How to remove grease or oil stains
Oily stains need a degreaser, not just water. Here's the safe way to lift a grease or oil stain — these steps work for most fabrics, and you can tailor them to yours in the tool below.
Good odds
Usually lifts if you treat it promptly.
Do this now
- 1
Blot away excess, then sprinkle cornflour or baking soda on to absorb the oil; leave 10–15 minutes and brush off.
- 2
Work washing-up liquid into the stain — it’s made to cut grease.
- 3
Rinse with warm water (if the fabric allows).
- 4
Wash as the label allows; check it’s gone before any heat.
Use
- Washing-up liquid
- Cornflour / baking soda
- Warm water
Avoid
- Water only
- High heat before it’s gone
- Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia, alcohol, rust remover, or other cleaners.
- Use only one stain-removal chemical at a time, then rinse before trying another.
Good to know
These steps suit most washable fabrics. Choose your fabric to tailor them — gentler for wool, silk and other delicates, firmer for cotton and denim.