What to Use to Remove Engine Oil Stains from Pants?
4 Answers
Alcohol can be used. Below is an introduction to engine oil: 1. Overview: Engine oil, also known as engine lubricant (English name: Engine-oil), has a density of approximately 0.91×10³ (kg/m³). 2. Function: It lubricates and reduces friction in the engine, aids in cooling, seals against leaks, prevents rust and corrosion, and provides shock absorption. 3. Additional Information: Often referred to as the 'blood' of a car, engine oil consists of base oil and additives. The base oil is the primary component of lubricants, determining their fundamental properties, while additives compensate for and enhance the base oil's performance, adding new characteristics and making them an essential part of lubricants.
When I used to help out at the auto repair shop, I often got engine oil stains on my clothes. The most effective method was to first apply gasoline or kerosene to the stained area and rub it to dissolve the grease, then add dish soap and continue scrubbing. If the smell is too strong, you can try using a kitchen degreaser spray—spray it on, let it sit for ten minutes, and then rinse it off. Remember not to use hot water when cleaning; cold water works better for removing oil stains. If the engine oil has hardened over time, mix baking soda with water to form a paste, apply it to the stain, and leave it overnight. I recommend keeping some specialized cleaners in your car trunk—they really come in handy in emergencies. Thick fabrics like jeans can handle vigorous scrubbing, but for delicate materials like silk trousers, it’s safer to gently wipe them with alcohol swabs.
Don't panic when you get engine oil on something. First, quickly blot the surface oil with paper towels. At my home, we often apply dish soap directly to the oily spot, thickly coat it, lather it up, let it sit for half an hour, and then rinse with water - it works quite well. If you have WD-40 rust preventive at home, spraying some on and waiting five minutes for the grease to dissolve also works. Auto parts stores sell foam cleaning sprays that are particularly effective for old oil stains. Actually, engine oil is afraid of emulsification reactions, so using makeup remover oil to scrub first and then adding water to emulsify is also a clever trick. Remember not to use hot water or throw it directly into the washing machine, as that will only spread the grease. Finally, lemon juice is the most natural way to remove odors.
Last time I got my work pants dirty while DIY changing the oil, and discovered flour works surprisingly well in emergencies. Sprinkle dry flour on the oil stain, press to let it absorb the grease, then brush off. Repeat several times to remove most of it. Then scrub with a 1:1 mixture of dish soap and alcohol - no need for a washing machine. For old oil stains, try specialized engine cleaner, but remember to wear gloves. I've researched that motor oil is mainly composed of mineral oil, so alkaline cleaners are most suitable. After treatment, make sure to ventilate and air dry, otherwise the gasoline smell lingers for days.
