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How to Get Oil Stains & Grease Stains Out of Clothes
Learn step-by-step methods for how to get grease stains out of clothes, pants, jeans and even delicate fabrics.
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When fats or oils like butter, bacon grease or vegetable oil bind to fabric fibers, they leave stubborn spots that don’t wash out easily. If you’re searching for how to get oil out of clothes or how to remove set-in grease stains, you’ve found the right how-to guide.
What should I use to remove oil & grease stains?
Liquid dishwashing detergent
Laundry detergent
Soft brush
Gloves
How to remove oil & greast stains from clothes
Keep it dry
Avoid wetting the stain. You want to start with dry fabric.
Pre-treat
Apply dish detergent directly to the stain and gently rub it in.
Wait
Let the detergent break down the oil for 5 minutes.
Rinse
Flush with warm water to remove all detergent.
Machine wash
Use laundry detergent and Clorox 2™ for Colors in the warmest water safe for the fabric.
Air dry
Avoid drying with heat.
How to remove oil & greast stains from jeans
Blot
Remove excess oil using a paper towel or cloth.
Apply dish detergent
Gently massage dish soap into the stain.
Wait
Let sit for 5 minutes.
Rinse and pre-treat
Flush with water, then apply Clorox 2™ for Colors.
Machine wash
Use the warm water setting and add detergent and Clorox 2™ for Colors.
Air dry
Avoid drying with heat.
How to remove oil & grease from dresses & delicates
Check the care label
Avoid using bleach on silk, suede or leather.
Pre-treat
Apply Clorox 2™ for Colors and let sit for 10 minutes.
Machine or hand wash
Use cold or warm water with a gentle detergent.
Air dry
Avoid heat until the stain is gone.
Household ingredients to remove oil & grease stains
For deep-set or stubborn grease stains, Clorox 2™ for Colors is a great non-bleach alternative that delivers a reliable clean. You can also try one of the natural household alternatives below, but we do recommend re-washing with Clorox 2 for Colors for best results.
| Cleaner | Notes |
|---|---|
| Baking soda | Absorbs surface oil; best for fresh stains but may leave residue |
| Cornstarch | Similar to baking soda; limited on set-in grease |
| White vinegar | Cuts grease and neutralizes odors; less effective on older stains |
| Lemon juice | Mild degreaser; may lighten fabrics — spot test first |
| Dish soap | Breaks down oil bonds; good pretreatment but not always strong enough |
Bleach tips for removing grease & oi stains
- Not sure what bleach-to-water ratio you need? Check out our handy chart.
- Use freshly mixed solutions. Bleach degrades over time when diluted.
- Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia or any other cleaner. Doing so can create dangerous fumes.
- Wear gloves and ensure good ventilation during use.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What gets grease out of clothes?
Grease stains cling to fabric fibers and resist water, so the best way to remove them is to pretreat with Clorox 2™ for Colors. Apply it directly to the stain, let it sit for 10 minutes, then wash in warm water. Repeat if needed before drying.
- Does bleach cut grease?
Yes, Clorox™ Disinfecting Bleach works well on white, bleach-safe fabrics. It’s especially effective after pretreating with dish soap or Clorox 2™ for Colors. Just follow dilution guidelines and avoid using bleach on colored or delicate fabrics.
- How do I remove oil stains on colored clothes?
Use Clorox 2™ for Colors. It’s safe for colorfast fabrics and lifts oil without fading. Pretreat the stain, let it sit and wash in warm water. Always check the care label and test on a hidden area first.
- Should I use hot or cold water for grease stains?
Warm water is usually best for oily stains because it helps break down grease. However, always check the fabric care label first. For delicate fabrics, cold water may be safer.
- Are oil stains on clothes permanent?
Not always. If treated quickly and correctly, most oil stains can be removed. Pretreat with Clorox 2™ for Colors, use warm water and avoid the dryer until the stain is gone.
- What causes oil spots on clothes after washing?
Oil spots after washing often come from untreated stains or fabric softener buildup. They can also result from dirty washers. Pretreat with Clorox 2™ for Colors, use a grease-cutting detergent and clean your washer regularly.
- What gets motor oil out of clothes?
Motor oil is heavier than food grease and may require multiple treatments. Blot the stain, pretreat with Clorox 2™ for Colors and wash in warm water. For full steps, see How to Get Motor Oil Stains Out of Clothes.