How to Get Motor Oil Off of Clothing

Motor oil stains require pretreatment prior to laundering.

Using the right technique can get motor oil out on your clothes quickly. The key is to treat stains in the shortest time possible. Make sure you do not use hot water initially on motor oil stains; it will set them. Prewash stain removers can be effective in removing oil and grease stains on fabric. In addition, consider wearing old, worn clothes whenever you do automotive work.

Things You'll Need

• Paper towels
• Liquid detergent
• Dry cleaning solvent
• Baby powder
• Stain remover
• Automotive cleaner
• Baking soda
• Lard

Instructions

1. Blot and scrape the stain. Lift excess motor oil by gently blotting it using a paper towel. Do not rub. Rubbing stained areas will only set oil further into clothing. Pretreat the area with a liquid detergent or a dry cleaning solvent and then soak the garment in cold water a few minutes before washing.

2. Use baby powder. Sprinkle baby powder on the stain and let it stand for 20 to 30 minutes. The powder will help absorb the oil. Next, treat the area with stain remover. Lastly, apply a few drops of dish detergent on the stains before machine- or hand-washing in cold water.

3. Try an automotive cleaner designed for grease. Or get a hand cleaner that can remove motor oil and grease off your skin. You can find these products at a car parts shop. Smear the product with baking soda or baby powder using a clean sponge on the stain. Let it sit for two or more hours. After that, soak the clothes in cold water before machine washing.

4. Use lard to soften the stain. Put some lard and dry cleaning solvent on a clean sponge. Apply mixture on the stain and then use cold water to launder it as usual.

Tips & Warnings

• Try wearing old clothes when doing working on a vehicle, you can then throw them away.

• Have the stain treated by a professional dry cleaner when in doubt.

• Hot water may remove old stains, but will actually set new stains in clothes. Avoid using hot water when soaking stains.

References

• Stain-Removal.Infocrux.com; The Basics of Oil Stain Removal; Pooja Chakrabarty