How to remove oil stains from driveway with baking soda

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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!

1. 

   1

   Cover 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.

2. 2

   Use 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.

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1. Maybe, but an enzyme-based detergent is your best bet at this point. Baking soda works by absorbing the oil before it fully sets into fabric fibers. Once the oil stain is dried, especially if you put it in the dryer, baking soda won't work as well.[5]

   • If this happens, try treating the stain with an enzyme-based cleaner to break down the oils. Then, apply your favorite stain pre-treatment and wash the clothing how you normally would.
   • Enzyme-based detergents break down tough oil and grease stains.[6] You can find them online and at most big-box stores.

1. 

   It won't damage the color, but it is a little abrasive. Baking soda is generally pretty safe to use on most fabrics. By itself, it won't fade or discolor dyed fabrics. However, the granules of baking soda are abrasive, so it could damage really delicate fabric—especially if you scrub hard.[7]

   • Be really gentle if you use baking soda on fabrics like silk, satin, lace, or chiffon, for instance.

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1. Yes—simply let it sit on the stain over night. If the stain is fresh, blot up as much excess oil as possible with a paper towel before you start treating the area. Then, vacuum the carpet thoroughly. If there's any other dirt on the carpet, you could cause more stains while you're cleaning. Sprinkle a layer of baking soda over the stain, then use a soft brush to work the baking soda down into your carpet fibers. Leave the spot alone for at least 8 hours, and vacuum up the baking soda the next day.[8]

   • If you still see an oil stain, try blotting at the area with a single drop of dish soap until it's gone.

1. 

   Not for most carpets, but it could damage the floor underneath. Be sure not to pile up the baking soda on your carpet—a thin layer is plenty. If you use too much, it could accumulate on the floor underneath, and since it's slightly abrasive, it could damage that flooring.[9]

   • If you have a really delicate carpet, like silk, an abrasive cleaner like baking soda might damage it. In that case, it's best to have it professionally cleaned.
   • There is a chance that baking soda might clog your vacuum filter, and it could even find its way into the motor, damaging the machine.[10]

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1. 

   Yes, just cover the stain with the baking soda. You might have heard of people using kitty litter or sawdust to absorb motor oil from their driveway. Baking soda works the same way—just pour a thick layer over a fresh stain and let it soak up the oil. However, it can also be effective on dried grease stains—wet the area thoroughly, then mix up a paste of baking soda and water. Use a stiff brush to scrub the stain with the paste, then rinse the whole area with fresh water.[11]

1. 

   Yes, but this is best for a normal laundry load. Baking soda can make your clothes look brighter and smell fresher—just add it in with about half as much laundry detergent as you'd usually use, then wash your clothes like normal.[12] However, if you're trying to remove oil from your clothes, it's most effective to treat the stain with plain baking soda.

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• Question

  How does baking soda impact stains?

  

  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.

  

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• Question

  How long should baking soda sit on oil?

  

  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.

  

  Stain Removal Specialist

  Expert Answer

• Question

  Does baking soda remove grease stains?

  

  This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

  

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  For 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.

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Article SummaryX

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!

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