How to Remove Motor Oil Stains from Clothes

Motor oil is a refined hydrocarbon designed to cling to metal under heat — which is exactly why it clings to fabric too. A 40°C wash with standard detergent will leave a dark grey shadow that gets worse on the next wear. Luniva Pro Formula is the heavy-duty solvent-action degreaser built for this exact job: dissolve the oil carrier in 1–3 minutes, then wash out the residue. Bleach-free and colour-safe on most workwear.

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Why motor oil leaves a grey shadow

Motor oil is engineered to resist heat, water and friction — the exact qualities of a normal wash. Water-based detergents cannot break the hydrocarbon bond. The shadow you see after washing is oil that's been emulsified into the fibre, not lifted out. Pro Formula's solvent chemistry dissolves the oil before the wash starts.

How to use Luniva on motor oil & engine oil · pro formula

Step 1 — Blot excess oil: Press a paper towel onto fresh oil to lift the surface layer. Do not rub.
Step 2 — Spray Pro Formula and wait 1–3 min: Saturate the stain and a small border around it. The oil will visibly darken as the solvent action lifts it.
Step 3 — Wash separately as normal, following the garment care label: Run the garment on its own. Air-dry; never tumble-dry until you can see the stain is gone.

Compliance note: Based on controlled laboratory testing. Performance may vary by stain age, fabric type and wash conditions.

Frequently asked questions

Will Pro Formula remove old, dried motor oil?

Yes. For dried oil, spray Pro Formula, wait 1–3 minutes and wash as normal, following the garment care label. Repeat the treatment once if any shadow remains. Air-dry between passes.

Can I use Pro Formula on gearbox and chain oil?

Yes. Gearbox, chain and engine oils are the same hydrocarbon family — treat identically: spray, dwell 1–3 minutes, wash separately as normal, following the garment care label.

Is Pro Formula safe on dark workwear and jeans?

Yes. Pro Formula is bleach-free and colour-safe on standard workwear and denim. Wash inside-out as normal, following the garment care label to protect indigo dyes.

Why won't motor oil come out with my normal detergent?

Motor oil is a heat- and water-resistant hydrocarbon. Standard detergent cannot break the bond. You need a solvent-action degreaser like Pro Formula to dissolve the oil before the wash begins.

Should I use the pink Enzyme bottle or Pro Formula?

Use Pro Formula. The pink Enzyme bottle is built for protein and everyday food stains (blood, curry, coffee, sweat). Pro Formula is the heavy-duty solvent-action degreaser engineered specifically for oil, grease and diesel.