How to Get Oil and Grease Stains Out of Clothes
The short answer
Oil and grease do not dissolve in plain water — they need a surfactant to break the bond between the oil and the fabric fibers. Dish soap is formulated to cut grease and works well on fabric. Apply it directly, work in gently, let it sit 5–10 minutes, then rinse and machine wash. Do not put the item in the dryer until you have confirmed the stain is gone — heat from the dryer permanently sets oil in fabric.
Before you start
You need: liquid dish soap, clean cloths or paper towels.
For dried oil stains that have already been through a wash cycle: the stain is harder to remove but not impossible. Apply dish soap, let it sit longer (10–15 minutes), and repeat.
Check the care label before machine washing.
Steps
- 1Blot off any excess oil with a clean cloth or paper towel. Do not rub.
- 2Apply a small amount of liquid dish soap directly onto the stain.
- 3Work the dish soap into the stain gently with your fingertip or a soft brush, working from the outside edges inward to avoid spreading.
- 4Let it sit for 5–10 minutes. For older or dried stains, let it sit 10–15 minutes.
- 5Rinse with cool water, then machine wash according to the care label.
- 6Before putting the item in the dryer, check the stained area in good light while still damp. If the stain is still visible, repeat from step 2. Heat from the dryer will permanently set any remaining oil.
What not to do
- Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is fully removed — heat sets oil permanently into fabric fibers.
- Do not rub the stain — rubbing spreads the oil and drives it deeper into the fibers.
- Do not rely on plain water — water does not dissolve oil and washing without dish soap will not remove a grease stain.
Helpful supplies
Liquid dish soap is a good first treatment for fresh oil and grease stains because it is designed to break down fats. Use a small amount of standard liquid hand dish soap, gently work it into the stain, then rinse or launder as usual.
For stubborn oil stains, repeat the dish soap treatment or use a laundry stain remover or heavy-duty liquid detergent before washing in the warmest water safe for the fabric. If a colored stain or residue remains after the grease has been treated, oxygen bleach dissolved in warm water may help on washable fabrics whose color does not bleed, fade, or transfer. Always check the care label and test on a hidden area, such as an inner hem or inside seam, before using it on a visible stain.
Frequently asked questions
Can you remove an oil stain that has already been through the dryer?
Heat-set oil stains are significantly harder to remove, but sometimes possible. Apply dish soap directly and let it soak for 15–30 minutes, then wash according to the care label. Results vary and the stain may be permanent. Do not repeat drying until you have confirmed the stain is out.
Does baking soda remove oil stains from clothes?
Baking soda can absorb fresh oil from fabric if applied immediately (before the oil bonds to fibers) and left for several minutes before brushing off. But it does not chemically remove oil. Dish soap is more effective, and baking soda is not a reliable substitute.
If you have specific supplies at home and want a tailored treatment plan, use the Stain Rescue Tool for a step-by-step recommendation.
Use the Stain Rescue Tool