How to Get Oil Out of Clothes

1. Pre-Treat with Dish Soap or Detergent

One of the most effective ways to break down oil and grease stains is by using a grease-fighting dish soap or laundry detergent. Apply a small amount directly to the stain, gently rub it in, and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before washing the garment in warm to hot water (check fabric recommendations before washing in hot water). This method works well for butter stains and other cooking oils.

2. Baking Soda for Absorption

For fresh stains, sprinkle baking soda over the affected area to absorb excess oil. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes before brushing it off. After, wash as normal using warm water. This is particularly useful for engine grease stains, which can be quite thick.

3. Use a Vinegar Solution

A common question is, "Will vinegar remove grease from clothes?" The answer is yes! Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water and apply it to the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes before blotting with a clean cloth. Vinegar helps to break down the grease, making it easier to remove during the wash cycle.

4. Try Cornstarch for Delicate Fabrics

When attempting to remove oil or grease stains from delicate fabrics, cornstarch can be a gentle alternative to baking soda. Sprinkle it on the stain, let it sit for an hour, and then brush it off. Follow with washing the garment in warm water.

After trying one of the above methods and washing the clothing, check to see if the stain remains before allowing it to dry. If it’s still there, try one of the other three methods and rewash. It’s best not to place clothes in the dryer until you’re sure the oily stain is gone, so we recommend air drying clothing after stain treating and washing oily or greasy stains.

NOTE: DO NOT place garments in the dryer that have ever had anything flammable on them—even after washing.

How Features on Your GE Washers and Dryers Help Remove Stains

GE Appliances washers and dryers are designed with innovative features to enhance your laundry experience, especially when dealing with tough stains like oil and grease. Learn about how these features work and how to put them to use on laundry day.

• Stain Removal Guide: Many GE washers come with a Stain Removal Guide, offering pre-programmed settings tailored for several types of stains. This guide takes the guesswork out of choosing the right cycle and temperature, optimizing your chances of stain removal success
   
• Auto Soak and Wash Boost: Some GE Appliances washers come with an Auto Soak or Wash Boost mode. Both of these features help remove stubborn stains by soaking your clothes before the wash cycle, giving added time to loosen the stain.
   
• Deep Clean Cycle: Some of our top-load washers offer a Deep Clean cycle that performs with 67% more cleaning power than normal cycles* to help achieve an ultimate deep clean for your toughest laundry loads.
   

*Colors, Normal cycle.