Here’s how to get oil stains out of clothes:
- 1. Blot Away Any Excess Oil
- 2. Pre-Treat the Stain with Dish Soap
- 3. Sprinkle Baking Soda On the Oil Stain
- 4. Rinse with Lukewarm Water
- 5. Machine Wash with a Laundry Pod
- 6. Hang Dry
Oil stains are the arch nemesis of any outfit. Whether it’s from a messy slice of pizza, a splash of olive oil, or that time you decided frying chicken in a nice shirt was a good idea, grease has a way of clinging to your clothes like it’s trying to start a long-term relationship.
Oil stains are stubborn because the molecules seep into the fibers of your garments. And since oil and water don’t mix, your usual laundry routine probably won’t get the job done.
Luckily, we’ve got a science-backed strategy to evict that oil stain from your favorite shirt. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Paper towels
- A piece of cardboard
- Liquid dish soap
- A dull knife
- Baking soda
- Laundry pods
Pro tip: Always check the care label on your clothes before trying any stain removal techniques. Delicate fabrics tend to be more sensitive than sturdy stuff like cotton.
1. Blot Away Any Excess Oil
As soon as you can, grab a paper towel or a clean cloth and gently blot the oil stain. The key word here is blot. Don’t go rubbing it in like you’re trying to wax a car—that’ll just spread the mess and push the oil deeper into the fabric. The goal here is to soak up as much excess oil as possible before it becomes a permanent part of your wardrobe. Think of this as damage control before the real work begins.
Pro tip: Place a piece of cardboard between layers of your garment so you don’t transfer any oil to other parts of the fabric.
2. Pre-Treat the Stain with Dish Soap
Dish soap isn’t just for your dirty dishes; it’s basically kryptonite for oil stains. Apply a small amount directly to the affected area and work it in gently with your fingers or a soft brush. Dish soap contains special enzymes that cut through grease on clothes, just like they can on a greasy plate. After you work the dish soap into the fabric, let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to break down the oil before moving on.
3. Sprinkle Baking Soda On the Oil Stain
Next, grab some baking soda. This little miracle powder is great at absorbing the leftover oil that’s clinging to your clothes. Sprinkle it generously over the stain until it’s completely covered, then let it sit for at least 15 minutes, though 30 is even better if you have the patience.
Think of this as the calm before the storm—you’re letting the baking soda do some heavy lifting before the real work begins. Once it’s had enough time to soak up the oil, gently brush off the excess powder with a dull knife.
4. Rinse with Lukewarm Water
Once the baking soda has done its thing, rinse the area with lukewarm water. Not cold, not hot—lukewarm is the sweet spot for helping loosen up the oil without shocking your fabric. Cold water might not be strong enough to break down the grease, and hot water can risk setting the stain.
Give it a gentle rinse to remove the dish soap and baking soda residue before moving on to the washing machine. If the oil stain is still visible, repeat the process.
5. Machine Wash with a Laundry Pod
Once the oil stain is all but gone, it’s time to toss it in the washing machine with an enzyme-based laundry pod to dissolve any leftover residue from your pre-treating process. As far as water temperature goes, use the warmest setting your fabric can handle. Just make sure you check the care label so you don’t accidentally shrink or damage anything.
Pro tip: If you want your clothes to come out of the washer smelling as incredible as they look, wash them with Laundry Sauce: the world’s best-smelling detergent. On top of fighting tough stains, these pods infuse your fabrics with luxurious fragrances like Australian Sandalwood, Siberian Pine, and French Saffron.
6. Hang Dry
Even if you’re in a hurry, resist the urge to toss your clothes in the dryer. Heat can lock in stains, and after all this effort, that’s the last thing you want. Hang dry your clothes instead, because this gives you the chance to double-check that the stain’s actually gone.
If it’s still hanging around, at least you didn’t bake it into the fabric forever, and you can repeat the process without feeling like all hope is lost.
Common Questions About Removing Oil Stains
Our laundry experts are here to answer your questions about oil stains on clothes:
Why Are Oil Stains So Hard to Remove?
Oil stains are tough to remove because oil doesn’t mix with water, making it resistant to standard laundry techniques. Instead of sitting on top of the fabric, oil seeps in and clings to the fibers, creating a greasy mess that requires extra effort to break down.
Are Oil Stains Permanent?
Oil stains aren’t necessarily permanent, but they can become harder to remove if left untreated. The longer the oil sits in the fabric, the more time it has to set, which is why acting quickly gives you a better chance at saving your clothes.
Can Old Oil Stains Be Removed?
Yes, old oil stains can often be removed, but it may take more time and elbow grease (pun intended). Using methods like applying dish soap and baking soda can help break down the stain, even if it’s been sitting for a while.
Does Hairspray Get Oil Out of Clothes?
Hairspray can help in a pinch, as the alcohol content can break down oil. However, it’s not the most effective method and might leave behind its own residue, so it’s better as a quick fix until you can use proper stain removers.
Is Hot Or Cold Water Better for Oil Stains?
Lukewarm or hot water is generally better for oil stains because it helps dissolve the oil more effectively. Cold water isn’t strong enough to break down the grease, while hot water can speed up the process without setting the stain if used correctly. Just make sure your fabric can tolerate whatever temperature you wash with.
Say Goodbye to Oil Stains with a Little Help from Laundry Sauce
We won’t sugarcoat it: oil stains suck. But with the right approach and a little bit of Laundry Sauce, you’ll be stain-free and smelling incredible in no time. These premium laundry pods tackle tough stains and infuse your clothes with luxurious fragrances that put “Spring Breeze” to shame.
