How Do You Get Rid of Oil Stains in Clothes? 6 Easy and Effective Tricks

Have you ever had the experience of spilling oil on your new clothes shortly after you put them on, while you were eating? You wonder how you can clean it without damaging the fabric or leaving oil stains. I’ve gathered some very useful tips for removing oil stains, and I’ve tried it myself with toothpaste, and it works!

Here are 6 easy ways to remove grease stains using things you probably already have in your home.

1. Toothpaste

Yes, regular toothpaste does help remove oil stains. Toothpaste contains mild abrasives that work well to break down grease. Simply apply a small amount of plain white toothpaste (make sure it’s not gel-like) directly to the stain. Let it sit for a few hours, then scrub gently with a brush. After that, rinse with water and continue scrubbing until the stain is gone.

2. Alcohol and Cotton Balls

Alcohol can break down oil stains very well. To use, soak a cotton ball in alcohol and gently rub the stain. It won’t take long for the stain to start disappearing. This method is especially effective if the stain is not too old or deep.

3. Washing Soda (Explosive Salt)

Washing soda is a great option for more stubborn stains. It contains sodium percarbonate, which helps break down organic stains like oil. Simply add it to your laundry and watch the stains begin to fade away without damaging your clothes. It’s safe for both white and colored clothing and I’ve used it without any problems.

4. Hair Dryer

Here’s an amazing method: use a hair dryer! Turn it up to the highest temperature and blow hot air on the grease stain. This will soften the stain and make it easier to scrub out with detergent. After a few minutes, do your laundry as usual and the stain will be gone.

5. Detergent and Warm Water

Dishwashing soap is specifically designed to deal with grease, so it’s perfect for dealing with grease stains on clothes. Simply soak your clothes in warm water with a small amount of detergent for about 15 minutes. Then, gently scrub the stain. The warm water helps loosen the grease, while the soap breaks it down and makes it easy to wash away.

6. Flour

You wouldn’t think it, but flour can also remove grease stains! Simply sprinkle some flour on the stain and let it sit for about 30 minutes. The flour will absorb the oil, after which you can brush it off. Gently scrub the area to remove any remaining flour and the stain should be gone.

My Tip

I recently bought a white dress that I really liked, but after wearing it once, I accidentally spilled oil on it. I didn’t know what to do, so I tried rubbing it with toothpaste. I put pure white toothpaste directly on the oil stain (make sure you use white toothpaste because colored toothpaste can leave marks). I let it sit for a couple of hours and then scrubbed hard. After adding a little water and continuing to rub, the stain faded completely. I threw the shirt in the washing machine and when it came out, there was no trace of the stain at all!