How To Remove Motor Oil From Clothes: 12 Genius Stain Fixes!

If you’ve landed here to learn how to remove motor oil from clothes, chances are high that you’ve had these stains by now.

Sorry for that! But don’t worry, those stains don’t stand a chance if you are into these tips to keep ahead.

As it proves, “The right tool for the right job“, couldn’t be more fitting than tackling stubborn stains on clothes.

Whether you’ve had motor oil stains on clothes while fixing vehicles or simply been caught off guard, with the swift action plan you can get away with them.

So, without any further ado, let’s check the ways to remove motor oil from clothes.

 

Why Is It Tougher To Remove Motor Oil From Clothes?

Motor oil contains a refined mix of hydrocarbons, additives, and detergents that mainly contribute to the stiffness of fabric stains.

As the data published by the lubrication guide, the long-chain hydrocarbons are hydrophobic and sticky.

They can repel water when trying to treat them with regular detergent. So for this pretreating is important.

So, let’s check how to pre-treat clothes:

Suggested Read: How To Get Mold Out Of Clothes: 6 Amazing Solutions To Try!

 

How To Remove Motor Oil From Clothes: Pre-Treatment Is The Key!

Step 1: Blot, Don’t Rub!

If you accidentally spilled motor oil, the first thing you need to do is to act fast.

Take a paper towel or a clean cloth and blot the excess oil. Make sure you don’t rub! If you do, you are making it deeper.

Step 2: Sprinkle On Some Powder

As you know, oil and water won’t mix, but how about oil and powder? That’s a perfect match for stain removal.

Here are some powders you can try to sprinkle on the motor oil stain:

• Baking soda
• Corn Starch
• Baby Powder
• Makeup Countour

You need to sprinkle a generous amount directly onto the stain and let it sit for about 15 minutes.

This absorbs the excess oil and makes it easier for you to wash off.

Step 3: Scrape It Off

Once the powder settles in, just take a butter knife or a spoon to gently scrape off the residue.

This might sound very strange, but trust me, this works to some extent.

Suggested Read: How To Get Lip Gloss Out Of Clothes: 9 Magic Fixes You Love!

 

how to remove motor oil stains from clothes home remedies

The first thing you need to do while learning how to remove motor oil stains from clothes is to follow home remedies.

If this won’t work you can try alternative ways, so here are a few to give a try:

1. Cornstarch To Fade Motor Oil

You can use cornstarch and sprinkle a generous amount on the motor oil stain.

Let this settle for at least 30-40 minutes, the cornstarch will absorb excess oil, and use lukewarm water to brush off residues.

Fun Fact: Do you know in the ancient times, motor oil for its hydrophobic nature is used for waterproofing the clothes?

 

2. Coca-Cola Soak 

Not only as a favorite beverage, coca-cola upon right usage will dissolve the oil stains.

It has an acidic nature which can break down the grip of the stain. You need to soap the motor oil-affected clothes for 30 minutes.

Follow this with the regular water wash, and make sure you are not using light-colored clothes to avoid drink stains.

Suggested Read: How to Fix Hard Water in Shower: 15 Techniques You All Love!

 

3. Try Shaving Cream On Motor Oil Stains

Shaving cream has good foaming content! Apply a thick layer of shaving cream on the stains and let it sink for 15 minutes.

The foam starts breaking down the grease and works like magic in loosening the oil.

Gently scrub the foam later with the damp cloth and then rinse and wash.

Fun Fact: If motor oil stains are left untreated they can turn fire hazard!

 

4. Aloe vera Gel To treat Stains

Not only for skin soothing, but Aloe Vera gel is also an effective stain remover.

Apply a generous amount of this gel on the stain and gently pat all around the stained area.

Let it settle for 30-40 minutes and then wash the garment with hot water till the stain enzymes break and leave.

Suggested Read: How To Get Rid Of Blue Stains In Bathtub: 10 Best Strategies 

 

5. How to remove motor oil from clothes with baking soda

Grab baking soda from your kitchen immediately after you are caught with the motor oil stain.

Before applying this blot the excess oil with the power towel, then sprinkle baking soda on the stain fully covered.

Let the baking soda settle for 30-40 minutes and pre-treat the area with dish soap.

Finally, wash the fabric with the hottest water after soaking it in detergent for 15 minutes atleast.

 

6. Vodka Treatment To Get Rid Of Motor Oil Stains

Vodka isn’t just for the cocktails, this works very well as the stain remover.

All you need to do is take a cotton ball and dip it in the vodka to gently rub on the motor oil stain to sit for 30 minutes.

The alcohol will break down the oil firmness and will make it easier for you to wash off the residue with the hot water wash.

Fun Fact: Motor Oil stains are more stubborn than the cosmetic or the cooking oil stains on clothes.

 

7. Tooth Paste Tactic On Stains

You can try using non-gel-based toothpaste to work on the motor oil stains, as they have mild abrasive particles.

