How do I remove grease and oil stains from my t-shirt?

Identify the stain, pre-treat it, apply the cleaner, rinse and dry - and your t-shirt should look good as new!

What cleaners can I use to remove oil-based stains?

For an oil-based stain, use a degreaser such as dish soap or laundry detergent.

What cleaners can I use to remove grease-based stains?

For a grease-based stain, use a product specifically designed to remove grease from fabric.

WikiLaundry > Stains > Grease and oil > Tshirt

Don't Let Grease & Oil Stains Ruin Your T-Shirts!

Oil and grease stains on t-shirts can be tricky to remove. Don't worry, here's some helpful tips for getting those pesky stains out of your favorite shirt.

Updated 20 Feb 2023

By Matej Kramberger

Step 1: Identify the Stain's Type

The first step in tackling a grease or oil stain is to identify what type it is. Different types of stains require different cleaning techniques.

If you're dealing with an oil-based stain like butter or cooking oil, then you'll need to treat it differently than you would a grease-based stain like machine oil or motor oil.
It's important to check the fabric care label on your t-shirt before beginning any cleaning methods, as some fabrics may be damaged by certain cleaners.

Step 2: Pre-Treat the Stain

Now that you've identified the stain type, you can begin pre-treating. This involves tampering down the stain and removing as much as possible before you start cleaning.

For an oil-based stain, use a paper towel to dab away excess oil.
For a grease-based stain, use baking soda to absorb the grease. Apply the baking soda directly to the stained area and let it sit for 30 minutes before wiping away.

Step 3: Apply the Cleaner

Once you've pre-treated stain, it's time to apply the cleaner. There are several cleaners you can use depending on the stain type:

For an oil-based stain, use a degreaser such as dish soap or laundry detergent. Apply the degreaser directly to the stain and let it sit for 10 minutes before washing.
For a grease-based stain, use a product specifically designed to remove grease from fabric. Apply the cleaner directly to the stain, let it sit for 10 minutes and then wash as usual.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

After applying the cleaner, it's time to rinse and dry t-shirt. Run cold water over the stain and then squeeze out excess moisture. Hang the shirt to dry, or dry it in the dryer on low heat.

With these steps, your favorite t-shirt should be looking good as new!

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