How to Remove Motor Oil from Clothes Without Leaving Stains Behind

Motor oil stains are among the most stubborn types of stains you’ll ever face. Whether you’re a weekend mechanic or someone who accidentally brushed up against a greasy car, oil marks on clothing can be incredibly frustrating. And if left untreated, they tend to set in, making removal even harder. But before you consider tossing your stained clothes, there’s hope. With the right steps and Vanish Oxi Action Liquid, it’s entirely possible to restore your garments without damaging the fabric.

In this blog, we’ll show you exactly how to remove motor oil from clothes — without leaving a trace behind.

Oil-based stains like motor oil don’t just sit on the fabric’s surface—they seep deep into the fibres, making them more resistant to standard washing methods. Their greasy texture bonds with synthetic and natural fabrics alike, creating a stain that becomes more stubborn the longer it stays. This is especially true for old or dried stains, which need more than just detergent to lift them out completely. That’s why using a dedicated stain remover designed to break down grease is essential to see real results.

To get the best results, it's important to treat the stain based on how fresh or stubborn it is. Follow these methods depending on the condition of your clothing. Here’s how to remove engine oil from clothes:

Pre-treat For Tough or Fresh Stains

Fresh stains respond well to immediate action. Start by laying the fabric flat and blotting any excess oil with a paper towel or clean cloth—do not rub, as that spreads the stain.

Now, grab your Vanish Oxi Action Liquid (Vanish Pink Liquid) and apply it directly onto the stained area. Rub it gently using a soft brush to allow the product to penetrate the fibres. Let it sit for 10 minutes—but don’t allow the product to dry on the garment. This step helps loosen the oil so that the wash can remove it more effectively.

Soak For Set-in or Old Motor Oil Stains

Wondering how to remove old motor oil stains from clothes? Older stains need a more intensive soak to loosen the oil that’s bonded with the fabric. In this case, add 2 caps of Vanish Oxi Action Liquid to 5 litres of water. If the stained garment is white, soak it for up to 6 hours. For coloured items, soak for a maximum of 1 hour to preserve the colour integrity.

Once soaked, rinse gently and proceed to wash as you normally would. This soaking method breaks down deeper grease deposits and preps the garment for a more effective clean.

Now that you know how to remove car oil from clothes, here’s what to do for normal and everyday oil stains. If the stain is mild or already partially treated, go ahead and toss it into the machine. Add 1 cap of Vanish along with your regular detergent. For enhanced stain removal and colour protection, especially when dealing with darker oil stains, use 2 caps.

Make sure to always check the washing instructions on the garment label, and avoid using hot water unless it’s safe for that fabric type. Hot water may set some oil stains further, depending on the material, so lukewarm or cold water is often a safer bet.

Now that you know how to remove motor oil from clothes, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Check Care Labels: Always follow fabric-specific washing instructions.
• Test First: Check for colour fastness on a hidden patch before full treatment.
• Avoid Mixing: Do not mix Vanish with any chlorine-based bleach.
• Rinse Properly: Always rinse garments thoroughly to remove any residue.
• Dry Safely: Let clothes dry in a shaded area, away from direct sunlight or heat.

Getting rid of oil stains doesn’t have to be a losing battle. With the right technique and Vanish Oxi Action Liquid, even the toughest engine and motor oil stains can be removed effectively. Whether the stain is fresh or has been sitting for a while, Vanish provides a targeted approach for every stage—pre-treat, soak, and wash. Just remember to act quickly, follow label instructions, and treat the fabric gently.

Next time an oily mishap strikes, you’ll know exactly how to remove motor oil from clothes—without any stress or permanent marks.