Oil stains are annoying because they don’t “look” dramatic at first… and then they set, darken, and suddenly your favorite shirt is ruined. The good news: most oil stains come out if you treat them the right way (and don’t lock them in with heat too soon).

Below is my favorite method using parchment paper, baking soda, and an iron, plus a handful of other easy remedies you can do with things you already have at home.

Before You Start: 3 Quick Rules

• Blot, don’t rub. Rubbing spreads oil deeper into fibers.

• Avoid the dryer until the stain is gone. Dryer heat can make it permanent.

• Check the care label. If it says “dry clean only,” test anything on an inside seam first or take it in.

The Parchment Paper + Baking Soda + Iron Method (My Go-To)

This works especially well for fresh cooking oil, butter, greasy food stains, and oily lotion marks.

What you need

• Parchment paper (or brown paper bag in a pinch)

• Baking soda

• Iron

• Dish soap (optional but helpful)

• A soft brush or old toothbrush

Step-by-step

1. Blot the excess oil.
   Use a paper towel to press down and lift oil off the surface.

2. Cover the stain with baking soda.
   Sprinkle a generous layer over the stain (don’t be shy). Let it sit 15–30 minutes.

   • If the stain is older or heavy, let it sit 1–2 hours.

3. Brush off the baking soda.
   Use a toothbrush to gently lift the powder away. If it looks clumpy, that’s a good sign.

4. Sandwich the stain between parchment paper.
   Put parchment paper under the stained area and another piece on top.

5. Iron on low heat (no steam).
   Set the iron to low (start with a synthetic-safe setting). Press for 5–10 seconds, lift, and check. Repeat a few times, moving to a clean section of parchment if it gets oily.

   • You’re using gentle heat to help transfer oil into the paper.

6. Finish with dish soap (recommended).
   Add a drop of dish soap directly to the stain, work it in with your fingers, and let it sit 5–10 minutes.

7. Wash and air-dry to check.
   Wash in the warmest water safe for the fabric. Air dry and inspect. If it’s still there, repeat before using the dryer.

Why this works

• Baking soda absorbs oil from fibers.

• Parchment paper acts like a blotting “sponge” for oil when warmed.

• Low heat helps oil migrate out, but doesn’t scorch the fabric.

Other Simple Oil-Stain Remedies (Pick What You Have)

1) Dish Soap (Fastest and most reliable)

Best for: fresh grease stains, collars, cooking splatter

1. Blot excess oil

2. Apply dish soap directly

3. Gently work it in 1–2 minutes

4. Let sit 10 minutes

5. Wash, air dry

Tip: Clear, grease-cutting dish soap tends to work best.

2) Baby Powder or Cornstarch (For fresh stains when you can’t wash yet)

Best for: on-the-go oil stains, restaurant accidents

1. Blot

2. Cover with baby powder or cornstarch

3. Wait 30 minutes

4. Brush off

5. Follow with dish soap + wash when possible

3) Chalk (Surprisingly good for tiny fresh spots)

Best for: small drips on cotton tees

1. Rub white chalk over the stain

2. Let it sit 10–15 minutes

3. Brush off and wash
   This is basically a quick absorbent “patch.”

4) Baking Soda + Dish Soap Paste (For tougher stains)

Best for: older stains or thicker grease (butter, mayo, bacon grease)

1. Mix baking soda + dish soap into a paste

2. Apply and gently scrub

3. Let sit 30 minutes

4. Wash, air dry

5) Aloe-free Hand Soap or Shampoo (If you’re traveling)

Best for: quick pre-treat in a hotel bathroom
Use it like dish soap: rub in, wait, rinse, then wash.

What NOT to Do

• Don’t put it in the dryer “to see if it comes out.” That’s how stains become permanent.

• Don’t iron the stain directly without a barrier. Always use parchment/paper and keep heat low.

• Don’t use high heat right away. Heat can set oils into synthetic fabrics.

Quick Stain Cheat Sheet

• Fresh oil stain: blot → dish soap → wash

• Fresh + no access to laundry: blot → cornstarch/baby powder → later dish soap → wash

• Set-in stain: baking soda 1–2 hours → parchment + low iron → dish soap → wash

• Delicate fabric: skip iron at first, do baking soda + gentle dish soap, test spot