Gently apply a generous amount of toothpaste directly onto the stain and scrub using a soft brush.

The gritty texture helps down to break the oil grip, follow this with the warm water wash.

Fun Fact: Can you believe, some oil-based stains glow in UV light?

 

8. Cheesecloth And Vinegar On Motor Oil Stains

White Vinegar is a powerful cleaning agent, but never directly apply this onto the cloth as it can be harsh sometimes.

Take a piece of cheesecloth dip it in the white vinegar solution and lay it on the motor oil stain for 1 hour.

The vinegar can break the excess oil by preserving the integrity of the delicate materials.

Suggested Read: How To Get Mold Out Of Clothes: 6 Amazing Solutions To Try!

 

9. Mayonnaise Rub To Remove Motor Oil Stain

This might sound strange to you, but do you know that edible mayonnaise can lift off stubborn oil stains?

Mayonnaise has a combination of oil, egg yolk, and vinegar which works to break down and dissolve motor oil stains.

After applying mayonnaise, let it sit for 30 minutes and rinse off with the hot water for better cleansing.

Fun Fact: You can freeze the stained clothes to solidify the oil to scrape off easily!

 

10. Cornmeal Dust And Sanitizer For Motor Oil Stains

Cornmeal is more similar to cornstarch, this can absorb excess oil and make the stain dry.

At this stage, you can apply hand sanitizer gel to fade the stain by gently using it in a circular motion.

This thing won’t damage the fabric but can effectively flaunt new when washed in hot water cycle.

Suggested Read: Can You Use Clothes Detergent To Wash Dishes: Safety Guide!

 

how to remove old motor oil stains from clothes

Old motor oil stains are very hard to remove if not attended immediately. But, if you like to give a try here are some DIY tricks that will work:

11. Borrax And Lemon Juice Soak

Borax not only helps to get rid of tiny ants but can also act as a powerful stain remover when used wisely.

Just grab a fresh lemon and squeeze on into the borax powder to make a thick paste to apply to the motor oil stains.

Let it settle for 30 minutes, then rinse off with the warm water followed by the wash cycle in the washing machine.

Fun Fact: Motor oil in deep contact with fabric can permanently decolor your favorite garment!

 

12. Eucalyptus Oil And Corn Flour On Motor Oil Stain

Firstly, spread some corn flour on the motor oil stain to absorb the excess oil, and then take a bread slice and place it on it.

The leftover oil will be absorbed by the bread slice, follow this by adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil.

Let the liquid settle for 15-20 minutes, this not only loosens the stain grip but also helps in removing the bad odor.

Follow this process with soaking for 10 minutes and hot water hand washing.

Suggested Read: How to Fix Hard Water in Shower: 15 Techniques You All Love!

 

how to remove motor oil from cotton clothing

To deal with motor oil stains on cotton clothing, first, you need to blot the stained area with a paper towel.

Then pour club soda onto the stain, carbonation directly helps in breaking down the oil firmness.

Follow this process with the crystal salt which acts as an abrasive agent. Gently rub in a circular motion and cleanse off with a soft brush.

Wash this off with lukewarm water which will act safe on the cotton clothes.

Suggested Read: How To Clean Oil Off Concrete: 10 DIY Solutions For Stains!

 

how to remove motor oil from white clothes

To remove motor oil from white clothes, you can try mixing hydrogen peroxide with dish soap.

Apply this mixture after dabbing the excess oil and let it settle for 20 minutes on the stain.

After this rinse the stain with cold water and apply talcum powder if you still feel the toughness of motor oil.

Suggested Read: How To Get Tattoo Ink Out Of Clothes: 15 Verified Methods!

 

Conclusion: Don’t Let Motor Oil Ruin Your Clothing!

So, this is all about the list of how to remove motor oil stains from clothes. Making sure to act fast is the key to stain removal hacks.

Remember, ‘A stain is only a challenge, not a defeat’; so keep working till you make your clothes look pristine.

Write back if you have any queries or suggestions regarding the list mentioned above.

 

How To Remove Motor Oil From Clothes: FAQs

1. how to remove motor oil stains from cloth car seats?

Apply a mix of cornstarch and baking soda on the stain. After settling, vacuum it thoroughly followed by a damp cloth rub. You can also use fabric-safe cleaner to wipe the stain.

2. Can I just throw my oil-stained clothes in the washer?

No! Try to treat the fabric with the washing cleansers, if not working, you can use these clothes for cleaning purposes. 

3. How to remove black grease from clothes?

Use a degreaser on to the stain, later sprinkle some salt, and gently rub to fade away the stain with the microfiber cloth to follow up with the hot water wash.

4. What’s the Best Way to Remove Fresh Motor Oil?

Try to soak the motor oil stain in the club soda and follow this with the talcum powder drying to deal with the stain stiffness.

Suggested Reads:

• How To Get Blood Out Of Sheets: 15 Special Secrets Unveiled!
• How To Get Mothball Smell Out Of Clothes: 15 Inventive Ways!