How to Get Oil Stains Out of Clothes

Woman loading clothes in washing machine

How to Get Oil Stains Out of Clothes

March 30, 2021

Oil Stains Happen

Whether you get splattered frying up some crispy eggplant or dressing a luscious salad, we all dread getting oil stains on our clothes. They just feel permanent, don’t they? Here’s the good news: they’re not! With quick action and the right stain-fighting supplies on your side, those oil stains will be a memory in no time. Let’s get to it.

Step 1: Act Quickly

The longer an oil stains sits, the harder it is to remove. So when it comes to how to get oil stains out of clothes, treat the stain as quickly as possible. You—and your clothes—will be glad you did.

Step 2: Blot the Stain

Using some recycled paper towels or a clean utility rag, blot the oil stain, patting (not rubbing) the stain to lift as much of the oil as possible.

Step 3: Sprinkle Baking Soda Over the Stain

Baking soda really is a miracle worker in the home, and it comes in handy with oil stains in clothes as well. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda right over that grease stain, and let it sit for thirty minutes. Then, using an old toothbrush, scrub the baking soda to begin helping lift the stain out of the garment. Clumping is normal as the baking soda absorbs the grease.

Step 4: Treat with Dish Soap

To help keep that stain from getting too comfortable, squirt some, plant-based dish soap onto the stain, first ensuring your garment is color safe. The soap’s natural grease cutting properties will help further loosen the stain from the fabric.

Step 5: Wash Normally

After checking your garment’s care instructions, wash normally with a plant-powered laundry detergent that’s formulated to fight tough stains. If you have stain-spray on hand, go ahead and give that stain a healthy spritz before washing to maximize your stain-fighting power.

For Non-Cooking Oil Stains:

For non-cooking oil stains, such as motor oil or oil-based paints, follow steps 1-4, then soak your stained clothes for several hours (or overnight) in a gallon of cold water mixed with a half cup of laundry detergent (always follow your laundry detergents pre-soak instructions). Then wash normally.

Step 6: Smile

And just like that, you know how to get oil stains out of clothes. Now that you’re ready for anything, fry that eggplant and dress that salad with renewed confidence. And by the way, wearing an apron never hurts either!