How to Clean Grease & Oil From Auto Paint

Clean grease and oil from your car's exterior.

Grease and oil mar a car's exterior, leaving streaks and residue when you attempt to wipe them away, but these stains can be easily cleaned with liquid detergent. Both liquid laundry detergent and liquid dish-washing soap have grease-cutting agents that release these stains from your car's paint without damaging the finish.

Things You'll Need

• Paper towel
• Water hose
• Liquid detergent
• Sponge or car-wash mitt

Instructions

1. Wipe away as much of the grease and oil stain as possible with a dry paper towel.

2. Pre-rinse the exterior with a water hose. Use plenty of water to thoroughly soak the car.

3. Wash the car with a soap-soaked sponge or car-wash mitt beginning with the roof and slowly working your way down. Any liquid detergent will work, including dish-washing liquids and laundry detergents. Work in small areas, rinsing each area before proceeding.

4. Scrub the stained areas, then rinse and repeat as necessary to completely remove the grease and oil.

Tips & Warnings

• Wash your car in the shade. Hot exterior surfaces are more difficult to clean.

References

• Car Talk: Car Cleaning Tips from a Pro
• Butlers Guild: Stain Removal
• Auto Education: Paint Cleaning