Whether you're a mechanic, engineer, team manager or driver, oil stains are almost inevitable. Lean over an engine, carry a set of wheels or brush against a greasy toolbox, and before you know it there's a black mark across your favourite team polo or jacket.
The good news is that an oil stain doesn't necessarily mean the end of your teamwear. If you deal with it quickly and use the right cleaning method, you can usually remove it without damaging the garment or its printed logos.
The best approach depends on what your clothing is made from, so here's how to tackle oil stains on both sublimated polyester teamwear and cotton garments.
Act Quickly
The sooner you treat an oil stain, the better your chances of removing it completely.
Fresh oil sits on the surface of the fabric. Once it's had time to soak into the fibres and go through a hot wash or tumble dryer, it becomes much harder to remove.
If you're at the circuit, simply blot away as much excess oil as possible with a clean cloth or paper towel. Try not to rub it, as this can spread the stain further into the fabric.
Removing Oil from Sublimated Polyester Teamwear
One of the advantages of sublimated teamwear is that the design is permanently dyed into the fabric rather than printed on the surface. That means you don't need to worry about damaging vinyl transfers or printed graphics while cleaning.
To remove an oil stain:
- Blot away any excess oil.
- Apply a small amount of washing-up liquid directly onto the stain.
- Gently work it into the fabric with your fingers or a soft cloth.
- Leave it for around 10–15 minutes.
- Wash the garment according to the care label, usually at 30–40°C.
- Allow it to air dry before checking whether the stain has disappeared.
If there's still a slight mark, repeat the process before putting the garment in the tumble dryer.
Removing Oil from Cotton Teamwear
Cotton behaves slightly differently because it absorbs oil more readily than polyester.
Again, start by blotting the stain before applying a small amount of washing-up liquid. Dish soap is designed to break down grease, which makes it surprisingly effective on clothing too.
For more stubborn stains, you can sprinkle a little bicarbonate of soda or cornflour onto the fresh stain first. Leave it for 20–30 minutes to absorb some of the oil, then brush it away before applying the washing-up liquid.
Once treated, wash the garment following the care instructions.
What About Embroidered Logos?
If your teamwear has embroidered logos, there's no need to avoid cleaning the area.
Good-quality embroidery is extremely durable and can be washed in the same way as the rest of the garment.
Just avoid scrubbing aggressively with a stiff brush, as this can make the embroidery look worn over time.
Should You Use Stain Removers?
Yes, but always check they're suitable for the fabric you're treating.
Most branded stain removers work well on cotton garments, but it's sensible to test them on an inconspicuous area first, particularly if the garment is a dark colour.
For sublimated polyester, stick to products recommended for synthetic sportswear and avoid anything containing bleach.
Don't Use Bleach
It might seem like an obvious solution for stubborn stains, but bleach can do far more harm than good.
On coloured cotton garments it can cause fading, while on polyester it may weaken the fibres or discolour the fabric.
It's also unnecessary in most cases. Washing-up liquid is often all that's needed for fresh oil stains.
Avoid High Heat Until the Stain Has Gone
One of the biggest mistakes people make is putting stained clothing straight into the tumble dryer.
Heat can effectively "set" an oil stain, making it much harder—or sometimes impossible—to remove completely.
Always inspect the garment after washing. If you can still see the stain, repeat the cleaning process before drying it.
Can Old Oil Stains Be Removed?
Sometimes.
If the garment has already been washed and dried several times, removing the stain completely becomes much more difficult.
However, it's still worth trying the washing-up liquid method or using a specialist grease stain remover before giving up.
You may be surprised how much improvement you can achieve.
Preventing Future Stains
Working in motorsport means your clothing is always going to have a hard life, but a few simple habits can help.
- Keep a packet of cleaning wipes in the van or trailer.
- Treat stains as soon as possible.
- Wash teamwear after race weekends rather than leaving it in your kit bag.
- Keep heavily soiled workshop clothing separate from garments you wear in the paddock.
A little extra care can keep your teamwear looking smart for much longer.
Sometimes Stains Won't Come Out Completely
While the methods above work well for many fresh oil stains, it's worth being realistic—some stains simply aren't going to disappear completely.
Engine oil, chain grease, brake dust and certain workshop fluids can permanently mark fabric, particularly if they've been left for a while or the garment has already been through a hot wash. This is especially noticeable on white, light grey and other pale-coloured clothing.
That's something we often discuss with teams when we're designing custom teamwear.
If you know your mechanics or engineers spend most of the weekend working under cars or handling oily components, it's worth thinking about where those stains are most likely to appear. Adding darker colours to areas such as the lower front of polo shirts, the stomach, sleeves or the fronts of trousers can help disguise the marks that are almost impossible to avoid during a busy race weekend.
It doesn't mean you have to design the whole garment in black, but using darker panels in high-wear, high-contact areas can keep your teamwear looking smarter for much longer.
We've found that teams who take this approach often get significantly more life out of their clothing, simply because the inevitable workshop stains are far less noticeable.
Final Thoughts
Oil stains are part of life in motorsport, but they don't have to ruin your teamwear.
Whether you're wearing a fully sublimated polyester polo or a cotton T-shirt with printed or embroidered branding, acting quickly and using the right cleaning method gives you the best chance of removing the stain.
Most importantly, avoid the temptation to throw the garment straight into a hot wash or tumble dryer before treating it first. A few extra minutes can make the difference between a clean shirt and a permanent reminder of race weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to remove oil from polyester teamwear?
Apply a small amount of washing-up liquid to the stain, leave it for 10–15 minutes, then wash according to the care label. Allow the garment to air dry before checking whether the stain has gone.
Can I remove oil stains from cotton polo shirts?
Yes. Washing-up liquid works well on fresh stains. For heavier stains, try absorbing the excess oil first with bicarbonate of soda or cornflour before washing.
Will oil stains damage sublimated teamwear?
No. Oil won't damage the sublimated print itself, but if left untreated it can leave a visible stain on the fabric.
Can I use bleach on teamwear?
No. Bleach isn't recommended for either polyester or coloured cotton garments, as it can damage fabrics and affect colours.
Should I tumble dry stained clothing?
No. Wait until you're sure the stain has been removed. High heat can permanently set oil stains into the fabric.
