How to Remove Grease & Oil Stains
Written by Shannon, Owner and Founder of Long Island MaidsGrease stains are tricky because oil repels water—so water alone won't help. The secret is using a degreaser (like dish soap, which is literally designed to cut grease) and sometimes fighting oil with oil.
Your instinct might be to rinse the stain with water. Resist! Water spreads oil stains and can set them. Instead, start by absorbing excess oil with an absorbent powder, then treat with a degreaser.
- Dish soap (Dawn is best)
- Baking soda OR cornstarch
- Old toothbrush
- White vinegar
- WD-40 (for tough stains)
- Cardboard (to protect surfaces)
Fresh Grease on Clothing
Absorb Excess Oil
Blot (don't rub) with paper towels to remove excess grease. Then cover the stain completely with baking soda, cornstarch, or even baby powder. Let sit 10-15 minutes—you'll see it absorbing the oil.
Brush Off Powder
Brush or shake off the powder. If the stain is large, you may need to repeat the powder step until no more oil absorbs.
Apply Dish Soap
Put a few drops of dish soap directly on the stain. Work it in gently with your fingers or an old toothbrush. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Dish soap is formulated to cut grease—this is its moment to shine.
Wash in Hot Water
Check the care label, then wash in the hottest water safe for the fabric. Hot water helps dissolve and flush away the loosened grease. Air dry and check the stain before using the dryer.
The WD-40 Method for Set-In Stains
Grease on Carpet
- Scrape off excess—use a butter knife or spoon to remove any solid grease
- Apply baking soda—cover liberally and let sit 15 minutes
- Vacuum—remove the baking soda
- Apply dish soap solution—mix 1 tbsp dish soap with 2 cups warm water
- Blot, don't scrub—work from outside in, blotting with a clean cloth
- Rinse and dry—blot with plain water, then dry completely
Motor Oil & Automotive Grease
Motor oil is more stubborn than cooking oil. Try this approach:
- Apply WD-40 to the stain and let sit 15-20 minutes
- Cover with baking soda to absorb the WD-40 and loosened oil
- Brush off and apply dish soap directly to the stain
- Work in with a brush, then wash in hot water
- Repeat if needed—motor oil often requires 2-3 treatments
Grease on Concrete (Driveways, Garage Floors)
For fresh oil spills:
- Cover immediately with cat litter, sawdust, or baking soda
- Let sit several hours or overnight to absorb
- Sweep up and dispose properly
- Scrub remaining stain with dish soap and hot water using a stiff brush
For old, set-in stains: Apply a commercial concrete degreaser or a paste of baking soda and dish soap. Let sit 30 minutes, scrub with a stiff brush, and rinse with a hose or pressure washer.
Cooking Oil vs. Butter vs. Mayonnaise
All are essentially grease stains, but:
- Butter/margarine: Contains milk proteins. Scrape off solid first, then treat with enzyme-based stain remover before the dish soap method.
- Mayonnaise: Oil + egg. Scrape off excess, treat with enzyme cleaner for the protein, then dish soap for the oil.
- Salad dressing: Often has vinegar and herbs too. Scrape, blot, then treat with dish soap. The vinegar actually helps break down the oil.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why shouldn't I use water first on grease stains?
Water and oil don't mix—water actually spreads oil stains and can set them into fabric fibers. Always start by absorbing excess oil with a dry powder like baking soda or cornstarch, then treat with a degreaser like dish soap before adding any water.
Does the WD-40 method really work on old grease stains?
Yes, surprisingly well. The petroleum in WD-40 re-dissolves set-in grease that has bonded with fabric fibers. Spray it on, let it sit 15-20 minutes, then treat with dish soap as usual. It works because you're fighting oil with oil.
Can I put grease-stained clothes in the dryer?
Never put grease-stained items in the dryer until you're 100% sure the stain is completely gone. Heat permanently sets grease stains. Always air dry and check in good light—even a faint residue will become permanent after machine drying.
What's the difference between treating butter vs. cooking oil stains?
Butter and mayonnaise contain proteins (from milk and eggs) in addition to fat, so they need enzyme-based stain remover first to break down the protein, followed by dish soap for the oil. Pure cooking oil only needs the dish soap treatment.
How do I remove motor oil from a concrete driveway?
For fresh spills, cover immediately with cat litter, sawdust, or baking soda and let sit overnight to absorb. Sweep up and scrub remaining stain with dish soap and hot water using a stiff brush. For old stains, use a commercial concrete degreaser or make a paste of baking soda and dish soap.
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