Engine oil stains can be a real headache, especially when they appear on your favourite clothes.
I’ve been there, accidentally brushing against a greasy car part and watching the dark stain spread.
Removing engine oil stains from clothes can save your garments from looking shattered.
In this article, I’ll walk you through some simple and easy-to-follow methods that work for both fresh and old stains.
This guide covers detailed solutions to help you save your clothes from stubborn engine oil stains.
How to Get Motor Oil Stains Out of Clothes
This section covers basic steps I’ve used to tackle motor oil stains effectively.
Whether it’s from a quick spill or accidental contact, these simple actions can make a big difference.
- Blot excess oil with paper towels. Don’t rub it’ll spread deeper.
- Apply eucalyptus oil generously to the stained area.
- Gently massage the oil using your fingers or a soft cloth.
- Let it sit for 15–20 minutes.
- Rinse under warm water, then apply liquid detergent directly to the spot.
- Wash in warm water with your regular cycle.
- Air dry. Heat from the dryer can lock in any remaining stain.
Suggested Read: How To Remove Motor Oil From Clothes: 12 Genius Stain Fixes!
How to Get Black Motor Oil Out of Clothes
Black motor oil is thicker and tougher to remove.
Here’s a method I used when helping a friend who stained his work shirt during a car repair.
- Blot the stain with a paper towel or clean rag.
- Pour a small amount of Lestoil directly on the stain.
- Use an old toothbrush to scrub gently in circular motions.
- Let it sit for 15–30 minutes and more for older stains.
- Toss it in the washer with hot water and your regular detergent.
- Check the stain before drying and repeat if needed.
How to Remove Old Motor Oil Stains from Clothes
Old motor oil stains can be stubborn, but patience and the right approach work wonders.
I found this out after accidentally leaving a stained shirt in my closet for weeks.
- Lay the fabric flat and cover the stain with aloe vera gel.
- Let it sit for 20–30 minutes to penetrate the old oil.
- Use a brush or fingernail to gently scrub the gel into the fabric.
- Rinse under warm running water.
- Add liquid laundry detergent and wash in hot water.
- Air dry to check if the stain is gone.
Suggested Read: How To Clean Oil Off Concrete: 10 DIY Solutions For Stains!
How to Get Engine Oil Stains Out of Clothes Fast
Are you panicking before an event or work and wondering how to get engine oil stains out of clothes fast?
Here’s what I used once when I had no stain remover handy.
- Sprinkle a thick layer of salt on the stain.
- Pour fresh lemon juice directly over the salt until it’s saturated.
- Rub the fabric against itself or use your fingers to massage the mix in.
- Leave it in the sun for 20–30 minutes.
- Rinse off and wash immediately in warm water with detergent.
- Air dry to avoid setting the stain.
Suggested Read: How To Remove Stubborn Stains From Clothes: 5 Laundry Hacks!
Oil Stains on Clothes After Washing? What to Do
Sometimes, oil stains appear or reappear on clothes even after washing.
This happened to me, and I learnt a few things.
- Treat the stain by spraying a small amount of carb cleaner.
- Let it sit for just 5–10 minutes, don’t overdo it
- Pour boiling water carefully over the stain from a height to break down any remaining oil.
- Rinse and air dry the garment. Repeat if needed before using the dryer.
Suggested Read: How To Get Butter Stains Out Of Clothes – 22+ Ways Inside!
How to Remove Old Oil Stains from Clothes: Home Remedies
Are you looking for home remedies on how to remove old oil stains from clothes?
Here are some unique methods that have helped me and my friends:
1. Fuller’s Earth Clay
Make a thick paste with water and Fuller’s earth clay.
Apply it generously to the stain and let it dry completely.
Once dry, brush off the powder, which absorbs oil deeply before washing normally.
2. Rubbing Alcohol
Soak a cotton ball or cloth in rubbing alcohol and dab it onto the stained area.
The alcohol breaks down the oil molecules.
Let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
3. Coca-Cola Soak
Soak the stained garment in cola for 30 minutes.
