How to Get Stains Out: Oil, Paint, Ink & More

Table of Contents

• 1. How to Get Cooking Oil Stains Out of Clothes
• 2. How Do I Get an Oil Stain Out of Clothes?
• 3. How to Get Grease Stains Out of Clothes
• 4. Get Old Oil Stains Out of Clothes
• 5. How to Get Oil Stains Out of Clothes After Drying
• 6. How to Get Dry Acrylic Paint Out of Clothes
• 7. How to Remove Ink Stains from Clothes
• 8. Bonus: How to Remove Coffee Stains
• 9. Universal Stain Removal Tips
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

1. How to Get Cooking Oil Stains Out of Clothes

Cooking oil stains are one of the most common—and sneakiest—stains to deal with. They often go unnoticed until after drying, making them harder to remove.

Steps:

1. Blot any excess oil with a paper towel.
2. Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch over the stain to absorb oil.
3. Let it sit for 15–30 minutes.
4. Brush off powder, apply dish soap directly, and scrub gently.
5. Wash on the hottest setting that is safe for your fabric.
6. Air dry and inspect before repeating.

👉 Want a DIY approach? Check out our homemade cleaning supplies guide.

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2. How Do I Get an Oil Stain Out of Clothes?

For fresh stains, quick action makes a big difference. Follow the method above and never dry until the stain is gone.

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3. How to Get Grease Stains Out of Clothes

Grease from food or tools needs special care.

Steps:

• Blot the grease and apply baby powder, chalk, or baking soda.
• Let it sit 15–20 minutes.
• Add dish soap (like Dawn) and scrub gently.
• Launder with enzyme detergent.

🔗 Check out Dawn’s stain removal guide and Maytag’s expert tips.

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4. Get Old Oil Stains Out of Clothes

Tough stains that have set in require extra effort.

Steps:

• Spray with WD-40 (test fabric first).
• Let sit 10–15 mins.
• Apply baking soda and scrub to form a paste.
• Wash with warm water and repeat as needed.

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5. How to Get Oil Stains Out of Clothes After Drying

Once dried, oil bonds to fabric—but it’s still possible to fix.

Steps:

• Apply WD-40 or rubbing alcohol to re-soften the stain.
• Scrub with dish soap after 15 minutes.
• Wash and air dry before repeating if needed.

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6. How to Get Dry Acrylic Paint Out of Clothes

Acrylic paint dries quickly but can be lifted with patience.

Steps:

• Scrape excess paint carefully.
• Apply acetone or rubbing alcohol.
• Blot and rinse with cold water.
• Launder and repeat.

Always spot test solvents first.

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7. How to Remove Ink Stains from Clothes

Ink spreads fast—act immediately.

Steps:

• Dab rubbing alcohol or hairspray.
• Blot with a cloth.
• Rinse and launder.
• Air dry to check results.

Soaking in milk may help with delicate fabrics.

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8. How to Remove Coffee Stains

Fresh stains respond well to prompt treatment.

Steps:

1. Blot with cold water.
2. Treat with white vinegar + detergent.
3. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
4. Rinse, wash, and repeat if needed.

☕ You may also like our guide to removing water stains from wood.

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9. Universal Stain Removal Tips

• Always spot test.
• Air dry until the stain is gone.
• Use enzyme or oxygen-based cleaners.
• Try hydrogen peroxide for blood, wine, and ink.
• Keep emergency stain pens nearby.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How do you get oil stains out of clothes that have already been washed and dried?
A: Use WD-40 or rubbing alcohol, then scrub with dish soap. Launder, air dry, and repeat if needed.

Q2: How to remove coffee stains from clothes?
A: Blot and treat with vinegar + detergent. Use baking soda if necessary.

Q3: How to remove blood stains from clothes?
A: Use cold water and hydrogen peroxide or a baking soda paste. Soak older stains in saltwater.

Q4: How to remove wine stains from clothes?
A: Blot, salt it, then treat with dish soap and vinegar.

Q5: How to remove mustard stains from clothes?
A: Scrape, rinse, then scrub with dish soap and vinegar.

Q6: What’s the best way to get ink stains out of fabric?
A: Rubbing alcohol or hairspray works best. Blot and rinse.

Q7: How to get dry acrylic paint out of clothing?
A: Scrape it, apply acetone or rubbing alcohol, then blot and wash.

Q8: Can old grease stains be removed?
A: Yes. Absorb with powder, scrub with dish soap, and repeat as needed.

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Conclusion

Whether you’re battling oil, grease, ink, or acrylic paint, the right technique makes all the difference. Tackle stains early, repeat treatments when needed, and always air dry before machine drying. For even more stain-fighting tips, check out our DIY and cleaning supply guides.

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Last Updated: April 17, 2025