Oil stains are one of the most stubborn and frustrating stains to deal with. Whether it’s from cooking oil, motor oil, or salad dressing, oil has a way of sinking into fabric and clinging to it. The good news? With the right techniques, you can completely remove oil from clothes—even older stains.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn 7 effective methods to get oil out of clothes, using both household items and commercial cleaners. Whether you’re trying to save a brand-new shirt or rescue your favorite jeans, one of these methods will work for you.
Contents
- Why Is Oil So Hard to Remove from Fabric?
- Method 1: Dish Soap and Baking Soda (Most Popular)
- Method 2: Baby Powder or Cornstarch (For Fresh Stains)
- Method 3: Aloe Vera Gel (Gentle and Natural)
- Method 4: WD-40 and Baking Soda (For Set-In Oil Stains)
- Method 5: Shampoo (Especially for Body Oil)
- Method 6: Chalk (On-the-Go Fix)
- Method 7: Commercial Degreasers or Stain Removers
- Tips for Success with Oil Stain Removal
- Can You Remove Old or Set-In Oil Stains?
- Best Fabrics for Each Method
- Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Oil Ruin Your Clothes
Why Is Oil So Hard to Remove from Fabric?
Oil and grease are hydrophobic, which means they repel water. That’s why simply throwing an oil-stained shirt into the washing machine doesn’t always work. Detergent alone isn’t enough unless it’s paired with the right technique to break down the oil, lift it from the fabric, and prevent it from setting in.
Let’s dive into the best ways to fight back against oily stains.
Method 1: Dish Soap and Baking Soda (Most Popular)
Dish soap is specifically designed to cut through grease, making it an excellent choice for removing oil stains from clothes.
Materials Needed
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- Dish soap (like Dawn or Palmolive)
- Baking soda
- An old toothbrush or soft scrub brush
- Warm water
- A clean cloth or paper towel
Steps
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- Blot the oil stain gently with a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
- Pour a small amount of dish soap directly onto the stain.
- Sprinkle baking soda over the soap.
- Use a toothbrush to scrub the mixture gently into the fabric.
- Let the mixture sit for 15–30 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water.
- Wash as usual and let air dry.
This method works especially well on fresh stains but can also help lift older, set-in grease spots.
Method 2: Baby Powder or Cornstarch (For Fresh Stains)
If you catch an oil spill right away, baby powder or cornstarch can absorb the grease before it penetrates the fabric.
Materials Needed
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- Baby powder or cornstarch
- Spoon or blunt knife
- Soft brush (optional)
Steps
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- Blot the fresh oil stain with a paper towel.
- Generously cover the stain with baby powder or cornstarch.
- Let it sit for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Scrape off the powder with a spoon or soft brush.
- Wash the garment normally.
This method is ideal for delicate fabrics that you don’t want to scrub harshly.
Method 3: Aloe Vera Gel (Gentle and Natural)
Aloe vera is more than just a skin soother—it’s surprisingly effective at breaking down oil stains.
Materials Needed
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- Pure aloe vera gel
- Warm water
- Toothbrush or soft brush
Steps
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- Apply a generous amount of aloe vera gel directly to the oil stain.
- Work it into the fabric with a soft brush.
- Let it sit for 15–20 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water.
- Launder as usual.
This method is especially useful for those who prefer natural cleaning solutions.
Method 4: WD-40 and Baking Soda (For Set-In Oil Stains)
WD-40 can break down stubborn, old oil stains by dissolving the oil components.
Materials Needed
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- WD-40
- Baking soda
- Dish soap
- Old toothbrush
- Warm water
Steps
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- Spray a small amount of WD-40 onto the stain.
- Let it sit for about 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle baking soda on the area.
- Scrub with a toothbrush until it forms a paste.
- Rinse with warm water.
- Apply dish soap and wash as usual.
Use this method only on durable fabrics—avoid it for silk, satin, or delicate blends.
Method 5: Shampoo (Especially for Body Oil)
Shampoo is designed to cut through oils in hair, making it ideal for tackling body oil stains on clothing like collars and underarms.
Materials Needed
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- A clarifying or degreasing shampoo
- Warm water
- Soft brush
Steps
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- Wet the stained area with warm water.
- Apply a small amount of shampoo to the oil stain.
- Gently scrub with your fingers or a soft brush.
- Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
- Rinse and wash normally.
This works particularly well for sweat and oil stains on white dress shirts or light cottons.
Method 6: Chalk (On-the-Go Fix)
Chalk works in a similar way to baby powder—it absorbs oil from the surface of the fabric and is perfect for quick fixes when you’re out and about.
Materials Needed
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- White chalk (not colored)
- A dry brush or cloth
Steps
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- Rub chalk directly onto the fresh oil stain.
- Let it absorb the oil for at least 15 minutes.
- Brush off any chalk residue.
- Wash at home as soon as possible.
Chalk won’t fully remove stains, but it helps prevent them from setting until you can treat them more thoroughly.
Method 7: Commercial Degreasers or Stain Removers
If DIY solutions don’t work, try a commercial stain remover formulated for grease and oil.
Recommended Products
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- Zout Laundry Stain Remover
- Shout Advanced Grease-Busting Foam
- OxiClean MaxForce Spray
- Pine-Sol (for durable clothes like workwear)
Steps
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- Apply the product directly to the stain.
- Let it sit according to label instructions.
- Launder as directed.
Always test commercial products on a hidden part of the garment first, especially if the fabric is delicate or brightly colored.
Tips for Success with Oil Stain Removal
To get the best results, follow these universal tips for treating oil stains on clothes:
- Act quickly: The sooner you treat the stain, the easier it is to remove.
- Blot, don’t rub: Rubbing can push the oil deeper into fabric.
- Use warm (not hot) water: Hot water can cause stains to set.
- Air dry first: Don’t put clothes in the dryer until you’re sure the stain is gone.
- Repeat if needed: Sometimes, it takes two or more treatments to fully remove stubborn oil.
Can You Remove Old or Set-In Oil Stains?
Yes! While old oil stains are harder to remove, they can still be treated using WD-40, dish soap, and baking soda, or a commercial degreaser. The key is to re-activate the oil (with WD-40, for example), break it down, and then lift it out of the fibers using a grease-cutting agent.
Best Fabrics for Each Method
Different fabrics respond better to different oil-removal techniques. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Cotton: Dish soap, baking soda, shampoo
- Denim: WD-40, commercial degreaser
- Polyester: Dish soap, chalk, degreasing shampoo
- Silk: Baby powder, cornstarch, professional dry cleaner
- Linen: Baking soda, aloe vera gel
Always check care labels before applying any treatment, especially with delicate materials.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Oil Ruin Your Clothes
Oil stains may seem like a disaster, but with the right approach, they’re totally manageable. From household items like dish soap and baby powder to commercial products designed for heavy-duty cleaning, you now have a full toolkit for tackling any oily mishap.
Choose the method that works best for your fabric and the type of oil, act quickly, and don’t be afraid to repeat the process if needed. With these 7 different ways to get oil out of clothes, your wardrobe will stay clean, fresh, and stain-free.