How To Get Oil Out Of Trousers?

[MadMen]

What is the best solution for getting oil (from a garage) out of a pair of trousers?

They say 'dry clean only', but he needs them for tonight. Will it be ok to wash them on a low setting?

My first thought was something like 'Vanish', but I remember using something by Ariel that was really good also. I'm just a bit nervous about the 'dry clean only' thing.

Any ideas?

TIA (have to pop out but will look on my phone for answers as I need to get something when I'm out) :-)

[albaqwerty]

Brown paper and iron them, I think the heat draws the oil out or is that candlewax I'm thinking of?

[Old_Geezer]

Engine oil ? You sling them, or label them for working at DIY or on the car only. Then buy new.

[gingejbee]

Whether it's OK to wash depends very much on the material. Tricky one!

[tenrec]

I was going to say what alba put!

[maggiebee]

I would rub washing-up liquid into the stain, leave for 10 mins then wash at no more than 30 degrees. Can't make them any worse!

[mazie]

this might help MM

"You'll need the following items:
Baking soda or cornstarch
Large rag
Iron and ironing board
Here's what you do:
Spread out the rag on the ironing board.
Sprinkle enough baking soda or cornstarch on the rag to cover the oil stain.
Place the garment on top of the rag with the oil stain face down.
Iron the garment on the side facing up (which is the side without the stain) with a hot iron. The rag will absorb the oil.
Repeat Steps 2 through 4 until all the oil is removed. Use a clean rag each time, so any oil that's been removed is not under the garment"

[tonyav]

I think thats candle wax ah wench.
I think that it might help to try and break the oil down first, maybe a little spray of WD40 and then some stain remover.

[albaqwerty]

oh, and remember to tell him to wear old trousers next time he goes anywhere near oil.

[Iluvspikey]

There's a chance that even if you do get the stain out, it'll leave a water-mark that will look almost a bad, and certainly bigger

Tell me more what's the fabric of the trousers Try stain devils oil and grease remover

[paddywak]

Agree with OG they'll only ever be good for work trousers.

[albaqwerty]

MM, looks like you're going to have to buy him a pair of trousers whilst you're out.

Thanks our kid, it's cold out and me brain has numbed.

[Robinia]

Depends how much oil there is...I used to use Swarfega. Work it into the marks wit fingers or a sort brush, leave about half an hour and wash in biological soap powder.
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_368061_langId_-1_categoryId_165711

Dry clean only? It's possible then they may shrink a little. What is the fabric?

[Robinia]

d'oh typos!
with
soft

[aelmpvw]

if you do have to buy a new pair of trousers get some overalls as well

[MadMen]

Oh bloody hell. They *are* work trousers - as in the bottom half of a suit! :-/
Apparently it's MY fault, for asking him to go there on his way home from work.. hence me having to try and remove it.
I'm really grateful for the suggestions, but I'm a bit nervous of trying them and making it worse. I thought you'd just recommend something like Vanish, and it would just go.
Ok, what if I took them to a dry cleaners. Would they be able to get it out, or is oil really difficult to remove?

[Robinia]

Call your nearest dry cleaners or pop in and ask.

[honeydip]

I often put my suit dry clean only in the washing machine at a low temperature and never worried about it. Never had a problem.

[Prudie]

You can get something (that used to be called) Dabitoff which is like a small pot of dry cleaning fluid for spot removal. I'd say if you put dry clean only suit trousers in a washing machine you'll totally ruin them.

[MadMen]

Thanks for further suggestions. I've come home to pick up the trousers, and I'll take them to the dry cleaners and ask them.
HD, strangely enough, I'm not fully confident in taking advice from yourself... :P

[murraymints]

You can buy special little pots of specific stain removers...there may be one for oil...think they are called dirt devils...get them at supermarkets..or maybe local cleaner will stock them?