Key steps
- Use talcum powder or cornflour to loosen set-in stains.
- Create a paste from washing-up liquid and baking soda.
- Try using laundry detergent as a pre-treatment.
- Don’t use detergent on delicate materials like wool.
- Always follow care label instructions to wash your clothes.
Coming into contact with bike or car oil can leave ugly, dark oil stains on clothes. These stains are not always easy to remove, but don’t panic. It is possible to clean them with the right method. Here are simple tips for how to get bike oil out of clothes and car oil stains too.
Heat will set stains into clothing, so only use cold water to rinse the area. Direct the water flow from behind the stain to the front.
How to get car oil out of clothes using washing-up liquid
Working on cars and motorcycles can be a messy job. Whether you’ve worked on the engine or simply cleaned it up, washing-up liquid is a great choice for removing fresh grease stains.
- Make a paste from washing-up liquid and baking soda to boost grease-cutting power.
- Use an old toothbrush to gently scrub the stain with the paste.
- Avoid using too much washing-up liquid. You only need a small drop to break down oil and grease.
- Rinse the stain using cool water, letting the water run from the back of the stain outward to avoid pushing it deeper into the fibres.
- Follow the care label instructions and wash your clothes as normal.
- Leave the garment to air-dry. Air-drying helps you check whether the stain returns.
Heat can permanently set stains in fabric, so it is best to avoid using a tumble dryer until the stain is fully gone.
How to treat dried oil stains
- Sprinkle talcum powder or cornflour over the dried stain.
- Leave it for around five minutes to absorb excess grease.
- Brush the powder off gently.
- Then repeat the washing-up liquid method if needed.
Extra tips
- Always test any cleaning product on a hidden area first.
- Do not use strong detergent on delicate fabrics like wool or silk.
- Repeat the process for stubborn stains before drying the garment.