How to remove oil and grease stains from natural fibres

Oil and grease stains are some of the most common marks we encounter in daily life. A splash of olive oil while cooking, a trace of butter from a shared table, or the quiet residue left behind by wear. These stains often appear faint at first, then darken over time as oils settle into the fabric.

When treated with care, most oil and grease stains can be removed without compromising the integrity of natural fibres. The key is to act gently, avoid heat, and work with the behaviour of the fibre rather than against it.

This guide explains how to remove oil and grease stains from natural fibres while preserving colour, texture, and longevity, with specific advice for linen, organic cotton, silk, and cashmere.

Why oil and grease stains are difficult to remove

Oil behaves differently from water-based stains. It repels water and binds easily to fibres, which means a standard wash cycle is rarely enough on its own. When heat is introduced too early, through warm water, tumble drying, or ironing, oil can spread further and become permanently set.

Natural fibres absorb oil readily, which is why early, dry intervention is far more effective than aggressive washing. The goal is to lift and absorb the oil before introducing moisture.

Before you begin: essential rules for oil stain removal

Before treating any oil or grease stain, keep the following principles in mind:

-Act as soon as possible, even if the stain looks minor
- Blot gently rather than rubbing
- Absorb oil before adding water or detergent
- Avoid heat at every stage until the stain is fully gone
- Always check the garment’s care label
- Air dry to assess results before repeating any step

These rules apply to all natural fibres and help prevent accidental damage during treatment.

Understand your fabric first

Oil reacts differently depending on fibre structure, weave, and finish. Identifying the material before treatment will help you choose the safest approach.

Linen and organic cotton

Linen and cotton are plant fibres that absorb oil easily but also release it more readily when treated correctly. They tolerate gentle handling well but are still vulnerable to heat before oil is removed.

Silk

Silk is a smooth protein fibre with a delicate surface. It can be damaged by friction, alkalinity, and prolonged soaking. Oil stains on silk should be approached with restraint and minimal moisture.

Cashmere

Cashmere is a fine protein fibre with a soft, open structure. It absorbs oil deeply and can distort when wet. Slow, gentle treatment is essential.

How to remove fresh oil and grease stains

Fresh oil stains respond best to dry absorption. This is the most important step and often the only one required.

Step 1: blot excess oil

Use a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to gently press the stained area. Lift as much surface oil as possible without rubbing or spreading the stain.

Step 2: apply a dry absorbent

Cover the stain completely with a dry, oil-absorbing powder such as baking soda, cornstarch, or arrowroot powder.

Leave the powder in place for 15 to 30 minutes. For heavier oils, you may leave it longer.

Step 3: remove and assess

Brush away the powder gently. If the stain has lightened significantly or disappeared, proceed to washing. If a shadow remains, repeat the absorption step once more before introducing water.

How to remove set-in or older oil stains

Older oil stains require patience rather than force. Avoid the temptation to scrub or escalate too quickly.

- Begin by repeating dry absorption with baking soda or cornstarch.

- If residue remains on linen or organic cotton, apply a very small amount of mild liquid detergent directly to the stain.

- Gently work the detergent in using your fingers.

- Rinse with cold water only.

- Air dry fully before assessing the result.

Avoid soaking delicate fibres, enzyme-heavy detergents, bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or solvents. These can weaken fibres, alter colour, and compromise the garment’s structure.

Fibre-specific guidance

Linen and organic cotton

Begin by absorbing oil using a dry powder such as baking soda or cornstarch. If any residue remains, apply a small amount of mild detergent sparingly. Wash in cold water with similar colours, then air dry fully and reassess the garment before repeating any treatment.

Silk

For silk, rely on dry absorption only. Avoid introducing water unless absolutely necessary, and never rub, scrub, or soak the fabric. If the stain persists after gentle absorption, pause treatment and seek professional care to prevent fibre damage.

Cashmere

Apply a dry absorbent gently, taking care not to disturb the fibres. If moisture is introduced, press the garment lightly between clean towels to remove excess water. Reshape while damp and dry flat, avoiding agitation at all stages to preserve the garment’s structure and softness.

Washing after an oil stain treatment

Only wash a garment once the oil stain is no longer clearly visible.

- Use cold water and a mild detergent
- Wash with similar colours
- Do not overload the machine
- Avoid fabric softeners
- Air dry completely

Heat should not be introduced until you are confident the stain has been fully removed.

What to avoid when treating oil and grease stains

Certain common practices can permanently set oil stains or damage natural fibres. Avoid the following:

- Hot or warm water before the stain is removed
- Tumble drying or ironing over stains
- Aggressive brushing or scrubbing
- Excess detergent or repeated washing
- Enzyme cleaners on silk or cashmere

If a stain does not lift after a few careful attempts, it is better to stop than risk fibre damage.

When to pause and seek professional care

Some stains call for restraint rather than persistence. If a garment is made from silk, cashmere, or has a structured construction, or if a stain remains after two or three gentle attempts, it may be time to seek professional, eco-conscious dry cleaning. Changes in texture, colour, or drape are also signs to stop further treatment. In many cases, preserving the integrity and longevity of the garment is more important than complete stain removal.

Closing note

Oil and grease stains do not need to mark the end of a garment’s life. With patience, restraint, and fibre-aware care, most natural fabrics recover beautifully. Treat stains as moments of maintenance rather than mistakes, and allow your clothing to continue its journey with you.

From our studio to your wardrobe, with love, John and Jana