How to get car oil out of clothes: equipment and instructions

If you repair cars for a living or as a hobby, the odd oil or grease stain is an inevitability. These stains aren’t the easiest to remove as oils are hydrophobic, meaning that they don’t break down with water. If this is you, don’t stress; we’re here to help with our handy guide on how to get car and bike oil out of clothes.

Does engine oil stain clothes?

Yes, motor oil will stain clothing. These oil stains can spread easily and can be very difficult to remove once they are set in your clothes. It’s best to act quickly when dealing with motor oil stains, as they are easier to remove before they dry completely into the fabric.

The engine oil used for petrol and diesel cars gets darker and darker the longer it is left and may eventually set permanently. Thankfully, there are a few simple methods that only require regular household cleaning products.

The best way to get motor oil out of clothes

Household remedies such as using cornstarch, aloe vera, baking soda, WD-40, shampoo, or nail polish remover can be surprisingly effective at removing engine oil stains from clothing.

The first, and perhaps easiest, method is to buy a motor oil stain remover for clothing that is specifically designed to remove grease stains. However, not everyone has a special stain remover to hand when they need it. That’s why it’s helpful to know which household products you can easily use to remove stains.

What removes engine oil from clothes: washing up liquid

Washing up liquid is specially formulated to cut through grease. This makes it an excellent choice for tackling stubborn engine oil stains and is a simple and effective household remedy.

To clean engine oil stains from clothes, you’ll need a few items. These items will help you remove the stain and clean your garment.

Equipment:

• Washing up liquid
• A soft, clean cloth
• A soft-bristled toothbrush
• A piece of cardboard or an old tea towel

Here’s a step-by-step guide to effectively remove oil stains from your clothes. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure the best results and prevent the stain from setting. Start by laying your garment on a flat surface and proceed with the outlined steps to tackle the stain thoroughly.

1. Place cardboard or a tea towel behind the stain.
2. Gently dab the stain with a clean, dry cloth to remove any excess oil.
3. Apply the washing-up liquid directly to the stain so that it is covered.
4. Lightly moisten the toothbrush with warm water and gently work the detergent into the stain.
5. Leave to soak for about 5 minutes.
6. Once it’s soaked, rinse the stained area with warm water.
7. Place in the washing machine and wash as normal with a detergent, following the instructions on the care label.
8. Leave the garment to air dry and keep an eye on it to see if the stain reappears. Avoid tumble drying as this can set the stain.
9. If the stain is still there, repeat the process.

How to remove engine oil from clothes: cornstarch or aloe vera

To remove engine oil from clothes, you can use either cornstarch or aloe vera. If using cornstarch, sprinkle it on the stain, let it sit for 15 minutes, then brush it off and wash the garment as usual. If you prefer aloe vera, soak the stained area in hot water, apply the gel in a circular motion, then wash the garment and air dry it.

How to remove old motor oil stains from clothes: laundry detergent or shampoo

Laundry detergent is the better choice for removing motor oil stains from clothing due to its special formulation and greater effectiveness in tackling stubborn stains. Shampoo can be a useful alternative if you don’t have detergent to hand, but it is not as strong and may require additional treatment.

Using laundry detergent to remove motor oil stains from clothes involves a few simple steps to ensure the stain is effectively treated.

Equipment:

• A laundry detergent with stain-removal properties
• A soft, clean cloth

Here are simple instructions for using detergent to remove stains. Remember to check the washing instructions for your garment first to make sure you don’t damage it.

1. Blot up excess oil with a clean cloth
2. Rinse under warm running water
3. Use the detergent as a pre-treatment by applying it directly to the oil stain.
4. Rub into the stain with the dispenser ball or cap
5. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes
6. Rinse under warm running water
7. Place the garment in the washing machine and wash it according to the care label.
8. Hang to dry and check from time to time to ensure the pre-treatment has been effective.

How to remove set-in motor oil stains from clothes: baking soda or nail polish remover

Dealing with set-in motor oil stains on clothing can be frustrating, but there are effective solutions. Baking soda and nail polish remover are two household items that can help tackle these stubborn stains.

Equipment:

• Cardboard/an old tea towel
• Baking soda or acetone-based nail polish remover
• A soft, clean cloth
• Dish soap
• A brush or dull scraping tool

Here are step-by-step instructions for each method.
Baking soda:

1. Removing oil stains with baking soda
2. Dab the stain: Use a paper towel to blot excess oil from the fabric.
3. Apply baking soda: Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda directly onto the stain.
4. Let it sit: Leave the baking soda on the stain for at least 30 minutes to absorb the oil.
5. Brush Off: Gently brush off the baking soda with a soft brush or cloth.
6. Pre-treat with dish soap: Apply liquid dish soap to the stain and rub gently.
7. Rinse: Rinse the garment in warm water.
8. Wash: Wash the garment in the hottest water safe for the fabric.
9. Air dry: Check the stain before drying and repeat if necessary. Air-dry to avoid setting any remaining stains.

Nail polish remover:

Blot excess oil: Use a paper towel to remove as much oil as possible from the stained area.
Test nail polish remover: Apply a small amount of nail polish remover to a hidden part of the fabric to ensure it won’t damage or discolour the material.
Apply: Dab the nail polish remover onto the stain using a cotton ball or cloth.
Let it sit: Allow the remover to sit on the stain for a few minutes.
Blot: Use a clean cloth to blot the area and lift the oil stain.
Pre-treat: Apply liquid dish soap to the stain and gently rub it in.
Rinse: Rinse the garment with warm water to remove the soap and remaining stain.
Wash: Wash the clothing item in the hottest water safe for the fabric.
Air dry: Check the stain before drying. If some staining remains, repeat the process. Air dry to avoid setting any remaining stain.

How to get black motor oil out of clothes

To remove black motor oil from clothing, start by spraying the WD-40 directly onto the stain, making sure it is thoroughly covered. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes to penetrate the fabric. Next, apply liquid dish soap to the stain and rub gently. Rinse the garment in warm water, then wash in the hottest water safe for the fabric using your normal detergent. Check the stain before drying and repeat if needed.

How to get motor oil out of clothes after it has dried

To remove dried oil from clothing:

Pre-treat: Apply dish soap or liquid detergent to the stain and rub gently. Leave to soak for 15 minutes.
Rinse: Rinse with hot water.
Absorb: Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on the damp stain, leave for 30 minutes, then brush off.
Soak: Soak in a solution of one part white vinegar to two parts warm water for 30 minutes.
Wash: Wash in the hottest water safe for the fabric with a heavy-duty detergent and one cup of white vinegar.
Air dry: Inspect the stain before drying. Repeat if necessary and do not dry until the stain is gone.

How to get motor oil out of white clothes

The procedure for removing oil stains from white clothing is generally the same as for coloured clothing. You can sometimes use a bleach solution on white clothing if the fabric is bleach-safe.

1. Apply cornstarch: Pour cornstarch onto the oil stain.
2. Leave to soak: Leave for 15 minutes to an hour.
3. Brush off: Remove the cornstarch with a toothbrush, damp sponge or cloth.
4. Wash: Machine wash on a cold setting.
5. Drying: Follow garment label instructions for drying.