How to Remove Oil or Grease Stains From Fabric

Whether it's a cooking, automotive or lubricating oil mark, the sooner you deal with a greasy stain, the better the outcome. Follow the directions below to minimize the risk of permanent stains.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Laundry Pretreatment
• Paper towels
• Dry-cleaning Solvent
• Talcum Powder
• Cornstarches

1. Apply an absorbent such as talcum powder or cornstarch to the affected area, then brush away. If the stain is heavy or old, proceed to Step 2; if fresh, skip to Step 3.

2. Place stain facedown on paper towels. Blot back of stain with a dry-cleaning solvent. Replace paper towels as they soak up the stain.

3. Spray with laundry pretreatment.

4. Wash in the hottest water that's safe for the garment.

5. Air dry.

[deedle]

on 9/5/2009 I forgot to mention that it was a 100% cotton t-shirt and the stain was not fresh. I had already washed and dried the shirt in the dryer the day before. So the Dawn/Cascade combo worked even after the stain had "set" in.

[deedle]

on 9/5/2009 I read lots of answers to this question on several different websites and one of them said to soak the clothing item in a detergent containing enzymes. I looked around my house and the only detergent that contained enzymes was Cascade. So, first I rubbed a little Dawn dish soap on the spot, which was also recommended, and then soaked my t-shirt in a tub of cold water mixed with Cascade overnight. I don't actually know if it was one or the other or both, but after rinsing my shirt thoroughly with cold water, and letting it hang dry, the grease stain is totally gone!

[ohioartist]

on 6/22/2009 I tried doing the steps provided but the stain is still there. It is on my sofa cushion and it is cooking oil. I caught it when the stain was fresh. Do you have any other ideas?

[vonnieluv]

on 5/12/2009 My son has just become an auto technician and he comes home with his work clothes covered in grease and oil. I can get out most of the stuff, but too much stays behind. Help please what can I do to get it all out?

[anupamsingh25]

on 2/26/2009 Hi,I'm Anupam. My new Woodland shoes had got Engine Oil stain, while getting my bike serviced.I was really very worried and then checked on Google and got to know about this site and the suggestion.Initially, I felt that it wil not work.But, upon reaching home from office, I tried to remove it with Nail Paint remover,but it made it worse and spread the spot to other parts too.Next day, I wasn't sure what I was doing, but I tried spreading Talcum powder over it and just brushed it.To my surprise, it just cleaned that part immediately, leaving no mark.I'm grateful for such a nice suggestion.God bless you.Best regards,Anupam