How to Remove Food Oil Stains

Table of Contents:

Removing the Stain
Additional Tips and Advice
Sources

There are many recipes that involve cooking the food in oil, which can easily lead to an oil stain on your clothes. Thankfully, oil stains are fairly easy to remove. Follow the steps below, trying each cleaning solution listed until the stains are removed.

Removing the Stain

You Will Need:

Paper towels
An absorbent powder
Dish liquid
Lighter fluid
WD-40

Steps to Remove the Stain:

Blot the stain with a paper towel to remove as much excess oil as possible.
Cover the spot with an absorbent powder, such as baking soda, baby powder, or cornstarch. Leave the powder on the stain for 5 to 10 minutes, then brush it off.
If the stain is not completely removed by the powder, use dish liquid. Dab some dish liquid onto the stain, rub it into the fibers, then rinse the area. Repeat the process until the oil stain is completely removed.¹
Lighter fluid works well on oil stains even after they have gone through a wash already. Blot the lighter fluid on the stain, then rewash the garment.²
If the stain is stubborn, spray it with WD-40. This will help to freshen the stain. Leave the WD-40 on the stain for about 10 minutes, then rub some dish liquid into the stain and wash the shirt as usual.³

Additional Tips and Advice

Ventilate the area well if using lighter fluid or WD-40.
If using lighter fluid or WD-40 to remove a stain, it is best to let the clothing air dry after at least the first wash.¹