How to Get Oil Stains Out (Step by Step)

Step 1

The first thing you should do when you’re working with an oil stain is to place a piece of cardboard directly behind the stained area. The cardboard will absorb any oil that attempts to soak through leave grease stains on other areas of your clothes. Once the cardboard layer is in place, blot the oily area with a clean cloth or paper towel to remove any excess oil or grease. Blotting away the excess oil is an easy way to increase your chances of removing the stain completely.

Step 2

Next, apply the stain remover products one at a time, starting with the hydrogen peroxide. Gently pour enough hydrogen peroxide onto the stain to saturate it completely.

Step 3

Add a few drops of dish soap next—two to three drops should be plenty for a small stain!

Step 4

Finally, sprinkle baking soda over the top of the hydrogen peroxide and dish soap.

Step 5

Grab your toothbrush or scrub brush and give the stain a good scrub. The baking soda, dish soap, and peroxide should form a paste-like mixture. (If the mixture is too wet or too dry, add a bit more baking soda or hydrogen peroxide respectively.) When you’re finished scrubbing the stain, let the item sit for 30 minutes to an hour to give the ingredients time to dissolve and draw the oil stain out of the fabric.

Step 6

Once the wait time is up, toss the item in your washing machine with your usual powder or liquid detergent and select a cold (not hot) water setting. (Hot water could set the stain, so make sure to avoid it!) If the oil still isn’t completely gone after it comes out of the wash, re-apply hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, and baking soda, scrub with toothbrush, and wash again to remove the rest of the stain.