Getting motor oil out of clothes isn’t always straightforward—especially once the stain sets in. But with the right approach, it's possible to lift even the toughest spots. There are several household methods worth trying, each targeting the stain in a slightly different way. From pantry staples to unexpected household products, experimenting with a few of these options could make all the difference in saving your clothes.
Methods for Removing Motor Oil Out of Clothes
1. Use cornstarch
One way to remove motor oil stains from clothes is to use cornstarch, a household stain remover. Cornstarch is also known as corn flour. It is a carbohydrate extracted from corn, and it comes in a white powder. It is commonly found in kitchens, but it also has household and industrial applications.
To use cornstarch to get motor oil out of clothes, you will need to use a damp sponge or toothbrush. First, lay the stained clothing flat on a table. Then pour a small amount of cornstarch on the stain, and let it set for half an hour. After 30 minutes, take the damp sponge or the toothbrush and brush off the cornstarch. Put the clothes in a washing machine on a cold setting and let the clothes air dry.
2. Try aloe vera
You may not have heard of this before, but you can also try to get rid of a motor oil stain with aloe vera. Aloe vera gel and warm and hot water can be used for stain removal. Start by soaking the stained clothes in hot water for 15 minutes. Remove the clothes from the water and scrub the aloe vera gel onto the stained area. Then wash the clothes in warm water and air dry them.
3. Wash with baking soda
Baking soda is a classic method for removing motor oil stains from clothes. To do so, you will need some cardboard or an old towel, a scraping tool, baking soda and hot water. Start by laying the stained clothes on a table. Put the cardboard or old towel directly under the stained area, and then lightly sprinkle baking soda onto the stain. Wait 15 minutes for the baking soda to set in before gently brushing it off. Wash the clothes in hot water, repeating the process as many times as necessary until the stain is gone. You can dry the clothes however you normally would, when there is no sign of the stain.
If the stain persists, put some liquid soap on the stain, pour baking soda on it again, and scrub the area with a toothbrush or damp sponge. Allow the clothes to sit for 25 minutes. Then soak them in hot water again.
4. Try WD-40
You also can use WD-40 to remove motor oil stains from your clothes. The solvents in WD-40 can help break down oils, loosening oil molecules away from fabric fibers. You will need a toothbrush, liquid soap and one teaspoon of WD-40.
Lay the stained clothes on a table, and then carefully pour a teaspoon of WD-40 onto the stain. Wait 15 minutes for the WD-40 to soak into the stain, and then apply liquid soap to the area. Put the clothes in the washing machine and wash them with either warm or cold water before drying them as usual.
5. Rub with shampoo
Even shampoo can remove motor oil stains because it has surfactant molecules that reduce the surface tension of a liquid, thus helping remove dirt and grime. This works for hair and for removing motor oil stains from soft fabrics. Engine oil and grease tend to be organic based, so shampoo is a trustworthy detergent to remove them.
Lay your stained clothes flat on a table. Use your fingers or a sponge (or anything soft) to rub the shampoo onto the stain. Let the shampoo set for 25 minutes before you rinse the clothes. You may need to repeat this step several times before the stains all disappear. Put the clothes in a washing machine and dry as usual.
6. Use nail polish remover
You also can use nail polish remover to remove motor oil from your clothes because of the acetone, an organic solvent, in nail polish remover. The acetone bonds oil molecules together, making it easy to remove stains. You will need a gallon of water and one tablespoon of nail polish remover. Apply the remover to the stained area. Rinse it after 15 minutes. Repeat as many times as necessary until the stain is no longer visible. Once finished, you’re good to wash it.
If there is an odor in the clothes you want to get rid of, add a cup of white vinegar to the wash to cover up the smell.
7. Treat with liquid laundry detergent
Liquid laundry detergent is designed to break down grease and grime, making it a smart go-to for motor oil stains. To use this method, lay the stained clothing flat and pour a small amount of liquid detergent directly onto the stain. Gently rub the fabric together or use a soft brush to work the detergent into the fibers. Let it sit for 15–30 minutes so it can penetrate the stain. Then, wash the clothing in the warmest water safe for the fabric. If the stain remains, repeat the process before drying.
How to Get Motor Oil Out of Clothes
Motor oil stains can be stubborn, but with the right steps, you can lift them before they set in for good. Acting quickly and using the right materials can make all the difference. Here’s a straightforward method to give you the best shot at saving your clothes.
1. Start by blotting, not rubbing
As soon as the stain happens, gently blot the area with a clean paper towel or cloth. The goal is to soak up as much oil as possible before it spreads deeper into the fabric. Avoid rubbing, which can push the oil further in and widen the stain.
2. Pre-soak with a stain-fighting agent
Depending on what you have at home, there are a few proven options that help break down motor oil. Try one of the trusted methods listed above such as:
Cornstarch: Great for absorbing oil from fabric. Sprinkle a generous amount directly onto the stain and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Then, brush it off gently before washing.
Baking soda: Especially helpful for fresh stains. It draws oil out of the fabric—just sprinkle it on, let it sit for 15 minutes, then brush it off and follow up with soap or detergent.
Aloe vera: An unexpected but effective option. After soaking the garment in hot water, rub aloe vera gel into the stain. Let it sit briefly, then wash with warm water to help lift the oil.
WD-40: Useful for older or set-in stains. Spray a small amount directly onto the spot to break down the oil, wait 10–15 minutes, then apply dish soap or detergent and scrub before washing.
3. Scrub gently and soak if needed
Using your fingers or a soft-bristled brush, gently work the cleaning solution into the fabric. For tough stains, you may want to let the item soak in warm water mixed with detergent for 30 minutes to an hour. This helps loosen any oil that’s clinging to the fibers. 4. Wash with care, then air dry Wash the clothing using the hottest water that’s safe for the fabric (check the label). Skip the dryer for now—if the stain isn’t completely gone, heat can lock it in. Instead, air dry the garment and inspect the spot. If it’s still visible, repeat the process before tossing it in the dryer.
Alsco’s Uniform Laundry Services
At Alsco, we know there are so many ways motor oil can get on your clothes — through direct splashes, spills or simply wiping your hands on your shirt and jeans. Our uniform rental services include items that are resistant to all manner of stains, and our laundry processes can remove the toughest oil and grease stains. So no matter what work you do, your clothes or uniform can look as good as new. Ask us how we can keep your uniforms looking clean and professional today!
References
How to Remove Grease Stains From Your Clothes (November 2014). The Times of India.