How to Lift Oil Stains from Clothes: Quick & Effective Methods

The key to removing oil stains and grease stains is fast action. Fresh spills respond best to absorbents like baking soda or cornstarch, followed by a grease-cutting cleaner such as dish soap and a rinse with warm water before washing.

Even older, stubborn oil stains can often be rescued with repeat treatments and patience - just remember to avoid heat until the stain is completely gone. With the right approach, grease stain removal is easier than you think.

Introduction

Oil stains are among the most frustrating tough stains to tackle. From cooking oil stains to car grease, they appear suddenly and often on our favourite clothes. Fortunately, with the right methods, you can save your garments instead of giving up on them.

Why so tricky? Oil naturally repels water, meaning ordinary washing can’t break it down on its own. Instead, the grease clings tightly to fabric fibres. That’s why tackling pesky oil stains quickly and correctly is essential.
The good news? You can learn exactly how to get oil stains out of clothes with a few simple household items and techniques.

Why Are Oil Stains So Hard to Remove?

Oil is hydrophobic - it resists water and sticks firmly to fibres. Without pre-treatment, washing alone rarely removes it. That’s why emulsifiers in detergents or pre-treatments are essential, breaking the bond between oil and fabric to help lift grease stains effectively.

The quick science: surfactants in detergents emulsify oil, while enzymes digest fats, making them easier to remove. Heat is a major risk factor - once exposed to hot water or a dryer, oil stains can “set” permanently.
Always avoid heat and instead rely on warm water or cold water according to your fabric type. Cotton releases oil more easily, while synthetics like polyester tend to trap it.

What’s the Fastest Way to Remove a Fresh Oil Stain?

For fresh oil stains or grease stains, act fast:

• Blot gently (never rub) with a paper towel to lift excess oil.
• Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch to absorb the grease.
• After a few minutes, brush it off and add a few drops of dish soap.
• Work the soap into the fabric using your fingers or a soft brush.
• Rinse with warm water or cold water depending on the fabric.
• Wash as usual and always air dry to check results before applying heat.

How to Treat Set-In or Older Oil Stains

Older or stubborn oil stains need a bit more attention.

Start by reapplying an absorbent like baking soda, then gently scrub with dish soap or dishwashing liquid. For tough stains, soak the garment in oxygen bleach before washing again - it helps lift grease stains from deep within the fibres.

If the stain remains, repeat the treatment several times. For very stubborn stains, a small amount of WD-40 can help loosen old grease, but always patch-test first and wash thoroughly afterwards.
And remember - never use heat until the stain is completely gone.

Should You Use Heat or Keep It Cool?

Heat should always be avoided until you’re confident the oil stain is gone. Hot water or tumble drying can permanently set grease stains into the fabric.

Instead, follow fabric care labels: use warm water for cotton or sturdy materials, and cold water for delicates. Always air dry first, and if the stain persists, simply repeat your grease stain removal routine instead of risking heat damage.

FAQs

Is it better to blot or rub an oil stain?

Always blot gently - rubbing pushes oil deeper into fibres.

Can dish soap really remove grease stains?

Yes. Dish soap is formulated to cut through oily stains and cooking oil residues, making it ideal for pre-treating clothes.

Is oxygen bleach safe on colours?

Usually, yes - but always test on a hidden area first.

What if the oil stain is from motor oil?

Motor oil stains may require stronger degreasers or solvents before applying your usual dish soap method.

Conclusion

Oil stains don’t have to mean the end of your favourite clothes. Start with blotting and absorbent powders, then escalate to dish soap and oxygen bleach for older stains. Above all, avoid heat until the stain is fully gone.

Explore Hills Home’s range of air-drying solutions, offering a wide range of indoor airers to portable clotheslines that are perfect for refreshing garments between washes, avoiding heat damage from dryers.