Oil stains can be one of the toughest messes to clean, whether they’re on your favorite shirt, your kitchen countertop, or even your driveway. The worst part? If not treated quickly, oil can seep deep into fabrics and surfaces, making it even harder to remove. But before you panic or toss out that stained clothing, try these six common household items that can remove oil stains like magic!
1. Dish Soap
Dish soap is a powerhouse when it comes to fighting grease, and it’s not just for washing dishes. Since it’s specifically designed to break down oils, it’s one of the best solutions to remove oil stains on fabric, upholstery, and even kitchen surfaces. To use dish soap, apply a few drops directly onto the stain, gently rub it in with your fingers or a soft brush, and let it sit for at least 10 minutes.
For fabric stains, rinse the area with warm water before tossing it into the washing machine. If you’re dealing with a tough, set-in stain, repeat the process or soak the item in warm water mixed with dish soap for about 30 minutes. For oil spills on kitchen counters or stovetops, mix dish soap with warm water and scrub the affected area with a sponge. You’ll be surprised at how quickly it cuts through the grease!
If you have a delicate fabric like silk or wool, be sure to use a mild dish soap and test a small area first. Dish soap is safe for most materials, but some delicate fabrics require extra care. Always air-dry your clothes after washing to make sure the stain is completely gone before using heat, as heat can set the stain permanently.
2. Baking Soda
Baking soda is one of the best natural oil absorbers, making it a great solution for fresh and even some older oil stains. Its fine particles soak up the oil, helping to remove oil stains from fabrics, carpets, and even hard surfaces like tile or stone. If you catch an oil spill early, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the stain and let it sit for at least 15–20 minutes. Then, use a brush to scrub it off, or vacuum the residue if you’re working on a carpet or upholstery.
For deeper stains, you can create a paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water. Apply the paste to the stain, let it sit for another 15 minutes, and then scrub with a brush before rinsing or washing. This method works particularly well on clothing, as baking soda can lift even stubborn grease stains that dish soap alone might not tackle.
Baking soda is also useful for removing oil stains from concrete driveways or garage floors. Simply sprinkle a thick layer over the stain, let it sit overnight, and scrub it off the next day with warm water and a stiff brush. Since baking soda is non-toxic and gentle, it’s a great option for families with pets and kids.
3. Cornstarch
Cornstarch works similarly to baking soda when it comes to oil stain removal. It absorbs grease quickly and effectively, making it a handy alternative if you don’t have baking soda on hand. Just like with baking soda, sprinkle a generous amount of cornstarch onto the stain and let it sit for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This allows it to fully absorb the oil before you brush or vacuum it away.
If you’re dealing with an oil stain on clothing, press the cornstarch into the fabric using your fingers or a spoon. Let it sit before brushing it off, then wash the clothing as you normally would. For fresh oil spills on furniture, you can also apply cornstarch, let it absorb the oil, and then wipe it away with a damp cloth.
For larger stains, such as grease spills on carpets or rugs, you can combine cornstarch with a small amount of mild detergent for extra cleaning power. Let the mixture work its magic before scrubbing gently with a soft brush. This method is effective for delicate surfaces that might not hold up well to stronger chemical cleaners.
4. Chalk
Chalk may seem like an unexpected oil stain remover, but it works wonders on fresh grease stains—especially on clothing. Chalk is made of calcium carbonate, which naturally absorbs grease and oil. The best way to use it is to rub white chalk directly onto the oil stain as soon as possible. Let it sit for a few minutes before brushing off the excess powder and washing the fabric as usual.
This trick is particularly useful for on-the-go emergencies. If you’re eating out and accidentally spill salad dressing or butter on your clothes, rubbing a piece of chalk over the stain can help prevent the oil from setting in. Keep a small piece of white chalk in your bag for quick stain treatments when you’re not at home.
Chalk works best on lighter fabrics, so if you’re trying to remove oil stains from dark clothing, test a small area first to ensure it doesn’t leave a visible residue. It’s a quick and easy solution for those last-minute stain mishaps before an important event!
5. Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is a powerful oil and grease remover that works well on clothes, furniture, and even some hard surfaces. It helps break down oils and evaporates quickly, leaving little residue behind. To use rubbing alcohol on fabric stains, pour a small amount onto a clean cloth or cotton ball and blot the stained area. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing with water or washing the item in the laundry.
For stains on upholstery, apply rubbing alcohol using a soft cloth and gently dab at the stain until the oil lifts. Be careful not to rub too hard, as this might spread the stain further. Rubbing alcohol is also effective on glass and countertops—just apply it to a paper towel and wipe away greasy fingerprints or residue.
One important thing to keep in mind is that rubbing alcohol can sometimes fade certain fabrics or surfaces, so always test a hidden spot before using it. If you’re dealing with a large stain, start with a small amount of alcohol and work your way up if needed.
6. Coca-Cola
It might sound strange, but Coca-Cola can help remove oil stains from clothing and even driveways. The carbonation and acidic ingredients work to break down grease, making it easier to lift out of fabrics and porous surfaces. If you have an oil stain on a shirt, pour a little Coca-Cola over it and let it sit for an hour before washing as usual.
For outdoor oil stain removal—like those on garage floors or concrete driveways—pour Coca-Cola over the stain and let it soak overnight. The acids will help loosen the oil, making it easier to scrub away with soap and water the next day. While it might not remove every trace of a deep stain, it can significantly reduce the visibility of oil marks.
Just keep in mind that Coca-Cola contains sugar, so be sure to rinse thoroughly after using it as a cleaner. Otherwise, you might end up with a sticky mess instead of a clean surface!
Need Help to Remove Oil Stains?
While these household items work wonders to remove oil stains, some messes are just too stubborn to handle on your own. If you’re dealing with tough grease stains on carpets, furniture, or kitchen surfaces, Toronto Shine Cleaning is here to help! Our professional cleaning team uses top-quality products and expert techniques to remove stains and leave your home spotless.
Don’t let oil stains stress you out—contact Toronto Shine Cleaning today for a sparkling clean home!
