napkin.

4. Apply baking soda or cornstarch to the area until a thick layer covers the stain.

5. Let sit for at least thirty minutes to an hour to let the baking soda absorb the oil. 

6. Scrub the area with a toothbrush until the majority of the baking soda is gone.

7. Next, add a small amount of dish soap to the area and work it into the fabric with your fingers.

8. Wash your garment like normal in the highest temperature water your garment will allow.

9. If you still notice the stain after washing your garment, don’t put it in the dryer. Repeat the process and check the results then. If the stain is gone, feel free to dry your garment. 

Can a Dry Cleaner Remove Oil Stains?

If you’d like to rely on professionals to tackle your oil stains, dry cleaners are a great option for oil stains that are particularly difficult or stubborn to remove. Eco Friendly Cleaners can handle the toughest stains on almost any type of clothing!