Whether it’s a cooking, automotive or lubricating oil mark, the sooner you deal with an oily stain, the better the outcome.
Follow the directions below to minimize the risk of permanent stains. I have split this page into Motor Oil Stains and Cooking/Olive Oil Stains.
Motor Oil Stains
Of all the stains that we deal with on our clothes, upholstery and carpet, motor oil stains are some of the most difficult to remove. They can also be some of the most unsightly stains, so having effective methods to remove them is a good idea. Below are solutions on how to remove motor oil stains from clothes & fabrics and removing motor oil stains from carpets & upholstery.
Oil used to lubricate the moving parts of a motor. Bottled motor oil, which is available at most filling stations and garages, allows more and more people to add and change their own oil, so this stain is not limited to mechanics and gas station attendants. Car enthusiasts and professionals alike should take care with this dark, sticky substance, as it is extremely toxic.
Motor oil will stain throughout the year since oil changes are supposed to be done every several thousand miles or every few months. Depending on how they are obtained, you may need to remove motor oil stains from almost anywhere. After a long day at the garage, mechanics may look as if they have bathed in the stuff, finding it all over their sleeves, legs, fronts, and backs of their jumpsuits, not to mention on skin, hair and in ears. A garage attendant, mechanic, or motorist can obtain this stain any time of day or night, as oil changes or additions are not limited to daytime.
See also:
Motor Oil Stain Removal from Clothes & Fabrics
Solution 1:
1. Lay the stain face down on a soft absorbent cloth or paper towel.
2. Apply a dry-cleaning solvent or proprietary grease solvent to another cloth or paper towel, and then blot from the inside of the garment to push the stain out.
3. Spray with a laundry pre-treatment.
4. Wash in the hottest water that’s safe for the fabric.
5. Air dry.
Solution 2:
1. Dab a few drops of eucalyptus oil on the stain and leave for a few minutes.
2. If stain remains, dab with a cloth soaked in white spirit.
3. Wash as usual.
Motor Oil Stain Removal from Carpets & Upholstery
Solution 1:
1. Use a dull knife or spoon to remove as much as possible.
2. Blot remaining liquid with an absorbent cloth.
3. Sprinkle the stain with an absorbent powder such as baking soda, cornstarch, cornmeal, or talcum powder.
4. Let sit for 6 to 12 hours, then vacuum (do not brush) the powder.
5. If the stain remains, treat with a carpet spotter according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Solution 2:
1. Follow steps 1 and 2 above from Solution 1.
2. Dampen with club soda and blot. Repeat as needed.
3. If the stain remains, treat with a carpet spotter according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Cooking/ Olive Oil Stains
Cooking/olive oil can leave behind stains on clothes that appear unattractive. Instead of throwing your clothes away, you can remove the olive oil stains to restore your clothing. The oil clings to the fabric and needs treatment immediately to prevent it from permanently staining your clothes. Below are solutions on how to remove olive oil stains from clothes & fabrics and removing olive oil stains from carpets & upholstery.
Oil pressed from olives, used in salad dressings, for cooking, as an ingredient in soaps, and as an emollient. The edible types of oils are made from such things as nuts, seeds, vegetables, legumes, and fruits. Though canola and vegetable oils are indispensable for everyday cooking, olive oil is quickly becoming the most popular oil in the American kitchen, both for cooking and for flavoring.
Since these oils are used to cook everything from popcorn to stir-fry, removing oil stains is not limited to any particular season. Oil splatters easily when it gets hot. Therefore, no part of your clothing is safe from the stuff, though sleeves of sweaters and blouses, not to mention the fronts of aprons, are most vulnerable during cooking.
Olive Oil Stain Removal from Clothes & Fabrics
Solution 1:
1. Gently blot the stain with a paper towel.
2. Pour a little baking soda or cornstarch on the stain. Let sit about a half hour.
3. Vacuum the baking soda or cornstarch. If the olive oil stain is still there repeat the process.
4. Rinse and wash as usual. Allow to air dry.
Solution 2:
1. Use a dull knife or spoon to remove as much of the stain as possible.
2. Apply a laundry pre-soak (spot stain remover), and let stand for several minutes.
3. If the stain remains, rub liquid enzyme detergent into the stain and let stand several minutes.
4. Launder in the hottest water safe for the fabric.
Olive Oil Stain Removal from Carpets & Upholstery
Solution 1:
1. Sprinkle stained area with an absorbent powder, such as soda or talcum powder.
2. Let stand several hours.
3. Vacuum. Repeat until you have removed as much stain as possible.
4. If the stain remains, shampoo with a liquid carpet detergent according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Solution 2:
1. Scrape off excess olive oil with a dull knife or blot with paper towel.
2. Sprinkle baking soda, cornstarch, or other absorbent on the stain. Let stand for 10 to 15 minutes, and then vacuum.
3. Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with a dry-cleaning solvent.
4. Blot until the solvent is absorbed.
5. If the spot remains, continue oil stain removal by mixing one tablespoon of liquid hand dishwashing detergent and one tablespoon of white vinegar with two cups of warm water. Sponge the stain with this solution. Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
6. Sponge with cold water and blot dry to remove the detergent/vinegar solution.
Have you reached oil stain removal success? I hope so!
