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Two Best Home Remedies To Remove Oil Stains From Jeans

Two Best Home Remedies To Remove Oil Stains From Jeans

Riya Yadav
July 31, 2025

Jeans are a wardrobe staple which is durable, stylish, and perfect for almost any occasion. But an unexpected splash of cooking oil or motor grease can ruin their look. Oil stains are stubborn and tend to cling tightly to fabric fibers, especially on denim. If you’re wondering how to remove oil stains from jeans without rushing to the dry cleaner, you’re in the right place.

In this blog, we’ll share two best home remedies to remove oil stains from your jeans quickly and effectively. These methods use simple ingredients you already have at home and are safe for your denim.

Why Are Oil Stains So Difficult to Remove?

Oil is hydrophobic, meaning it repels water. When oil seeps into your jeans, it penetrates deep into the fibers and doesn’t dissolve with regular washing. Over time, if not treated properly, the stain sets in, making removal even harder.

That’s why quick action and the right method are essential to save your jeans.

Remedy 1: Dish Soap and Baking Soda: The Dynamic Duo

Best For: Fresh oil stains

Ingredients Needed:

Dishwashing liquid (preferably grease-cutting)
Baking soda
Old toothbrush or soft-bristled brush
Warm water
Paper towels or a clean cloth

Steps:

Blot the Stain:
Use a paper towel to blot (not rub) the oil stain. Absorb as much oil as possible without spreading it.
Sprinkle Baking Soda:
Generously apply baking soda over the stained area. Let it sit for 15–20 minutes. Baking soda helps absorb the excess oil from the fabric.
Scrub Gently:
Use an old toothbrush to gently scrub the baking soda into the fabric. You may notice clumps forming as it pulls oil from the fibers.
Apply Dish Soap:
Add a few drops of dishwashing liquid directly onto the stain. Work it into the fabric using your fingers or the toothbrush. Let it sit for another 10 minutes.
Rinse with Warm Water:
Rinse the area with warm water to remove the soap and residue. If needed, repeat the steps for tougher stains.
Wash Normally:
Wash the jeans in your regular laundry cycle with detergent. Air dry instead of using a dryer, as heat can set any remaining stain.

Why This Works:

Dish soap is formulated to cut through grease, while baking soda absorbs oil. Together, they create a powerful solution for oil stain removal from jeans.

Remedy 2: Cornstarch and White Vinegar: The Gentle Cleanser

Best For: Older or set-in oil stains

Ingredients Needed:

Cornstarch
White vinegar
Mild laundry detergent
Soft cloth or sponge

Steps:

Apply Cornstarch:
Cover the oil stain with a thick layer of cornstarch. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for older stains.
Brush It Off:
Gently brush off the cornstarch with your hand or a soft cloth. You’ll likely notice the powder has absorbed some of the oil.
Add White Vinegar:
Soak a cloth in white vinegar and dab it onto the stained area. This helps break down the oil and lifts it from the fabric.
Rub in Detergent:
Add a small amount of mild detergent directly to the stain. Rub it in gently using your fingers or a sponge.
Rinse and Wash:
Rinse with cold water, then machine wash your jeans on a gentle cycle. Hang them to dry naturally.

Why This Works:

Cornstarch acts as an absorbent, much like baking soda, while white vinegar helps break down grease molecules. This method is ideal for delicate denim or when dealing with old, stubborn oil stains.

Additional Tips to Remove Oil from Denim

Act Quickly: The faster you treat the stain, the easier it is to remove.
Avoid Hot Water Initially: Hot water can cause oil to set permanently. Always use cold or lukewarm water first.
Don’t Rub Hard: Rubbing spreads the oil and may damage denim fibers.
Skip the Dryer: Heat can seal in the stain, making it near impossible to remove later.

Repeat if Needed: Some stains require two or more treatments to fully disappear.

When to Seek Professional Help?

If the oil stain covers a large area or has already been heat-set in a dryer, home remedies might not be enough. In such cases, consider professional dry cleaning services for effective results without damaging the fabric.

Oil stains don’t have to mean the end of your favorite jeans. With the right ingredients and a little patience, you can restore them to their former glory at home. Whether you use the dish soap and baking soda method for fresh stains or cornstarch and vinegar for older ones, these home remedies for oil stains are budget-friendly and highly effective.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to remove oil stains from jeans, don’t wait! The sooner you act, the better the results.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author. They do not necessarily purport to reflect the values or views of Tumbledry.