How to Get Engine Oil Out of Clothes: 7 Proven Methods Backed by Cleaning Experts​

Engine oil stains are among the toughest to remove from clothing. Unlike water-based spills, engine oil clings to fabric fibers due to its viscous, oily nature, and if left untreated, it can permanently set—instantly ruining a favorite shirt, work uniform, or favorite pair of jeans. The good news? With the right approach and a bit of patience, you can lift even stubborn engine oil stains from most fabrics. Below, we break down step-by-step methods tested by professional cleaners, explain why they work, and share critical tips to avoid making the stain worse. Whether you’re dealing with a fresh spill or a dried, weeks-old stain, this guide has you covered.

Why Engine Oil Stains Are So Tricky (and How to Avoid Common Mistakes)

Before diving into removal methods, it’s important to understand why engine oil is such a challenge. Engine oil is a hydrophobic (water-repelling) substance made of long hydrocarbon chains, which means it resists dissolving in water. When it soaks into fabric, it bonds with the fibers, creating a greasy residue that standard laundry detergent often can’t lift on its own.

One of the biggest mistakes people make is using hot water immediately. Heat causes oil to oxidize and bond more deeply with fabric fibers, essentially “baking” the stain into the material. Similarly, rubbing the stain aggressively can spread the oil and push it further into the fabric. To prevent this: act fast, blot (don’t rub) the excess oil, and avoid heat until the stain is partially removed.

Method 1: Dish Soap and Warm Water (The Classic Go-To)

Dish soap is formulated to cut through grease and oil—exactly what engine oil needs. Most dish soaps contain surfactants, which break down oil molecules and allow them to mix with water, making them easier to rinse away.

​Step-by-Step:​​

1. ​Blot excess oil first.​​ Lay the garment flat on a clean towel. Use a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to gently press (don’t rub) the stained area, lifting as much oil as possible. Save the towel—you may need it again later.

2. ​Apply liquid dish soap.​​ Squirt a quarter-sized drop of liquid dish soap (like Dawn or Palmolive) directly onto the stain. For larger stains, use a bit more. Gently rub the soap into the fabric with your fingers or a soft brush, working in circular motions. Focus on covering the entire stain, including the edges.

3. ​Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.​​ This gives the surfactants time to penetrate the oil and loosen its grip on the fibers.

4. ​Rinse with warm (not hot) water.​​ Hold the stained area under warm running water, allowing the water to flow from the back of the fabric to the front. This pushes the dissolved oil out instead of driving it deeper.

5. ​Check the stain.​​ If it’s still visible, repeat steps 2–4. Once the stain is gone, launder the garment as usual with detergent.

Pro Tip:For synthetic fabrics (like polyester or nylon), use a gentler dish soap to avoid stripping the fabric’s finish.

Method 2: Baking Soda and Cornstarch (For Dried or Heavy Stains)

If the engine oil has dried or soaked deeply into the fabric, baking soda and cornstarch work as natural absorbents to lift the oil before washing. Both are mild, non-abrasive, and safe for most fabrics.

​Step-by-Step:​​

1. ​Mix equal parts baking soda and cornstarch.​​ Create a paste using 1 tablespoon of each, then add a few drops of warm water to form a thick, spreadable consistency.

2. ​Apply the paste to the stain.​​ Cover the entire stain with the mixture, gently patting it in with your fingers. Let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour—this allows the powders to absorb the oil.

3. ​Brush off the paste.​​ Use a soft brush or old toothbrush to remove the dried paste. You’ll likely see grayish streaks—this is the oil being lifted.

4. ​Treat with dish soap.​​ Follow up with Method 1 (dish soap) to remove any remaining residue. Launder as usual.

Why It Works:Baking soda is alkaline, which helps break down oil, while cornstarch’s absorbent properties pull oil to the surface. Together, they tackle both fresh and dried stains.

Method 3: Dry Cleaning Solvent (For Delicate Fabrics)

Delicate fabrics like wool, silk, or cashmere can’t handle harsh scrubbing or heavy-duty detergents. In these cases, a dry cleaning solvent (available at hardware stores or online) is a safer bet. These solvents dissolve oil without water, preventing damage to sensitive fibers.

​Step-by-Step:​​

1. ​Test the solvent first.​​ Apply a small amount to an inconspicuous area (like the inside seam) to ensure it doesn’t discolor the fabric.

2. ​Blot excess oil.​​ Use a clean cloth to lift as much oil as possible.

3. ​Apply the solvent.​​ Dab the solvent onto the stain using a cotton ball or clean white cloth. Work from the outside of the stain inward to avoid spreading it.

4. ​Let it air-dry.​​ Allow the solvent to evaporate completely—this can take 10–15 minutes.

5. ​Launder as usual.​​ If the stain remains, repeat the process or take the garment to a professional dry cleaner.

