How to Remove Old Oil Stains from Clothes in Simple Steps - Fast and Easy

Here's how to remove old oil stains from clothes. I’ll walk you through the best methods step by step.
Things you need...
Dull knife or credit card (for scraping)
Baking soda, cornstarch, or baby powder
Soft-bristled brush (old toothbrush)
Commercial degreaser (like Lestoil or Simple Green)
Grease-cutting dish soap (like Dawn)
White vinegar (optional)
Baking soda (optional)
Warm water
Washing machine and laundry detergent
Clothesline or drying rack for air-drying

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Now that you have all your tools and materials ready, let's get into it…
Step 1: Scrape Off Dried Oil
If the oil stain is old, there’s likely some dried oil on the surface of the fabric. The first thing you want to do is gently scrape off any hardened oil. You can use a dull knife or the edge of a credit card for this. Be careful not to damage the fabric—your goal is just to remove any crusted oil sitting on top.

Step 2: Apply Absorbent Powder
Now, even though the stain is old, there may still be residual oil trapped in the fibers. To tackle this, apply a generous amount of baking soda, cornstarch, or baby powder to the stain. These powders are great for absorbing oil, even if the stain has had time to set in.
How to do it: Completely cover the stain with your powder of choice and let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour. If the stain is particularly tough, you can leave it on overnight for better absorption.

Step 3: Brush Off the Powder
After the powder has had time to absorb the oil, take a soft-bristled brush (an old toothbrush works perfectly) and gently brush the powder off. It’s normal if the stain is still visible, but this step helps prepare the fabric for deeper cleaning.

Step 4: Apply a Degreaser
Now it’s time to bring in the big guns. For old stains, you’ll need something stronger than just dish soap. Grab a commercial degreaser like Lestoil or Simple Green. These products are specifically designed to break down stubborn grease and oil, which is exactly what we need here.
How to do it: Apply the degreaser directly onto the stain, making sure to fully cover the affected area. Rub it in gently with your fingers or a soft brush. Let the degreaser sit for 15-30 minutes—this gives it time to really penetrate the fabric and loosen up the oil.

Step 5: Follow Up with Dish Soap
Once the degreaser has had time to work, you’ll want to follow up with a grease-cutting dish soap like Dawn. Dish soap is excellent for breaking down oil, and when used after a degreaser, it’s even more effective.
How to do it: Apply a small amount of dish soap directly onto the stain and gently rub it in with your fingers or brush. Let it sit for another 10-15 minutes.

Step 6: Scrub the Stain Gently
At this point, you can use your soft-bristled brush to scrub the stain gently. Don’t go too hard—just enough to work the soap and degreaser deeper into the fabric. The goal is to loosen as much of the remaining oil as possible without damaging the material.

Step 7: Rinse with Warm Water
Once you’ve scrubbed the stain, rinse the fabric with warm water (avoid hot water, as it can set the stain if it hasn’t been fully removed). This will wash away the oil, degreaser, and soap.

Step 8: Repeat if Necessary
Check the stain after rinsing. If it’s still visible, don’t worry—it’s common for old oil stains to need a couple of rounds of treatment. Repeat steps 4-7: reapply the degreaser, then the dish soap, scrub, and rinse. Be patient—old stains can be stubborn but are usually removable with persistence.

Step 9: Optional: Soak in Vinegar and Baking Soda
For especially tough stains, you can create a soak using white vinegar and baking soda. This can help further lift the stain and neutralize any lingering odors.
How to do it: Fill a basin with warm water, add 1 cup of white vinegar, and stir in 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda. Submerge the garment and let it soak for 30 minutes to an hour. Afterward, rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Step 10: Wash and Air Dry
Once the stain looks mostly gone, wash the garment in the warmest water recommended on the care label. Be sure to use your regular detergent. And here’s a crucial step: air-dry the item instead of putting it in the dryer. The heat from the dryer can set any lingering stains, so it’s better to air-dry and check the stain once the garment is dry.

Common Mistakes to Avoid
Let’s go over a few common pitfalls when dealing with old oil stains:
Using hot water too soon: Always stick to warm water at first. Hot water can lock the stain in.
Skipping the degreaser: Regular dish soap isn’t strong enough for old stains—use a degreaser for the best results.
Putting the item in the dryer before the stain is fully gone: Heat from the dryer will make any remaining stain almost impossible to remove, so always air-dry first.

[getridofit]

Things you need...
Dull knife or credit card (for scraping)
Baking soda, cornstarch, or baby powder
Soft-bristled brush (old toothbrush)
Commercial degreaser (like Lestoil or Simple Green)
Grease-cutting dish soap (like Dawn)
White vinegar (optional)
Baking soda (optional)
Warm water
Washing machine and laundry detergent
Clothesline or drying rack for air-drying

This channel contains affiliate links which means we might get a commission if you make a purchase, without any additional cost to you.