An oil stain can be scary, but don’t panic! Here we give you all our tips for simply removing an oil stain.

The solutions for removing an oil stain differ depending on the surfaces to be cleaned:

  • Removing an oil stain from a fabric

For white or colorfast cotton clothing (clothing that has good wash resistance and does not rub off), apply dishwashing liquid directly to the stain. Then dab lightly with a clean white cloth. Let it act for a few minutes.

Then put your garment in the washing machine.

For a colored garment, pour a few drops of ammonia on a tea towel. Then dab the stain. Rinse your garment in clear, cold water.

Finally, put it in the washing machine.

  • Removing an oil stain from a fragile fabric

In general, for a garment made of a delicate fabric, such as silk or wool, pour Terre de Sommières (dark fabric) or talc (light fabric) on the stain. Leave to act then rub gently.

For a cashmere garment, dab the stain with a damp cloth soaked in white vinegar. Rinse with clean water.

  • Remove an oil stain from the carpet

It is important to take into account the material of your carpet, because the method for cleaning an oil stain is not the same:

Wool carpet: sprinkle the stain with Sommières earth or talc and dab with a clean cloth

Synthetic carpet: pour trichlorethylene on the stain and dab with a clean cloth

  • Removing an oil stain from leather

For leather, sprinkle the stain with talcum oil. Wait a few minutes for the talc to take effect and rub.

If you want more advice on maintaining leather, find our tips on how to clean, nourish and take care of leather.

  • Removing an oil stain from suede

You can also use Sommières earth to clean suede. To do this, sprinkle the stain, let it act then brush.