This article was co-authored by Susan Stocker and by wikiHow staff writer, Amy Bobinger. Susan Stocker runs and owns Susan’s Green Cleaning, the #1 Green Cleaning Company in Seattle. She is well known in the region for outstanding customer service protocols — winning the 2017 Better Business Torch Award for Ethics & Integrity —and her energetic support of green cleaning practices.
There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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Whether you spilled cooking grease on your favorite shirt or you had an automotive mishap in your driveway, oil spills can be really tricky to clean up. However, baking soda may be a surprisingly simple and inexpensive solution—and you probably already have it on hand! We're here to answer your questions about how to use this pantry staple to absorb oil stains from nearly anything in your home!
Steps
How do you remove oil from fabric with baking soda?
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1Cover a fresh stain with baking soda and let it sit overnight. First, use a cloth or paper towel to blot up as much of the extra oil as you can. Then, generously sprinkle baking soda onto the stain. Let it sit overnight so the baking soda can absorb the oil, then brush away the powder.[1] Spritz the fabric with a mixture of water and vinegar and let it sit for about 30 minutes, then scrub the spot with dish soap until it's gone.[2]
- You don't have to pile up the baking soda, but do make sure that it covers the stain completely so you can't see the fabric beneath.
- Don't rinse the oil spot before you do this—the water will form a coating around the oil, which will actually make it harder to remove.
- Once the stain is gone, blot away the soap with a damp cloth, or toss the item into the washing machine if it's washable.
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2Use hydrogen peroxide, soap, and baking soda for a stubborn stain. Slide a piece of cardboard behind the stain, then pour or spray hydrogen peroxide over the spot. Cover that with 2-3 drops of dish detergent, then sprinkle baking soda over the whole area. Use your fingers or a soft toothbrush to stir the mixture into a paste, then let it sit for 30-60 minutes to absorb the oil. When you're finished, wash the item with laundry detergent in cold water.[3]
- If the stain is still there after you finish washing the garment, repeat the whole process until it's gone.
- Unfortunately, the mixture of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda may permanently lighten some fabrics.[4] It's a good idea to test this approach on an inconspicuous area of the garment to see if it's safe.
Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow does baking soda impact stains?
Susan StockerSusan Stocker runs and owns Susan’s Green Cleaning, the #1 Green Cleaning Company in Seattle. She is well known in the region for outstanding customer service protocols — winning the 2017 Better Business Torch Award for Ethics & Integrity —and her energetic support of green cleaning practices.
Stain Removal SpecialistOn its own, baking soda will only absorb odors. You'll need to add water to the baking soda and scrub the stain to see any benefit in terms of removing the stain.
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QuestionHow long should baking soda sit on oil?Susan StockerSusan Stocker runs and owns Susan’s Green Cleaning, the #1 Green Cleaning Company in Seattle. She is well known in the region for outstanding customer service protocols — winning the 2017 Better Business Torch Award for Ethics & Integrity —and her energetic support of green cleaning practices.
Stain Removal SpecialistLeave it sitting on the oil overnight so it has time to soak it up. Then, you can remove the baking soda.Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.
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QuestionDoes baking soda remove grease stains?
wikiHow Staff EditorThis answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Staff AnswerwikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerFor fabric stains, try making a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water, smear over the grease stain and leave to dry. Brush off with your fingers, then add laundry stain remover/prewash according to instructions on packaging. Machine wash, hot if possible. For grease stains from dishes, kitchen countertops, stove tops and backsplashes, etc., just make a small paste from baking soda with a little water added, then apply to the greasy area. If needed, use a toothbrush or suitable rubbing cloth to rub in, then wipe away with a sponge or paper towel.Support wikiHow by unlocking this staff-researched answer.
References
- ↑ Susan Stocker. Green Cleaning Expert. Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-get-oil-out-of-clothes/
- ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/stain-removal/how-to-remove-oil-stains/
- ↑ https://www.si.edu/mci/english/learn_more/taking_care/stains.html
- ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-get-oil-out-of-clothes-36741448
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-get-oil-out-of-clothes/
- ↑ https://experthometips.com/best-way-to-clean-upholstery-sofa-baking-soda
- ↑ https://ohsospotless.com/baking-soda-as-carpet-cleaner/
- ↑ https://ohsospotless.com/baking-soda-as-carpet-cleaner/
About This Article
To remove oil stains with baking soda, start by placing a piece of cardboard behind the stain to keep the oil from transferring to other side of the garment. Next, gently blot the stain with a paper towel before sprinkling baking soda over it until it’s completely covered. Then, let it sit for 1 hour before soaking the garment in a bucket filled with hot water and a few tablespoons of baking soda. After 15 minutes, remove the clothing from the bucket and wash it with the rest of your laundry. For tips on how to remove old, set-in oil stains from fabric, read on!
