How to Remove Old Oil Stains from Clothes

Removing stubborn oil stains from laundry is easy with the right supplies and technique. Here's a quick, effective way to get rid of stubborn stains.

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Last week, as I was folding a pile of dark-colored clothes my kids brought home from college, I noticed a few small, dark spots on my daughter's favorite black t-shirt. And I immediately knew exactly what I was dealing with-oil stains. Ugh!

I couldn't help but wonder where they came from. Was it a food spill? Maybe the washing machine was overloaded, or I added a little too much laundry detergent.

Oil stains can be sneaky and easy to overlook!

The good news? They're actually pretty easy to treat with items you probably already have in your kitchen or laundry room.

A collection of natural laundry supplies on a clean surface: a bottle of Seventh Generation dish detergent, Biokleen laundry detergent, a small wooden laundry brush with stiff bristles, and a soft-bristled toothbrush for delicate fabrics

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My favorite supplies

With these tools, removing old oil stains becomes quick and easy! You can use any dish detergent or laundry detergent you already have on hand for this cleaning tutorial.

Liquid dish detergent (the kind used for handwashing dishes) is excellent for removing oil stains because it contains surfactants that break down grease and oil.

My favorite: Seventh Generation Free & Clear Dish Detergent contains no dyes or bleaching agents, making it perfect for treating stains on darks or lights.
Laundry detergent contains surfactants and enzymes that break down tough stains, including oil and grease.

My favorite: Biokleen Free & Clear Laundry Detergent is made with plant-based surfactants plus its fragrance- and dye-free, making it a great option for a natural cleaning routine.
Small laundry brush or soft toothbrush is a game-changer when it comes to tackling stains. It helps work detergent and/or stain removers deep into the fabric's fibers so the cleaning agents can target the stain from every angle. (If a laundry brush isn't available, a soft toothbrush can be used as a substitute.)

My favorite: I love this small laundry brush from The Laundress.
Water is the universal solvent, but you don't need much-just enough to create a lather. Water carries the stain remover into the fabric. (If you're working with a delicate fabric like silk, stick to cool water to avoid shrinking the fibers.) My favorite: My tap!

A collage of six close-up photos showing the stain removal process: applying clear dish soap to a dark t-shirt, rubbing it in, adding liquid laundry detergent, rubbing detergent in with fingertip. gently scrubbing the fabric with a small brush to create a light lather, and letting the garment sit to allow the enzymes to work.

Step-by-Step Directions for Removing Oil Stains

This simple process will help you eliminate grease stains and keep your clothes looking fresh!

Prep the Area: Lay the clothing flat on a surface that won't be damaged by water, or place a plate under the stained area to protect the surface underneath.
Apply Dish Detergent: Put a few drops of dish detergent directly on the grease stain. Gently rub it in using your fingertips to break down the grease.
Apply Laundry Detergent: Next, add a few drops of liquid laundry detergent to the stained area and gently rub it in with your fingertips.
Add Water & Scrub: Dampen the area with a small amount of water (about half a teaspoon), then use a laundry brush or a toothbrush to gently scrub the stain. Work the detergent and water into the fabric. Be cautious with delicate fabrics-don't scrub too hard to avoid damaging the material.
Let It Sit: Allow the detergent “dwell time” to break down the grease stain. I fold the garment over itself so the wet spot doesn’t dry out too fast. (New oil spills that have never been through the washer/dryer should soak for 15-30 minutes; stains that have been through the dryer should soak for 12-24 hours.)
Launder as Usual: Once the stain has soaked, wash the clothing according to the label directions. Note: If you’re washing multiple stain-treated items at once, reduce the amount of detergent to prevent excess suds that may be difficult to rinse away, and add a second rinse cycle.
Air Dry: Let the clothing air dry to ensure the stain is completely gone before putting it in the dryer.

A side-by-side comparison of a navy blue cotton t-shirt. The "Before" side shows several dark, round oil spots near the chest area. The "After" side shows the same fabric completely clean after being treated and washed.

Tip & Notes

How to Remove Old Oil Stains from Clothes: If the stain has already been through the dryer, you may need to repeat the process several times to fully remove it.

How to Prevent Damage When Removing Stains:

Always test a small, inconspicuous area of delicate fabrics before scrubbing.
Scrub all fabrics gently to work the detergent into the stain without weakening the fabric.

How to Remove Fresh Oil Stains: If grease or oil spills on your clothes, blot (don't rub) the stain with a paper towel or cloth to absorb as much excess grease as possible. Then, apply dish detergent directly to the stain and rinse it under warm water before pretreating and washing as directed above.

How to prevent oil stains on laundry

Preventing grease stains on laundry requires a bit of handling know-how and the right products. Try these tips the next time you're facing a grease disaster:

Don't Overuse Fabric Softener Sheets or Scented Additives: They leave a waxy layer on fabrics that make them feel softer/retain fragrance long term. When overused, they can cause oily stains and grease spots in areas where the product accumulates. Use these products sparingly. I avoid them altogether; they're bad for humans and the environment.
Skip the Liquid Fabric Softener: Fabric softener can leave greasy stains and oil spots on laundry. Substitute white vinegar in the rinse, or simply skip the fabric softener.
Check for Stains Before Washing: Inspect laundry for greasy stains before washing, especially if you've been cooking with splattering oil or working on a greasy project. Pretreat stained areas with a small amount of dish soap and laundry detergent before washing and check to see that they have been removed before drying; fresh stains are easier to remove before they go through the dryer.
Avoid Drying Until the Stain is Gone: If a grease stain persists after washing, don't put the item in the dryer. The heat will set the stain, making it harder to remove. Instead, line dry to make sure the stain is gone. If necessary, re-treat the stain using the method outlined above and wash it again.
Pre-treat Stains Immediately: If grease or oil spills on your garment, blot (don't rub) the stain with a paper towel or cloth to soak up excess oil. (Some experts also recommend applying baking soda or cornstarch to absorb grease.) Then, apply dish detergent directly to the stain and rinse it under warm water before washing.
Wash Greasy Items with the Hottest Water Possible: Always check the care label on your clothes first. If the fabric allows, wash the items with warm or hot water. The higher water temperature helps break down grease more effectively, as warm water is better at dissolving oils than cold water.
Avoid Overloading the Washing Machine: Overloading the washer can prevent detergent from circulating properly, which makes it harder to lift grease stains. If you're using fabric softeners or scent boosters, an overloaded washer restricts movement, allowing particles to settle onto clothes. Give laundry enough room to be cleaned thoroughly.

Ready to save your shirt?

Don't let a little olive oil or a salad dressing mishap ruin a perfectly good wardrobe. Most “permanent” stains aren’t actually permanent-they're just stubborn! By using a bit of patience and these green cleaning basics, you can save your clothes and keep them out of the landfill. It's a win for your wallet and the planet.

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