How to Remove Oil Stains from Clothes

Oil stains look terrible, but you can easily clean them up. Even stubborn stains can be removed with a little effort. This article will show you how to clean cooking oil stains on different fabrics, including wool.

Table of Contents

Remove cooking oil stains on ordinary fabrics

Collect supplies. Sometimes cooking oil can get on your clothes when you cook or eat. Fortunately, these stains can be easily removed. You need the following:

Tissue
Baking soda
Old toothbrush
Dishwashing liquid

Use a paper towel to absorb the cooking oil. It is recommended to use white paper towels without patterns; otherwise, the color of the tissue may seep into the fabric.

Sprinkle baking soda on the stain. You need to sprinkle a fine and thick layer of baking soda. If you don’t have baking soda, you can substitute cornstarch.

Leave it on for about 30-60 minutes, then use an old toothbrush to clean it. While brushing, you may notice the baking soda starting to clump. That’s because the baking soda is absorbing the oil. Even baking soda can absorb the color of cooking oil.

There will still be some baking soda left on the fabric. Don’t worry, this is normal and can be washed.
You may have to repeat this step several times for stubborn stains. Simply sprinkle with baking soda, wait another 30-60 minutes, and scrub.

Pour some dishwashing liquid over the baking soda. Use your fingers to mix in the baking soda. You need to leave a thin layer of dishwashing liquid on the fabric. If the dish soap is all over the fabric, you need to add a little more.

Wash clothes in a washing machine. Remember to follow the instructions on the clothing label. Hot water can remove oil stains, but not all fabrics can withstand hot water.

Try adding ½ to 1 cup (120 ml – 240 ml) of white vinegar to your laundry detergent. White vinegar will increase the effectiveness of washing powder.

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Make sure the stain is completely clean before drying. If the stain remains on the fabric when you put the garment in the dryer, it risks sticking to the fabric. Try to remove the stain again. If that doesn’t work, you should let the clothes dry naturally and take them to a dry cleaner.

Clean oil stains on sweaters and wool fabrics

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Collect supplies. Hot water is ideal for stain removal, but can damage sweaters. So you need to take some extra steps to remove grease stains from sweaters. Here’s what you need: ^{[1] X Research Sources}

Corn flour
Dishwashing liquid
Cold water
Sink/bathtub
The sheet of paper is wider than a sweater
Pencil or ballpoint pen
Large bath towels

First sprinkle cornstarch over the stain and brush off after 30 minutes. Repeat this step two or three more times. Sometimes that’s all it takes to be clean. If the stain persists, read on below.

Spread the sweater on the paper and use a pencil or ballpoint pen to draw the outline of the shirt. The sweater will be soaked in water so it may no longer hold its original shape, and you will have to stretch the sweater back to its original position. This drawing is for sample purposes only.

Fill the sink with cold water. For large and bulky clothes, you may need to use a large tub or basin. The sweater should be completely submerged in the water, so make sure the water is deep enough.

Add a few drops of dishwashing liquid to the water. Use your hands to mix the dishwashing liquid into the water. Do not stir too much so that the water does not foam. Dishwashing liquid will dissolve and remove stubborn stains.

Put the sweater in the water and press it around with your hands. Do not wring or wring the sweater to avoid damaging the shape and yarn.

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Soak the sweater for 2-3 minutes before taking it out. This time too, remember not to wring or twist your shirt. Just let the water run off the shirt.

Drain the dirty water and fill the tub with clean water to rinse the sweater. Continue to drain the dirty water and use clean water to rinse the sweater until the soap is gone and the water is really clear. You may have to do this step 10-12 times. ^{[2] X Research Source}

Dry the sweater by rolling it in a large towel. Once the water is clear and soap free, lift the sweater out of the sink and let the water run. Spread the sweater over one end of the towel. Roll both the towel and shirt to the other end like a waffle. The towel will absorb the water from the sweater. Unfold the towel and remove the sweater.

Place the sweater back on the paper and stretch until it returns to its original shape. Pull the sleeves, hem, and the sides of the bodice until they completely match the pattern you drew earlier.

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Know how to handle other types of woolen garments. If your wool skirts, wool pants, and woolen suits are greasy, you can try a solution of 1 part dishwashing liquid, 1 part white vinegar, and 6 parts water. Pour the mixture over the stain and dab it with an old toothbrush. Wait a few minutes, then pat dry with a clean towel. Clean any remaining traces by dabbing with a damp cloth. Finish by blotting with another dry towel. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

You may need to follow the usage instructions on the garment’s label, which means you may need to dry-clean your sweater, hand-wash, or put it in the washing machine. ^{[4] X Research Sources}
Do not leave this solution on the wool for too long; otherwise, the wool may be discolored. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

Clean long-lasting stains

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Collect supplies. Sometimes you don’t notice an oil stain until you’ve washed and dried your clothes. Unfortunately, the heat of the dryer can cause stains to sink deeper into the fabric. But luckily you can still clean that stain. Here’s a list of what you’ll need: ^{[6] X Research Resources}

Cardboard (recommended)
Oil WD-40
Baking soda
Dishwashing liquid
Old toothbrush
Small bowl and cotton swab (to remove small stains)
Washing machine

Place a piece of cardboard inside the fabric, behind the stain. Use a piece of cardboard several times larger than the stain to prevent the stain from spreading. The cardboard prevents the stain from seeping into the fabric underneath.

