How to get fish oil out of clothes became a real concern when my friend’s fish oil capsule leaked inside her gym bag.
Her clothes were soaked in greasy oil and smelled awful.
She tried washing them like normal, but the stain stuck, and that strong fishy odour only got worse.
That’s when we teamed up and experimented with every method under the sun until we found real solutions.
If you’re dealing with a similar mess, whether it’s fresh or already dried in, don’t worry.
I’ll guide you through what works, step by step.
Does fish oil stain clothes?
Yes, fish oil stains clothes easily because it’s thick, greasy, and full of omega fatty acids that cling to fabric.
I found this when a supplement capsule burst in my hoodie pocket.
It left a shiny patch that wouldn’t go away even after washing.
The oil seeps deep into the fibres, especially in cotton, and if you don’t treat it fast, it can dry and become a dark, stubborn stain.
These kinds of greasy spots can also leave a lingering fishy smell, which makes things worse.
Suggested Read: 15 Ways On How To Get Fish Smell Out Of Clothes Easily!
Step-by-Step Guide to Remove Fish Oil Stains from Clothes
Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide I used with my friend when her leggings were soaked:
1. Blot the Spill
Use paper towels to gently blot the area. Never rub the oil will spread. Do this right away to stop the stain from setting.
2. Apply Absorbent Powder
Cover the stained spot with baby powder or cornflour and let it sit for 30–60 minutes. This draws out as much oil as possible before cleaning.
3. Brush Off and Add Pre-Treatment
Shake off the powder, then apply a pre-treatment stain remover or a dab of dish soap. Gently scrub in circles with a soft toothbrush.
4. Let It Soak
Let the treated area sit for another 15–30 minutes so the product can work deeper into the fabric.
5. Wash with Warm Water
Launder with warm water, safe for your garment, using a quality detergent. Hot water helps dissolve residual oil better than cold.
6. Air Dry and Check
Never machine dry until you’re sure the stain and smell are gone. Heat can lock in what’s left. Air dry and inspect the results first.
Suggested Read: How To Get Oil Smell Out Of Clothes In Just One Wash!
How to Get Fish Oil Out of Clothes After Drying
It is a bit more challenging because the heat from the dryer sets the oil deeper into the fabric.
Here is the simple trick you can follow:
1. Use an Enzyme-Based Stain Remover
This method worked wonders by breaking down the oil that had baked into the fibres.
- Lay the garment flat and identify the exact area of the stain.
- Apply an enzyme-based stain remover generously over the dried-in oil spot.
- Let it sit for at least 30 minutes or up to an hour.
- Gently scrub with a soft toothbrush to loosen the set-in stain.
- Wash the garment in warm water and air dry.
How to Get Fish Oil Smell Out of Clothes in a Washing Machine
It is important when you’ve already washed them, but they still stink. Here is what you can do:
2. Use Oxygen-Based Laundry Booster
Oxygen boosters neutralise stubborn organic odours, and unlike bleach, they’re safe on most fabrics and colours.
- Add your regular detergent to the washer as usual.
- Pour in an oxygen-based laundry booster.
- Run a full cycle on warm water if the fabric permits.
- Follow with an extra rinse cycle to flush out residues.
Suggested Read: How To Get Chlorine Smell Out Of Clothes In One Wash!
How to Get Fish Oil Smell Out of Clothes
It was the issue I faced when I forgot about a capsule leak in my pocket. The dryer made the smell even stronger!
3. Try Essential Oil Steam Refresh
The steam opens fibres, and essential oil helps neutralise and replace odours effectively.
- Hang the garment in a closed bathroom.
- Run a hot shower until the room fills with steam.
- Add a bowl of water with a few drops of tea tree essential oil.
- Let the garment hang in steam for 30–45 minutes.
- Air it out outdoors if possible.
How to Get Fish Smell Out of Clothes Without Washing
This trick helped me during a camping trip. I couldn’t wash anything but still had a fishy-smelling shirt after a spill.
4. Use Fabric Deodorizing Beads in a Sealed Bag
This method freshened the fabric without any water or washing, and it is great for travel or emergencies.
- Place the smelly item in a ziplock or trash bag.
- Add a handful of fabric deodorising beads into the bag.
- Seal the bag and leave it overnight or 24 hours if possible.
- Remove and shake out the clothing.
How to Get Fish Oil Smell Out of Hands
It is something I run into a lot when handling supplements. Even one capsule can leave a lingering odour.
5. Use Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
The acidity of apple cider vinegar cuts through the oil and odor, leaving your hands feeling fresh and clean.
- Pour some apple cider vinegar onto your hands.
- Rub thoroughly, paying special attention to creases and fingernails.
- Let it sit for a minute before rinsing with warm water and soap.
Suggested Read: How To Get Dog Smell Out Of Carpet In Just 30 Minutes!
