How to Remove Oily Stains

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By Milenna Russell
eHow Contributing Writer

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Oily stains are some of the most difficult kinds of stains to remove from fabric or carpet. Because these tough stains can ruin a fabric it is important to treat the stain as soon as possible. Motor oil, grease from food and other greasy products can leave a permanent mark on your clothing and carpet. Using the right solution or combination of products will help remove the stain successfully and restore the item to a clean stain-free condition.

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Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Cornstarch or baby powder Solvent-based cleaner/pre-spot laundry treatment (Shout, Spray and Wash, etc) Dawn dish soap Pine Sol Laundry detergent Clean cloth Washing machine

Step 1

Treat an oily stain immediately. If you spill greasy food on your shirt then you should treat the oily stains as soon as possible. Remove the shirt and sprinkle some cornstarch or baby powder on the soiled area to absorb some of the oil. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then shake off the powder.
Step 2

Drop two to three drops of Dawn dish soap or Pine Sol cleaner on the stain and dab with a clean cloth. Carefully rub the solution into the fabric and rinse with warm water.
Step 3

Spray a pre-spot treatment like Shout on the stain before washing.
Step 4

Wash the clothing as usual in warm water or the hottest temperature the fabric will allow.
Step 5

Inspect the clothing to make sure the spot is gone before drying the fabric. If the spot has not disappeared completely then repeat the treatment before drying.

Tips & Warnings

Oily carpet stains can be treated with a dry cleaning solvent, which is available at most retail grocery stores. Moisten a cloth with the solvent or a little bit or rubbing alcohol and blot the stain until it is lifted off the carpet. You may want to let the soiled garment air dry instead of drying it in the dryer in case the stain is not completely gone. The heat from the dryer will set an oily stain in the fabric permanently. Lighter fluid without butane may work on oily stains as well.
Always make sure that the products you are using for stain removal will not damage the fabric or color of the fabric. Wash only colorfast fabrics in hot water, read care instructions before washing the clothing.