Use WD-40 oil. If there is only a small stain, spray WD-40 into the bowl, then use a cotton swab to apply to the stain. WD-40 oil will break down the oil and make it easier to clean. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

Use an old toothbrush to rub baking soda onto the stain. Sprinkle baking soda on the stain and WD-40 oil. You need to sprinkle a fine and thick layer of baking soda. Use a toothbrush to scrub the fabric. Then you will see the baking soda clumping. That’s because the baking soda is sucking up the oil.

Repeat this step until the baking soda is no longer lumpy. Brush off the old layer of baking soda that has clumps, then sprinkle with a new layer of baking soda. Continue scrubbing, brushing and sprinkling more baking soda until there are no more lumps. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

Perhaps this step will cause white powder to be sprinkled all over the place. But don’t worry, this is normal. You can wash off baking soda.

Apply other solutions

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Gentle with delicate materials. Some fabrics such as silk and chiffon are not resistant to high temperatures and friction. Instead, use baby powder, cornstarch, or talcum powder. Leave in a warm, dry place for a few hours (overnight if needed), then dust off the powder. Repeat this step several times until the dough is no longer lumpy and the stain is gone.

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Know how to handle materials that can only be dry cleaned. As the name implies, these materials must not get wet. That means you can’t use things like water and dishwashing liquid to remove stains. Instead, sprinkle baby powder, cornstarch, or talcum powder over the stain. Leave it on for a while and brush it off. That may be enough to remove the stain. If the stain remains, take it to a dry cleaner.

Treat stains with cornstarch and dishwashing liquid. Sprinkle cornstarch on the stain and let it sit for 30-60 minutes. Pour a little dishwashing liquid on the cornstarch layer and rub. Leave the dishwashing liquid and cornstarch in the washing machine and wash according to the instructions on the clothing label. ^{[10] X Research Source}

You can also try using just cornstarch or cornstarch, no dishwashing liquid needed. The cornstarch will help absorb the oil. ^{[11] X Research Source}

Use a hairspray to dissolve the stain. Simply use a hairspray to spray the stain. Wash and dry clothes according to the instructions on the label. In hair spray products that contain alcohol, which dissolves oil. ^{[12] X Research Source}

Try hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dishwashing liquid. Wet the stain with hydrogen peroxide, then sprinkle a thick layer of baking soda on top. Pour some dishwashing liquid on top of the baking soda and sprinkle with a thin layer of baking soda. Scrub with a toothbrush, then leave it on for about 30-60 minutes. Leave the mixture as it is, put it all in the washing machine and wash it as usual. Remember to follow the instructions on the clothing label. ^{[13] X Research Source}

Hydrogen peroxide does not usually discolor fabrics deeply, but it can still happen. If you’re concerned about the fabric becoming discolored, it’s best to test it on a hidden spot like the hem or the inside hem first.

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Use aloe vera, dishwashing liquid or shampoo to remove stains before washing. ^{[14] X Research Source} Use a clean paper towel or cloth to absorb the oil. Then apply aloe vera, dish soap or shampoo to the stain. Use an old toothbrush or nail polish brush to penetrate the fabric. Leave it like that for a few minutes. ^{[15] X Research Source} Do not rinse with aloe vera, dish soap or shampoo. Throw it all in the washing machine and wash it according to the instructions on the clothing label. ^{[16] X Research Source}

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Try stain removal products before washing. First absorb the oil, then spray the product onto the stain. Wait 30 minutes and wash the clothes as directed on the clothing label. ^{[17] X Research Source}

Advice

Always use a paper towel to absorb the oil first. Do not rub or rub stains with paper towels; Otherwise, you will cause the stain to penetrate deeper.
Consider placing a piece of cardboard behind the stain. The cardboard will prevent the stain from seeping into the fabric underneath.
Quick action. The sooner you treat it, the easier it will be to clean the stain.
Rub the stain from the outside in. Always rub from the outside to the center of the stain, not from the inside out. This is to keep the stain from spreading. ^{[18] X Research Sources}

Warning

Not all fabrics can withstand hot water, and not all fabrics are washable. Always read washing instructions on clothing labels.
Dishwashing liquid can fade newly dyed fabrics. It can also fade brand-new clothes. Check the color fastness of the fabric before using dishwashing liquid.
The heat of the dryer can deepen the stains. Always make sure the stain is completely clean before putting the garment in the dryer. Otherwise, the stain may penetrate deeper into the fabric.

Things you need

What you need to clean common fabrics

Tissue
Baking soda
Old toothbrush
Dishwashing liquid
Washing machine

What you need to clean deep oil stains

Cardboard (recommended)
Oil WD-40
Baking soda
Dishwashing liquid
Old toothbrush
Small bowl and cotton swab (for small stains)
Washing machine

What you need to clean wool and sweaters

Corn starch
Dishwashing liquid
Cold water
Large sink or basin
The sheet of paper is bigger than the sweater
Pencil or ballpoint pen
Large bath towels

Steps