The mild acid and carbonation in cola help lift the oil from the fabric fibres.
After soaking, wash as usual.
4. Salt and Tomato Paste
Mix salt with fresh tomato paste to form a paste.
Apply this to the oil stain and leave it for 20 minutes.
The acidity of tomatoes, combined with the abrasive salt, helps break down grease.
5. WD-40 Spray
Lightly spray WD-40 on stubborn oil stains.
It can loosen old grease, making it easier to wash out.
Follow immediately with a strong detergent wash to remove WD-40 residue.
6. Oily Hair Shampoo
Use a shampoo formulated for oily hair.
Rub it directly into the oil stain to break down grease effectively before washing.
7. Baking Powder and Vinegar
Sprinkle baking powder on the stain, then pour white vinegar over it.
The bubbling action helps lift oil from clothes.
Let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing and washing.
8. Chalk Powder
Rub chalk powder onto the stain.
Let it sit for a few hours or overnight.
Brush off the chalk before washing to absorb oil deep in the fibres.
9. Lighter Fluid
Use this cautiously on sturdy fabrics by applying a small amount to the stain.
It dissolves grease, but always wash immediately.
Do not use it on delicate materials.
10. Cornflour and Warm Iron
Sprinkle cornflour on the stain, cover with a thin cloth, and press with a warm iron.
The heat helps the cornflour absorb oil deep in the fibres.
Repeat if needed before washing.
Suggested Read: 15 Brilliant Ways To Clean A Wool Area Rug At Home Better!
How to Get Engine Oil Stains Out of Clothes at Home
My cousin had a baby and found this trick when he spilt oil on a shirt while holding the baby.
Here’s how to get engine oil stains out of clothes at home.
- Lay the fabric flat and apply a thick layer of baby powder.
- Let it sit overnight or for at least 6 hours to absorb the oil.
- Brush off the powder and reapply if it still looks oily.
- Once the stain looks lighter, apply dish soap and scrub.
- Wash in warm water with laundry detergent.
- Air dry before wearing.
How to Get Rid of Engine Oil Stains on Clothes
Some engine oil stains seem impossible to remove.
I faced this with an old work shirt and learnt that persistence matters.
- Apply liquid detergent directly on the stain and soak for 30 minutes.
- Scrub gently with warm water and a soft brush.
- Multiple washes may be needed before drying.
- Avoid the dryer until the stain is completely removed.
Suggested Read: How To Get Wrinkles Out Of Silk: 10 Easy Ways To Smooth Silk
How to Remove Engine Oil Stains from White Clothes
White clothes need special care when removing engine oil stains.
Here’s how I tackled a stain on a white shirt.
- Make a paste of lemon juice and baking soda and apply to the stain.
- Soak in oxygen bleach for 1–2 hours.
- Sun-dry the clothes to brighten and remove lingering oil.
How to Get Motor Oil Out of Clothes After Washing and Drying
Removing engine oil stains after clothes have been dried is tougher but possible.
I learnt this after accidentally drying a stained shirt.
- Pour full-strength Pine-Sol on the dried stain.
- Let it soak for 10–15 minutes.
- Gently scrub with a soft brush or toothbrush.
- Wash in hot water with your regular detergent.
- Check before drying, and repeat if needed.
Suggested Read: Can You Iron Polyester? 10 Mistakes You Must Surely Avoid!
Final thoughts: how to get engine oil stains out of clothes
Try these steps and save your favourite clothes from those stubborn engine oil stains!
If you act wisely, the right combination of household items, quick treatment, and patience can bring your garments back to life.
Always avoid drying clothes with oil stains until you’re sure they’re gone to avoid permanent damage.
Whether you’re using dish soap, natural remedies, or special treatments like eucalyptus oil, these tips have saved many clothes from the trash.
Suggested Read:
Does Dry Cleaning Remove Stains? Why It’s Better Than Washing
How To Dry Office Chair Overnight? Don’t Skip These 10 Tips!
