How to Remove Oil Stains from Clothes

Moaz asked, “How to remove oil stain from cotton?”

Here are two methods for removing fresh oil stains. Choose the one you like best depending on the time and materials you have available.

1. Cover the stain with an absorbent powder like baking soda, corn starch, flour or kitty litter. Just pour a little mound of powder over the stain, then leave it for an hour. The powder will draw the oil out of the fabric. After an hour, simply brush off the powder, and repeat the process if needed.
2. Another option is to rub a grease-fighting dish liquid into the stain, then rinse the area with warm water. It is best to use a clear dish liquid to avoid the possibility of a dye stain.

1. Ventilate the area well, then spray the stain with WD-40. Allow the WD-40 to soak for about ten minutes. The WD-40 will freshen the stain, making it easier to remove. Then, rub liquid dish soap into the oil stain and wash the garment as usual. Let the garment air dry to prevent a fire in case any WD-40 residue remains. The item can be washed and dried normally after this.
2. Another option is to use a spot remover, such as Carbona Stain Devils. Lay the front of the stain on a cloth or stack of several paper towels. Apply the spot remover to the back of the stain and blot the back of the stain to push the oil out the front side of the fabric.
3. No spot remover? Use acetone nail polish remover instead. Test it first on a small hidden area, such as an inner seam. If safe, place the front of the stain on a towel or folded paper towel, then apply the nail polish remover to the back of the stain, and blot the back of the stain.
4. If the stain is stubborn, it can likely be removed by dabbing with eucalyptus oil. Dab the eucalyptus oil onto the stain, then launder as usual.

• One of the easiest ways to remove an oil stain from cotton clothing is to use a dry cleaning solvent. You can usually get a dry cleaning kit in the laundry aisle at a supermarket. Follow the instructions on the package of your selected solvent, or take the garment to a professional dry cleaner for treatment.
• It is better to use warm or hot water when cleaning an oil stain.

1. Green Housekeeping by Ellen Sandbeck
2. The Queen of Clean’s Complete Cleaning Guide by Linda Cobb
3. Clean It Fast, Clean It Right by Jeff Bredenberg
4. Haley’s Hints by Graham & Rosemary Haley