Remove used engine oil stain from running shoes

Question

I have a pair of Adidas Los Angeles Denim running shoes the same as these. Apparently they have a denim upper which is printed with a pattern.

Over the weekend I was changing the oil on my car and mistakenly caught and kicked over the container with the used engine oil in it. I got a smallish amount of oil on the toe of my shoe. I instantly put my shoes in our washing machine using non-bio detergent (our machine has a "shoe" program) and the result was reasonably acceptable. The white rubber area of the sole is almost spotless. On the toe area there is still a slight discoloring / dullness.

Is this staining something I'm just going to have to live with or can anyone suggest anything or any process that might remove this stain from the printed denim?

Answer 1

Orange hand cleaner (without pumice) from the auto parts store, walmart, etc. Works on clothes, might work on your shoes.

Answer 2

1. Lather with Goo Goo Gone.
2. Brush with a soft bristle brush,
3. Wipe with suede rag, damp with nail polish remover (flammable!)l
4. Air dry.

Never machine wash sneakers!

Answer 3

Use Greased Lightning. I used to get oil in my clothes growing up and this would get it out every time.

http://www.greased-lightning.com/Laundry/

"Athletic Shoes

Just spray Greased Lightning directly to your shoe’s soiled area and wipe clean. For set-in stains, scrub with a well-bristled brush and toss into the washer. Test in an inconspicuous area first."

Answer 4

Any time I get oil or other difficult to remove stains on my clothes I use washing up liquid (or dish soap) to remove them. The soap in the washing up liquid breaks down the oil and makes it easier to remove.

Try using a bit of soap massaged into the stain with a soft bristled toothbrush. The apply a but more soap, leave to soak for a few minutes and wash the shoe in your washing machine again.

It should get rid of the stain for you.

Answer 5

Depends if it's a grease stain from oil or a blackening stain from the byproducts of combustion (the spot that engine oil accumulates turning it black. A picture would be helpful. If a grease stain I would have advocated using gasoline on a clean rag as a solvent to soak into the stain and spread it out/transfer the majority percentage to the tag so that it becomes imperceptible. If it's a soot stain a more rigorous soaping combined with a forceful rinse.

I'd also recommend next time placing your feet into plastic bags and tying them up to protect the top of your shoes and/or perhaps putting some old sports socks on over your shoes

Answer 6

Shout Advanced Aerosol Spray,gets out even dried in motor oil, or any kind of oil. You could also try Dawn dishwashing liquid. I know for a fact it gets out dried in cooking grease and I have tried it on motor oil,but I think I had to wash it more than once, I can't remember. The trick to getting any kind of oil out is to wash it before it gets dry, I know sometimes that isn't possible,but pre-wash with Dawn and then use the Shout Advanced.