I never thought I’d be Googling how to get olive oil stains out of clothes until I found myself with spills on my favourite dress.

I didn’t even notice until later that night, and by then, the stain had set in.

If you’ve been in that situation or want to avoid it, you’re not alone.

Olive oil can be slippery, but the good news is you can get it out.

Here’s everything I learnt, step-by-step, so you can tackle the same problem without panicking or buying a new shirt.

 

Are Olive Oil Stains Permanent?

The first question that popped into my head, and maybe yours too, was, Are olive oil stains permanent?

The answer is yes, they can be, but only if you don’t act fast or use the wrong cleaning method.

Olive oil doesn’t just sit on top of fabric it sinks in and binds to the fibres.

That’s why these stains don’t lift easily with a normal wash. So yes, it’s serious, but it’s not hopeless.

With the right treatment, you can break down the oil and completely remove the stain.

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How to Remove Olive Oil Stains from Clothes After Washing

It’s common to miss a stain and throw your clothes in the wash.

Let me introduce you to eucalyptus oil, a trick I learnt from a friend who’s into natural remedies.

Eucalyptus oil is excellent at loosening oily buildup without damaging the cloth. Just make sure to spot-test it first on delicate fabrics.

Instructions:

1. Apply a few drops of eucalyptus oil directly to the stain.
2. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes, you’ll also smell the difference.
3. Blot gently with a paper towel.
4. Launder in warm water and let it air-dry.

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How to Get Olive Oil Stains Out of Clothes at Home

One night during dinner at a friend’s house, I accidentally knocked over a bowl of salad drenched in olive oil onto my jeans.

I didn’t have stain remover on hand, so I had to figure out how to get olive oil stains out of clothes at home.

This DIY method saved my jeans. It’s simple and quick, and most people already have these items in their kitchen.

Step-by-Step: What You Can Do Right Away

1. Blot the stain – Use a paper towel or cloth to soak up excess oil. Don’t rub it or it’ll spread.
2. Sprinkle baking soda or cornflour – these powders absorb oil like magic. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes an hour is even better.
3. Brush off the powder – Gently brush away the baking soda or cornflour.
4. Apply dish soap – rub it into the stained area and leave it for 10–15 minutes.
5. Rinse with warm water – Rinse before tossing into the wash.

Suggested Read: Does Dry Cleaning Remove Stains? Why It’s Better Than Washing!

 

How to Get Dried Oil Out of Clothes

If you’re trying to figure out how to get dried olive oil stains out of clothes, try aloe vera gel. Here’s What to Do:

Use Aloe Vera Gel

1. Apply pure aloe vera gel directly to the dried stain.
2. Gently rub it in using your fingers or a soft cloth.
3. Let it sit for 15–20 minutes.
4. Rinse with lukewarm water, then wash as usual.

 

Will Olive Oil Stains Come Out in the Wash?

You might be thinking, Will olive oil stains come out in the wash if I just throw it in like normal? Honestly, no. I’ve tried it.

Regular laundry detergent usually isn’t enough to lift greasy stains on its own, especially if it’s already set in.

It needs something that cuts through grease, like dish soap, or a proper stain remover.

If you wash it without treating the stain first, the washing machine may just set the stain further.

Once heat is involved, like from a dryer, it’s even tougher to deal with.

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How to Get Olive Oil Out of Colored Clothes

Are you looking to protect your coloured shirts? I recommend using cornmeal and rubbing alcohol.

I used it on a navy blue shirt to avoid colour fading, and it worked like a charm.

Use Cornmeal

Cornmeal draws out the oil gently, and it is great for deep tones and delicate materials like silk or chiffon.

1. Pour dry cornmeal over the stain until it’s fully covered.
2. Gently press it into the fabric with your fingers.
3. Let it sit for 30–60 minutes.
4. Shake or brush off the powder.
5. Follow with a cold water rinse and a mild detergent wash.https://wavehooks.com/why-does-my-house-smell-like-sewage.

 

Use Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol breaks down grease and evaporates quickly, so it won’t leave behind additional moisture or residue.

1. Dab rubbing alcohol onto the stain using a cotton pad.
2. Blot the area gently don’t rub hard.
3. Rinse with warm water after a few minutes.
4. Wash in your machine with regular detergent.

Suggested Read: How To Remove Stubborn Stains From Clothes: 5 Laundry Hacks! 

 

How to Get Olive Oil Stains Out of Clothes After Drying

Now for the tough one: once heat sets the stain, it’s trickier, but not impossible.

I saved a pair of light-wash jeans using WD-40, and I couldn’t believe how well it worked.

Use WD-40 

WD-40 sounds crazy, I know, but it helps dissolve old oil.

1. Spray WD-40 lightly on the stained area.
2. Let it soak in for 10 minutes.
3. Gently scrub with a toothbrush to lift the oil.
4. Apply dish soap directly after and rinse thoroughly.
5. Wash in warm water and air-dry.

 

How to Get Olive Oil Stains Out of Your Clothes Quickly

I once got an olive oil stain just before heading to a meeting – not ideal!

So I had to figure out how to get olive oil stains out of your clothes quickly, without having to wash the whole thing.

Use Baby Powder

1. Blot the stain with a napkin or paper towel. Don’t rub, it spreads the oil.
2. Sprinkle baby powder generously over the oily spot.
3. Let it sit for at least 20–30 minutes to absorb the grease.
4. Gently brush off the powder with your hand or a clean cloth.

Use Chalk to get olive oil stains from clothes

This trick is ideal for shirts, blouses, and light fabrics. I’ve even used it on linen pants before heading into a meeting—lifesaver!

1. Rub white chalk directly onto the stain as soon as you notice it.
2. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
3. Shake off the residue.
4. Wash the item as soon as you can, and air-dry.

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How to Get Olive Oil Stain Out of a Shirt

Whether it’s your favourite white tee or a nice dress shirt, figuring out how to get out olive oil stains is all about timing and the right products.

Unlike chlorine bleach, oxygen bleach is colour-safe and much gentler but still super effective against oily stains.

Use Oxygen Bleach

1. Fill a bucket with warm water and add a scoop of oxygen bleach.
2. Soak the shirt for about 1–2 hours.
3. Toss it into the washing machine.
4. Wash with a warm cycle.

 

How Do You Get Olive Oil Stain Out of Fabric?

You might be wondering, how do you get olive oil stains out of fabric like linen or polyester?

These fabrics respond a bit differently than cotton. Just go slow and always test on a small area first.

Know Your Fabric Type

• For delicate fabrics, stick with gentle dish soap and cold water.
• For sturdier fabrics, you can use warm water and more scrubbing.
• Avoid heat on synthetics it can set the stain.

Use Shampoo to get olive oil stains out of clothes

This method is fast, cheap, and surprisingly effective. If it can cut through scalp oil, it can tackle olive oil too.

1. Wet the stained area with warm water.
2. Apply a small amount of shampoo directly to the stain.
3. Rub gently with your fingers or a toothbrush.
4. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
5. Rinse and wash in warm water.

Suggested Read: 10 Magic Hacks To Quickly Get Shampoo Out Of Your Carpet!

 

Conclusion: how to get olive oil stains out of clothes

Now you can get olive oil out of clothes easily even if it’s soaked in.

You just need the right method, and you need to avoid drying the item until the stain is out.

Whether you use dish soap, rubbing alcohol, or aloe vera gel, the key is persistence.

Don’t toss out that shirt or dress. It can be saved, and now you’ve got more than one trick up your sleeve.

 

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