Oil stains on clothing can be difficult to remove, especially if the stains have dried. As a result, efforts must be made to wash off fabric stains as soon as possible to prevent the oil stains from becoming old and difficult to remove.

Nonetheless, there are times when the oil stain will most likely become old and dried before washing, so in this article, we will discuss six ways to remove old oil stains from your clothes.

If you have previously attempted and failed at removing old oil stains from your clothes, do not give up or discard your clothes.

The methods presented in this article have been tested and proven to be very effective; all you must do is choose the method that suits you best and apply it.

6 Ways to Remove Old Oil Stains From Clothes

Several methods are available for removing old oil stains from your clothes; some are homemade remedies, while others are commercially available chemicals.

Whatever method you choose, keep in mind that the sooner you treat the stain, the better your chances are of getting rid of it and minimizing the possibility of permanent damage to your clothes.

1. Spray ’n Wash to Remove Old Oil Stains From Clothes

Spray ‘n Wash comes in four varieties: refill, stain stick, trigger, and max trigger. Only the Spray ‘n Wash Max trigger is designed for tough stains like old oil stains on clothes. As a result, care must be taken to apply the appropriate Spray ‘n Wash to the old oil stain.

• Turn the nozzle to the “on” position.
• Spray all over the stain to cover it completely.
• Wait for no more than 5 minutes.
• Using a brush, thoroughly rub the Spray ‘n Wash into the stain.
• Wash in your washing machine, as usual, using detergent and warm water.
• After the normal wash cycle, rinse and air dry your clothes.

Spray ‘n Wash must be used in conjunction with a detergent, but it does not reject other laundry additives. It is recommended that the care label instructions be followed at all times: for example, leaving the product on a garment for longer than the recommended time may damage the fabric.

Also, do not use Spray ‘n Wash on khaki materials; always test for colorfastness before using this product on colored garments. Finally, this product is not recommended for garments labeled “Dry Clean Only,” as it may cause permanent damage to the fabric.

2. Fast Orange Hand Cleaner to Remove Old Oil Stains From Clothes

Fast orange hand cleaner contains skin conditioners such as aloe, lanolin, glycerin, and others to prevent irritation to the skin while removing even the toughest stains.

Fast orange is a pure, fresh-smelling natural citrus powder that effectively removes even the most stubborn stains from clothing, such as grease, grime, and dried oil stains.

• Apply Fast Orange to cover the stain completely.
• Using your hands, rub the Fast Orange into the stain.
• Allow some time for the Fast Orange to dissolve the stains.
• Use detergent and warm water in your washing machine as usual.
• Rinse, and air dry your clothes after the normal wash cycle.

Remember that the process can be repeated depending on how old the oil stain is. Fast orange has the advantage of not containing any harsh chemicals; however, care should be taken to avoid contact with the eyes and reach of children.

The video below shows how quickly Fast Orange hand cleaner can be used to remove an old oil stain from a pair of jean trousers.

3. Hydrogen Peroxide with Baking Soda to Remove Old Oil Stains From Clothes

This method is used for two reasons: first, baking soda absorbs some of the oil left behind; however, in the case of old oil stains, hydrogen peroxide will help dissolve the stain so that the baking powder can effectively absorb it.

Also, because hydrogen peroxide is not harmful to colored clothing, this method is ideal for non-white fabrics.

• Apply hydrogen peroxide to the stain.
• Then, apply a thick layer of baking soda to the stain.
• Using a clean toothbrush, scrub the entire area.
• Allow the hydrogen peroxide to dissolve the stain for 30 to 60 minutes.
• Remove any baking soda clumps that have formed.
• If necessary, repeat the entire procedure.
• As usual, use detergent and warm water in your washing machine.
• After the normal wash cycle, rinse and air dry your clothes.

The combination of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda is very effective against tough stains on fabrics, such as old oil stains. Another important feature to mention is that it is inexpensive to produce and simple to use in our homes.

Aside from removing stubborn stains from clothes, this combination can be used to whiten teeth, kill germs, and clean carpets, tiles, and bathtubs, among other things.

4. White Vinegar to Remove Old Oil Stains From Clothes

White vinegar is one of nature’s most effective stain removers. Its mild acidity and pleasant smell make it an excellent choice for almost any household; it can remove tough stains without causing fabric damage. Compared to most fabric softeners and bleaches, this stain remover is much safer and less expensive.

White vinegar is preferred over other kinds of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar, because it is less expensive and does not stain fabrics. White vinegar effectively dissolves and removes old oil stains from clothing. Aside from that, it deodorizes the cloth, removing the unpleasant odor associated with clothes washed with oil.

• Pour some white vinegar directly on the oil stain you want to get rid of.
• Gently rub the white vinegar into the stain with light pressure.
• Ensure that the vinegar completely penetrates and covers the stain.
• Wash and rinse the clothes on a regular wash cycle, then air dry.

