Cleaning Center

How to Remove Oil Stains From Clothes

How to Remove Oil Stains From Clothes

Discover the ultimate solution to your laundry woes with our guide on how to remove oil stains from clothes!

From cooking oil splatters to unexpected encounters with oily substances, oil stains have a way of finding their way onto our cherished garments. But worry not, as we've got your back! We’re here to show you how to remove oil stains from clothes. Read on and follow our guide to bid those oily woes farewell and restore your clothes to their pristine condition! Oil stain on clothes, who?

What Causes Oil Stains?

Oils, whether they're from cooking, automotive fluids, or personal care products, are composed of molecules known as hydrocarbons. These hydrocarbons possess a unique chemical property: hydrophobicity, meaning they repel water. Oil stains happen when these hydrophobic molecules find their way onto our clothes. The structure of oil molecules allows them to cling to fabric fibers, making it difficult for water-based detergents to break them down easily.

If water doesn’t work, than how do you remove oil stains on clothes? The key is to use an enzyme-based cleaner, which will break down the oil that makes up the stain. Follow our guide to how to get oil out of clothes to restore your clothes to their former glory!

How to Remove Oil Stains from Clothes

What you’ll need: Ultra Concentrated Stain & Odor Laundry Laundry DetergentStain & Odor Laundry PodsOxi Booster Pods

Step 1: Remove Excess

It’s time to learn how to take out oil stain from clothes! First, remove any excess oil. Use a Swedish Dish Cloth or kitchen rag to gently blot any excess oil away from the fabric.

rag removing oil stain

Step 2: Treat Stain

Dampen stain and add one pump of Ultra Concentrated Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent. Allow it to sit for a few minutes, then rinse the stain in cool water, massaging it between your fingers until it begins to lift. The enzymes in the detergent should break down the proteins and oils that make up the stain. Repeat as needed.

Step 3: Wash

Now that the stain has been removed, wash the item in the hottest water permitted by the care label. We recommend using a Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent Pod for extra stain fighting. If any slight staining remains, you can also add an additional Oxi Booster Pod to the wash.

loading clothes into washing machine

Step 4: Dry

Let your garment dry! Be sure that the stain is completely removed before putting the item in the dryer, as the dryer’s high heat can cause stains to set permanently. We recommend leaving your garment out to air dry, preferably in the sunshine for extra bleaching power. After following all of these steps, your clothes should be as good as new!

Frequently Asked Questions

Have more questions about how to remove oil stains from clothes? We’re here to help.

Are Oil Stains Permanent on Clothes? Can Oil Stains Be Removed?

Oil can permanently stain your clothes if the stain is not treated quickly or properly. Be sure to treat your stain with an enzyme-based cleaner as soon as possible in order to fully get oil out of clothes.

How Do You Get An Oil Stain Out of Fabric?

Removing oil stains from clothes is simple with our secret ingredient: enzymes! When it comes to how to get oil out of fabric, apply an enzyme based cleaner, like our Ultra Concentrated Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent, directly to the stain and allow it to sit. The enzymes should break down the oils in the stain and allow it to be lifted and washed away. You may need to repeat this process several times depending on the severity of the stain and how long it has been left to sit.