Note:Always work in a well-ventilated area when using dry cleaning solvents, as they can have strong fumes.

Method 4: WD-40 (Yes, the Lubricant!)

WD-40 may be known for loosening rusted bolts, but its degreasing properties also make it effective at breaking down engine oil. It’s particularly useful for pre-treating tough stains before washing.

​Step-by-Step:​​

1. ​Spray WD-40 directly on the stain.​​ Cover the entire affected area.

2. ​Let it sit for 5–10 minutes.​​ The WD-40 will start dissolving the oil.

3. ​Treat with dish soap.​​ Apply liquid dish soap over the WD-40, rubbing it in gently.

4. ​Rinse and launder.​​ Rinse with warm water, then wash as usual.

Caution:WD-40 has a strong odor, so be sure to launder the garment thoroughly to remove any residue. Avoid using it on rubber or plastic components near the stain, as it can degrade these materials.

Method 5: Enzymatic Laundry Pre-Treater

Enzymatic pre-treaters (like Shout or Spray ‘n Wash) contain enzymes that break down organic compounds—including oil. While they’re not as fast-acting as dish soap, they’re excellent for pre-treating stains before washing, especially in HE washers where agitation is limited.

​Step-by-Step:​​

1. ​Blot excess oil.​​ Remove as much oil as possible with a clean cloth.

2. ​Spray the pre-treater.​​ Hold the can 6–8 inches from the stain and spray generously, covering the entire area.

3. ​Let it sit for 5–10 minutes.​​ Enzymes need time to activate.

4. ​Wash as usual.​​ Use the hottest water safe for the fabric (check the care label) and add an extra scoop of laundry detergent.

Pro Tip:For best results, pair enzymatic pre-treaters with oxygen-based bleach (like OxiClean) in the wash cycle. The bleach helps lift any remaining discoloration.

Method 6: Cat Litter (For Large or Set-In Stains)

Non-clumping cat litter (made with clay or silica gel) is a surprising but effective tool for absorbing large amounts of engine oil. Its porous structure pulls oil out of fabric quickly, making it ideal for work uniforms or jeans with big spills.

​Step-by-Step:​​

1. ​Lay the garment on a tray.​​ Place the stained area face down on a shallow tray or pan.

2. ​Cover with cat litter.​​ Sprinkle a thick layer (1–2 inches) of non-clumping litter over the stain.

3. ​Press firmly.​​ Use a heavy object (like a book) to press the litter into the fabric for 30 minutes to an hour. The litter will absorb the oil.

4. ​Brush off the litter.​​ Use a stiff brush to remove all traces of litter.

5. ​Treat with dish soap.​​ Follow up with Method 1 to remove any remaining residue. Launder as usual.

Note:Avoid clumping cat litter—it can leave messy clumps on the fabric.

Method 7: Commercial Oil Stain Removers

If all else fails, commercial oil stain removers (like Goo Gone or Krud Kutter) are formulated specifically to tackle grease and oil. These products often combine solvents and surfactants for maximum power.

​Step-by-Step:​​

1. ​Read the label.​​ Ensure the product is safe for your fabric type (e.g., avoid bleach-based removers on colored clothes).

2. ​Apply the remover.​​ Spray or dab it onto the stain, following the product’s instructions.

3. ​Let it dwell.​​ Most removers need 1–5 minutes to work—don’t skip this step.

4. ​Scrub gently.​​ Use a soft brush to work the remover into the stain.

5. ​Rinse and launder.​​ Wash the garment as usual, checking if the stain is gone before drying.

What If the Stain Still Won’t Budge?

If you’ve tried multiple methods and the stain remains, don’t panic. Here are a few last resorts:

• ​Repeat the process.​​ Some engine oil stains require 2–3 treatments to fully lift. Be patient and repeat your chosen method.

• ​Soak in a vinegar solution.​​ Mix 1 part white vinegar with 2 parts water and soak the garment for 1–2 hours. Vinegar’s acidity helps break down oil.

• ​Visit a professional dry cleaner.​​ Dry cleaners have access to industrial-strength solvents that can tackle even the toughest stains. Be sure to point out the oil stain when dropping off the garment.

Key Takeaways to Prevent Future Stains

• ​Act fast.​​ The sooner you treat an engine oil stain, the easier it is to remove.

• ​Avoid heat.​​ Never use hot water or put the garment in the dryer until the stain is gone—heat sets the stain.

• ​Test first.​​ Always test cleaning solutions on an inconspicuous area to avoid discoloration.

• ​Check the care label.​​ Delicate fabrics may require gentler methods or professional cleaning.

Engine oil stains don’t have to mean the end of your favorite clothes. By using the right techniques—whether it’s dish soap, baking soda, or a commercial remover—you can lift even the most stubborn grease. Remember to act quickly, avoid heat, and be patient. With these methods, you’ll keep your wardrobe looking fresh, no matter how messy your garage or driveway gets.