How to Get Car Oil Out of Clothes Without Damaging the Fabric
How to Get Car Oil Out of Clothes Without Damaging the Fabric
You were changing your oil or working on your car and got motor oil on your jeans. The dark, greasy stain is spreading and you’re worried it’s permanent. Car oil (motor oil) is a heavy petroleum-based oil that bonds strongly with fabric fibers. It’s harder to remove than cooking oil, but it can be done with the right products. The key is using a surfactant that can break down petroleum-based oil. Here’s how to get car oil out of clothes.
Car oil on clothes is a stain caused by petroleum-based motor oil that bonds with fabric fibers. Car oil is heavier and harder to remove than cooking oil. Removing car oil requires a surfactant (dish soap) that breaks down petroleum-based oil, followed by washing with an enzyme detergent. For stubborn stains, use a grease-cutting stain remover or rubbing alcohol.
To get car oil out of clothes, blot excess oil, apply dish soap directly to the stain, work it in, let it sit for 15 minutes, sprinkle baking soda to absorb oil, rinse with warm water from the back, then wash in warm water with enzyme detergent. For stubborn stains, use Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam. Check before drying.
For Fresh Car Oil Stains
Step 1: Blot Excess Oil
Use a paper towel to blot excess oil from the surface. Don’t rub, as rubbing spreads the oil.
Step 2: Apply Dish Soap
Apply Dawn Ultra Dish Soap directly to the stain. Dawn is formulated to break down petroleum-based oils.
Step 3: Work It In Gently
Press the dish soap into the stain with your fingers. Don’t rub.
Step 4: Sprinkle Baking Soda
Sprinkle Arm and Hammer Baking Soda on top of the dish soap. The baking soda absorbs the oil as the dish soap breaks it down.
Step 5: Let It Sit for 15 Minutes
Step 6: Brush Off Baking Soda
Brush off the baking soda and absorbed oil.
Step 7: Rinse with Warm Water from the Back
Hold the stained area under warm running water from the back of the fabric.
Step 8: Wash in Warm Water
Wash with Tide Free and Gentle in warm water. Check before drying.
For Set-In Car Oil Stains
Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam
Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam is formulated specifically for set-in motor oil and grease.
Step 1: Spray the stain. Spray until saturated.
Step 2: Let it sit for 30 minutes. For set-in car oil, longer is better.
Step 3: Wash in warm water. Wash with enzyme detergent in warm water.
Rubbing Alcohol
Step 1: Apply rubbing alcohol. Soak a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol. Dab onto the stain.
Step 2: Let it sit for 10 minutes. The alcohol dissolves the petroleum oil.
Step 3: Blot. Blot with a clean cloth.
Step 4: Apply dish soap and wash.
OxiClean Max Force Spray
OxiClean Max Force Spray contains enzymes that break down oil.
Step 1: Spray the stain.
Step 2: Let it sit for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Wash in warm water. Not safe on silk or wool.
Car Oil on Different Fabrics
| Fabric | Best Treatment | What to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton (jeans, work shirts) | Dish soap + baking soda, Shout | Hot water before treatment |
| Polyester | Dish soap, Shout | Acetone |
| Denim | Dish soap + baking soda, OxiClean | Hot water |
| Canvas | Dish soap, Shout | Hot water |
| Silk | Professional cleaning | All home treatments |
| Wool | Professional cleaning | All home treatments |
What Not to Do
Don’t use hot water before treating. Hot water can cook the oil deeper into the fabric. Use warm water after treating.
Don’t rub. Rubbing spreads the oil. Press gently.
Don’t put the garment in the dryer. Dryer heat sets oil permanently. Always air dry and check first.
Don’t use fabric softener. It coats fibers and traps oil.
Don’t wash with other clothes. Car oil can transfer to other garments.
Don’t use acetone on synthetics. Acetone dissolves some synthetic fibers.
Don’t give up after one treatment. Car oil may need 2 to 3 treatments to fully remove.
Don’t use gasoline or paint thinner. These are dangerous and can damage the fabric and your health.
FAQ
How do you get car oil out of clothes? Blot excess oil, apply Dawn dish soap directly to the stain, work it in, sprinkle baking soda, let it sit for 15 minutes, brush off, rinse with warm water from the back, then wash in warm water with enzyme detergent. For stubborn stains, use Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam.
Does dish soap remove car oil from clothes? Yes. Dawn dish soap contains surfactants that break down petroleum-based oils. Apply it full strength to the stain, work it in, let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse and wash.
How do you remove set-in car oil stains from clothes? Apply Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam, let it sit for 30 minutes, then wash in warm water with enzyme detergent. If the stain remains, apply rubbing alcohol, let it sit for 10 minutes, blot, apply dish soap, and wash again.
Can you put car oil-stained clothes in the dryer? Don’t put car oil-stained clothes in the dryer until the stain is completely gone. Dryer heat sets oil permanently. Always air dry and check first.
Does baking soda help remove car oil from clothes? Yes. Sprinkle baking soda on the wet car oil stain to absorb the oil. Let it sit for 15 minutes, brush off, then apply dish soap and wash.
References
- Tide. “How to Remove Motor Oil from Clothes.” tide.com.
- The Spruce. “How to Get Car Oil Out of Clothes.” thespruce.com.
- Good Housekeeping. “Oil Stain Removal Guide.” goodhousekeeping.com.
- Shout. “Grease Stain Removal Guide.” shoutitout.com.