White vinegar is not as effective a bleaching agent as chlorine bleach; however, if the cloth being washed is colored, the white vinegar should be mixed in hot water to prevent fading or bleaching.

Also, white vinegar and baking soda can be used together to eliminate tough stains like old oil stains. Like hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, the baking soda will help absorb the oil stains while the vinegar sinks into the fabric.

5. OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover to Remove Old Oil Stains From Clothes

The OxiClean stain remover uses the power of oxygen to remove tough and persistent stains from clothing, including old oil stains, without dyes or perfumes.

It is suitable for almost every stain-fighting need because, when immersed in warm water, oxygen is released, forming oxygen bleach, which aids in the removal of stains from clothing.

The OxiClean stain remover is good for persons with sensitive persons because it does not irritate the skin. To get your garments sparkling clean, the OxiClean is color safe and works well with normal laundry detergents.

• Warm water should be added to the washing machine.
• Add the OxiClean to the warm water.
• Pour in your regular detergent.
• Add your stained clothes, and depending on how old the oil stain is allowed for at least 6 hours.
• Then run your normal wash cycle, rinse, and air dry your clothes.

You can keep your dingy white or colored clothes looking new by using OxiClean versatile stain remover to maintain and revive them and remove tough stains like dried oil stains.

This product removes stains from clothing and works as a carpet stain remover, upholstery cleaning solution, and stain fighter for almost any surface in your home. It is safer to use than chlorine bleach because it is gentle on colors and does not emit a chlorine odor.

6. Rubbing Alcohol, Dish soap, and Colgate Toothpaste to Remove Old Oil Stains From Clothes

Individually, rubbing alcohol, dish soap, and toothpaste provide some level of stain removal, but combining any two or all of them provides effective stain removal even against tough stains like dried oil stains.

This type of combination is very easy to obtain and use, and it is also one of the safest methods to use when dealing with old stain removal. The following steps should be taken when mixing these substances to achieve effective stain removal.

• Spread the stained cloth on a flat surface so that you can see the entire stain area.
• Apply your Colgate toothpaste to the stain.
• After this, apply dish soap to the stain.
• Then, add rubbing alcohol.
• Use a clean toothbrush to mix them while simultaneously rubbing the stained area.
• Allow the cloth to soak in clean water for at least 10 minutes.
• Finally, wash your clothes, as usual, rinse them, and hang them to dry.

This method is safe for white and colored clothing and causes no skin irritation. It is also a cheap and effective way to remove old oil stains from your clothes. This cleaning solution YouTube video will show you how to use this method.

Precautions

When using some chemicals listed above to remove old oil stains from your clothes, there are some precautions to take. Some precautionary measures to consider are listed below.

• Avoid getting chemicals in your eyes. Even if a chemical is safe for your skin, you shouldn’t let it touch your eyes. If it gets in your eye by accident, wash it with clean water and see an eye doctor if you need to.
• Do not use more than two methods at the same time. If one method does not remove the stains to your liking and you want to try another, first rinse the cloth and allow it to air dry before proceeding. Using two different methods simultaneously raises the possibility of a violent chemical reaction.
• Do not use the dryer; oil stain remnants in improperly washed clothes pose an explosion risk when in contact with a dryer; as a result, air drying is the best option for oil-stained clothes.
• Properly storing your chemicals ensures their longevity and prevents them from losing their potency over time. Chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide should be stored in a dark, out-of-the-way container, and baking soda in powdered form should not be stored in a wet area.
• Finally, keep out of the reach of children.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it Possible to Remove Stains with Warm Water?

Yes, warm water can help remove stains, though the effectiveness varies depending on the fabric and the type of stain. It is said that hot water works best in some stains but not in others and that cold water works well in some stains but not in others. Warm water is very effective at removing stains; it has also been shown to whiten yellowed white clothes.

Is it Possible to Keep the Already Mixed Paste?

When chemicals are mixed, they frequently form compounds completely different from their constituent elements. Carbon dioxide is formed in the presence of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, and the gas accumulation under the guise of storing the paste can result in an explosion. As a result, it is best to mix in a small amount that will be used immediately.

Why is Oil Stain so Difficult to Get Rid of?

Our primary method of washing clothes is with water, and because oil is hydrophobic and does not mix with water, water cannot break down its molecules to free it from the clothes. As a result, detergents and stain removers must be used to remove oil stains.

Final Words

Oil stains are difficult to remove, and the task becomes even more difficult if the stains have dried. The best way to treat oil stains is to avoid them altogether, but due to the slim chances of this happening, we have successfully established six methods you can use to safely remove old oil stains from your clothes.

It is clear from this article that the older the oil stains are, the more difficult they will be to remove.

As a result, the sooner you treat the oil stains, the better your chances are of getting rid of them. Additionally, we have listed the precautionary measures that must be taken to successfully remove old oil stains from your clothes.

Please leave a comment if you have any suggestions or questions or if you have used any of the methods listed above.