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10 easy and effective methods to remove oil stains
Quick and simple ways to remove stubborn oil stains from clothes using household items and expert tips.
10 Easy and Effective Methods to Remove Oil Stains
Oil stains can be stubborn because they bind to fabric fibres. The sooner you treat them, the better the result. Here are ten simple and effective methods you can use at home before bringing garments to a professional cleaner.
1. Dish Soap
One of the most reliable ways to break down grease.
Apply a small amount of liquid dish soap directly to the stain, rub gently, let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
2. Baking Soda
Great for fresh oil stains.
Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on the area and let it sit for at least 30 minutes, then brush off and rinse.
3. Cornstarch
Perfect for delicate fabrics.
Cover the stain with cornstarch, leave for a few hours, then brush it off and wash as normal.
4. White Vinegar
Helps lift oily residues without damaging fibres.
Mix equal parts warm water and vinegar, dab onto the stain, then blot with a clean cloth.
5. Laundry Detergent Paste
Make a thick paste from detergent and a bit of water.
Rub into the stain, leave for 15 minutes, then rinse before washing.
6. WD-40 (Use With Caution)
This can loosen old, set-in oil stains.
Spray a tiny amount, let it sit for 5 minutes, then wash with detergent. Avoid on delicate or dry-clean-only items.
7. Baby Powder
Ideal for light fabrics.
Apply a thick layer to soak up fresh oil, leave for an hour, then brush clean.
8. Rubbing Alcohol
Effective for synthetic sportswear and polyester.
Dab with alcohol, blot the stain, then rinse with warm water before washing.
9. Hot Water Flush
For cotton and other durable fabrics.
Stretch the fabric over a bowl and pour hot [not boiling] water from a height to push the oil out.
10. Professional Cleaning
If the stain is old, large, or on a delicate garment, professional cleaning gives the best result.
At Charlemont Laundrette Ltd | Harcourt Launderette & Dry Cleaners | Leeson Laundry | Scrub a Dub Laundry, our trained team can safely remove most oil and grease stains using specialised solvents and equipment.
