The best stain remover for oily and greasy stains is Dawn dish soap (especially original blue Dawn), paired with an absorbent powder like baking soda. These products act as powerful degreasers that break down and lift oils from fabric fibers effectively.
To remove a grease stain from clothing, act quickly by applying liquid dish soap (like Dawn) directly to the stain to break up the oil. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, then wash the garment in the washing machine using the hottest water setting safe for the fabric.
Conclusion. It turns out that oil is not the hardest stain to remove. All but one method (sorry, chalk) worked really well. Baking soda and dish soap both got the job done, but the Murphy Oil Soap was the clear standout.
Baking soda is a favourite household solution to lots of cleaning troubles, and oil stains are no exception. Keep a pot of gentle-yet-effective baking soda in your kitchen cupboard for emergency oil removal whenever you need it.
The "strongest" stain remover depends heavily on the type of stain. For laundry, enzyme- and oxygen-based formulas break down complex organic messes. For hard surfaces, solvent-based or professional-strength products that cut through grease and resins are best.
To remove deep or set-in stains, first identify the stain type (oil, enzyme, or dye) to choose the right treatment. Always blot—never rub—the stain to prevent spreading, and apply a pre-treatment like liquid detergent or an enzyme cleaner, allowing it to sit overnight before laundering.
To remove an oil-based stain, use a solvent like mineral spirits to break the bond, or a strong liquid dish soap (like Dawn) to emulsify the grease. The best removal method depends on the material you are cleaning.
Oil stains can be permanent, but that is not always the case if they are treated and cleaned quickly after they happen. Blotting and removing excess oil and treating the stain as quickly as possible will increase the possibility of successfully removing it.
You can also opt for soaking poop-stained clothes in a solution of water and a laundry additive powder with oxygen bleach. For example, you can use OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover, OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover Free, or OxiClean Baby Remover to help get poop out of clothes.
Effective hard oil stain removers include heavy-duty degreasers like Krud Kutter Cleaner Degreaser, Mean Green Super Strength, or poultice-based products like CHOMP! Concrete Oil Stain Remover. These products are designed to lift grease and oil from concrete, pavers, and asphalt.
Professional cleaners use:
Yes, OxiClean can successfully remove oil and grease stains (including motor oil and food grease) from washable fabrics. However, because OxiClean is a water-based oxygen bleach, it needs a surfactant to break down heavy, greasy oils.
Dish soap can be applied to stains before you run the wash, to better prevent them from settling into the fabric. Handwashing small loads: Dawn® Platinum can help remove stubborn oil and food stains, making it an ideal option for handwashing small loads of laundry.
To clean years of baked-on grease, ditch harsh scrubbing and use a chemical degreaser (like sodium hydroxide-based oven cleaner) or a heavy-duty degreaser like LA's Totally Awesome. Apply the cleaner, cover the area with plastic wrap to lock in moisture, let it sit overnight, and easily wipe the dissolved grease away.
You can also use the WD-40 Multi-use product to treat grease & oil stains on your clothes. Spray it on the grease stain & then use your finger or a soft brush to work it in the fabric. WD-40 multi-use product breaks down grease & oil, thus making their removal quicker.
Here's a tip to remove oil stains from clothing. Grab baby powder or cornstarch and rub it into the stains. Let it sit for a few hours so that the powder can absorb the oil. After a bit, you'll start to notice it working.
Yes, oil-based stain will eventually dry, typically taking 24 to 72 hours under ideal conditions. Unlike water-based stains that dry via evaporation, oil-based formulas cure through chemical oxidation. This process is slow, especially in cold or humid weather.
To get oil stains out of fabrics, use a heavy-duty degreaser like dish soap (e.g., Dawn) and a DIY absorbent to lift the stain. Act quickly, and avoid putting the item in a hot dryer until the stain is completely gone, as heat will "bake" the oil into the fibers.
Hazardous Household Waste Center or Collection Service
If reusing or recycling isn't an option, the next best option is to take your leftover oil-based wood stain to the nearest hazardous household waste collection site. These facilities will safely dispose of the product.
To lift old, set-in oil or grease stains, you need to break down the grease and draw it out of the fabric. The most reliable DIY method involves a two-step approach: pretreating with dish soap to cut the grease, and then washing the garment in the hottest water the fabric can tolerate.
There is no single "number one" stain remover for every situation, as different formulas target different stains. However, based on extensive testing by consumer experts and dry cleaners, a few industry leaders stand out as the best for specific needs:
Oprah's favorite stain remover is Stingray Instant Spot Remover. It became her top pick after a costume designer used it backstage to instantly save her white pants from melted chocolate.
How to Get Old Stains Out of Clothes