How to Remove Fish Oil Smell from Skin
It is important that your arms or neck accidentally come into contact with the oil. Here is what you can do:
6. Try Milk and Lemon Soak
This blend both nourishes and neutralises odours as lemon breaks down the fish oil, and milk soothes your skin.
- Mix half a cup of whole milk with juice from half a lemon.
- Dip a soft cloth in the mixture and gently wipe the skin.
- Rinse after 3–5 minutes with lukewarm water.
How to Get Rid of Fish Oil Smell on the Floor
How to get rid of fish oil smell on the floor saved me once after I stepped on a leaking capsule and smeared it across our tile floor.
7. Use Club Soda and Newspaper
Club soda lifts surface oil, while a newspaper pulls in both moisture and odour. This is a handy fix for tiles and wood floors.
- Pour club soda directly onto the area with the odor.
- Cover it with layers of newspaper to absorb the liquid and smell.
- Leave for 1–2 hours, then discard and wipe clean.
How to remove fish oil from fabric
This can feel tricky, especially when you’re dealing with delicates or upholstery. But this method works.
8. White Bread Blotting
This method is surprisingly effective for natural and synthetic fabrics alike, and it’s chemical-free.
- Take a soft slice of plain white bread and gently press it onto the oily area.
- Hold it there for 30 seconds to absorb as much oil as possible.
- Remove the bread and brush off any crumbs.
- Place a paper towel over the stained spot.
- Use a warm iron and press for 10–15 seconds to lift the remaining oil into the towel.
- Let the fabric cool and inspect it. Repeat if needed or follow with a gentle wash if safe for the fabric.
Suggested Read: How To Get Grease Smell Out Of Clothes: 15 Easy DIY Methods!
Home Remedies to get fish oil smell and stains out of clothes
Here are the simple and easy methods to get fish oil smell and stains out of clothes:
1. Shaving Cream Foam
Apply a layer of white shaving cream to the stain, let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse.
The foam lifts oils and freshens fabric gently without harsh chemicals.
2. Orange Peel Rinse
Boil orange peels in water, let them cool, and pour the citrus-infused water to rinse the affected area.
The natural oils cut through odours and leave a fresh scent. Repeat if the odor is strong.
3. Cucumber Juice Dab
Press fresh cucumber slices to release juice, then rub onto the smelly area.
It neutralises fishy smells with its mild acidity and doesn’t damage fabrics.
4. Raw Potato Rub
Slice a raw potato and rub it over the stain. Let the starch soak into the fabric for 20 minutes before washing.
It pulls out oily residues.
5. Aloe Vera Gel Spread
Apply aloe vera gel directly to the stain. Leave for 15 minutes before rinsing.
It gently penetrates and lifts odour-causing residue from delicate fabrics.
6. Pineapple Juice Rinse
Prepare pineapple juice with 1 part juice and 3 parts water. Soak stained clothes for 15–20 minutes.
The enzymes help break down oil molecules naturally.
7. Beer Rinse
Soak the smelly item in flat beer for 10 minutes before rinsing.
Beer surprisingly reduces strong fish oil odours and leaves fabric odour-neutral.
8. White Chalk Rub
Rub plain white chalk over an oil stain. It absorbs grease before laundering.
Leave for 30 minutes, brush off, then wash.
9. Rice Water Dip
Save the starchy water after boiling rice and soak the smelly area in it for 15 minutes.
It naturally absorbs odours without chemicals.
10. Frozen Towel Press
Wrap the smelly clothing in a clean towel and freeze it overnight.
Freezing reduces odour by breaking down odour molecules without using moisture or heat.
11. Basil Leaf Steam
Boil fresh basil leaves in water and hold the smelly part of the clothing over the steam for several minutes
The aromatic oils help neutralise strong fishy odours while refreshing the fabric. Follow with a light rinse or air-dry.
12. Coffee Grounds Bag
Place used, dry coffee grounds in a small pouch or sock. This helps to absorb the odour.
Seal the fishy-smelling garment in a container or bag with the pouch overnight. Shake out the item and air it.
13. Tomato Pulp Paste
Apply mashed tomato pulp to the stained area and let it sit for 10–15 minutes. They contain natural acids that help lift oil.
Rinse with warm water and launder immediately to remove any lingering colour.
Suggested Read: Why Does My Laundry Room Smell Like Sour Milk: 8 Top Causes!
Final Thoughts: how to get fish oil out of clothes
Now you know exactly how to get fish oil out of clothes, even if it’s dried or smells awful.
From enzyme stain removers to tricks like aloe vera and citrus peels, I’ve shared only what worked for me or people close to me.
Don’t worry if your clothes still reek after washing. Just follow the steps.
Use the right remedy, and avoid the dryer until the stain and smell are completely gone.
With a bit of patience, you can save your favourite outfit and avoid throwing it away.
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Can I Add Vinegar To My Laundry For A Fresh Smell? Must Read
