Spilled Olive Oil on Your Clothes? Here’s Exactly How I Got the Stain Out

How to Get Olive Oil Out of Clothes (15 Tried-and-True Steps That Actually Work)

Ahhh, olive oil.

The hero of homemade meals, crispy veggies, and that one recipe you swear tastes better with a generous drizzle.

But olive oil on food? Yes.
Olive oil on your favorite shirt? Absolutely not.

Somehow, no matter how careful I am, olive oil has a talent for escaping the pan. One tiny splash turns into a greasy mystery stain I don’t notice until laundry day — usually after I’ve already washed it once. 🙃

I’m no stranger to cleaning chaos (my kitchen has tested me more times than I’d like to admit), and oil messes seem to show up everywhere — stovetop, cabinets, countertops… and yes, clothing.

The good news?
After plenty of trial, error, and “well, that made it worse” moments, I’ve finally figured out what actually works for olive oil stains — and what definitely doesn’t.

IMAGE BY PIXABAY

If you’ve ever stared at a stubborn grease spot wondering if your clothes are doomed forever, this guide is for you.

Does Olive Oil Really Stain Clothes?

Unfortunately… yes. And it can be sneaky.

Oil doesn’t leave a bold mark right away like tomato sauce or wine. Instead, it soaks quietly into fabric fibers and becomes very noticeable once the clothing dries.

Different fabrics react differently too. I once lost a white cotton tee I loved because I didn’t treat the stain correctly — turns out, it probably was salvageable if I’d known then what I know now.

The biggest rule to remember?
The faster you act, the better your chances.

But even if the stain has already been washed or dried, don’t panic — there’s still hope.

What Works Best for Removing Oil Stains?

Oil stains need something that breaks down grease, not just “cleans” fabric.

Here are a few reliable stain removers that consistently perform well on oil:

Top Oil-Fighting Laundry Helpers

OxiClean MaxForce Spray – strong and versatile

Shout Stain Remover – great for set-in grease

Tide Rescue – easy, no-mess option

Biokleen Bac-Out – plant-based and eco-friendly

Tide To Go Pen – perfect for oil spills on the go

That said, dish soap is still one of the most underrated oil-fighting heroes out there.

How to Remove Olive Oil Stains From Clothes (Step by Step)
Oil Stains on Nylon (Workout Clothes, Sleepwear, Activewear)

Nylon attracts oil like a magnet — but it’s also pretty forgiving if treated correctly.

1. Apply a Pre-Treatment

Use a stain remover or a few drops of heavy-duty liquid laundry detergent. Gently rub it into the stain using your fingers.

2. Wash Gently

Wash on a delicate cycle using cool or warm water. Check the stain before drying.

3. Air Dry or Use Low Heat

Only dry once you’re completely sure the stain is gone. Air drying is safest and helps prevent the oil from setting permanently.

Oil Stains on Cotton, Wool, or Cashmere

Natural fibers can hold onto oil, but dish soap works wonders here.

4. Keep the Fabric Dry at First

Don’t rinse with water before applying soap — oil and water don’t mix well.

IMAGE BY PIXABAY

Best Laundry Stain Removers:

OxiClean MaxForce Spray – My #1 pick for tackling tough stains of all kinds

SHOUT Stain Remover – Works wonders on greasy messes like oil

Tide Rescue Spray – Easy to use, no scrubbing required

Biokleen Bac-Out – Eco-friendly and great for sensitive skin

Tide-To-Go Pen – For those “oops” moments on the go

How to Get Olive Oil Out of Clothes (Step-by-Step)

5. Treat With Dish Soap

Apply a few drops of grease-cutting dish soap directly to the stain. Massage gently and let it sit for 5 minutes.

6. Rinse and Wash

Rinse with warm water, then wash following the care label.
White cotton can handle bleach if it’s labeled safe.

7. Air Dry and Inspect

Skip the dryer until you’re 100% sure the stain is gone.

How to Remove Olive Oil Stains After Drying

Yes — even dried stains can still be treated.

8. Re-Wet the Stain

Use warm water to loosen the dried oil.

9. Apply Dish Soap Again

Lather gently and let it sit for about an hour.

10. Wash as Usual

Use your regular detergent on a warm or cool cycle.

11. Air Dry and Check

Repeat if needed — patience pays off here.

How to Remove Olive Oil Stains After Washing (But Before Drying)

Caught it just in time? Here’s what to do.

12. Dab With White Vinegar

Apply vinegar directly to the stain to break down leftover oil.

13. Apply a Baking Soda Paste

Mix equal parts baking soda and vinegar, apply to the stain, then rinse and wash.

14. Soak Overnight (If Needed)

Soak the item in water with a little detergent and vinegar.

15. Rinse and Wash Again

Wash normally the next morning and air dry.

Final Thoughts

Olive oil stains are frustrating — especially when they show up on clothes you actually care about.

But with the right approach (and a little patience), most oil stains can be removed — even ones you thought were permanent.

If this post saved one favorite shirt from the donation pile, I’d call that a win. 💛

And if you love practical cleaning tips like this, you’ll probably enjoy the rest of my home and organization content too — because honestly, learning how to deal with life’s messes makes everything feel just a little more manageable.