Grease & Oil on Cotton & Clothing

Medium·⏱ 10–20 min + laundry

  1. Apply cornstarch or baby powder generously to absorb the oil — leave 10 minutes.

  2. Brush off the powder.

  3. Apply dish soap (degreasing type like Dawn) directly to the stain — work in well.

  4. Let the dish soap sit for 5–10 minutes.

  5. Machine wash in the warmest water safe for the fabric. Air dry and check — do not tumble dry.

What you'll need

  • Dish soap (degreasing)
  • Baking soda
  • Cornstarch or baby powder
  • WD-40 (for dried)

Common mistakes to avoid

  • ✗Never put greasy items in the dryer — heat bakes the grease into the fibres permanently.
  • ✗Avoid cold water for grease — warm water works much better.

Pro tip

Dish soap is essentially engineered to cut through grease — it's the most effective household product for oil stains. Avoid "moisturising" dish soap formulas.

Always check the garment's care label and test any solution on a hidden area first. StainsGone provides general household guidance, not professional textile or restoration advice.