Can you remove old oil stains from clothes?

[spewgloriousspew]

Just noticed that one of my favourite dresses has oil stains on it, even after going through the wash. They're not overly noticeable, but I know they're there, which is enough to annoy me.

I've read online about putting washing up liquid on the stains, or talcum powder, but does anyone have a tried and tested method? They're not fresh stains, so can't do anything asap after staining.

Thanks in advance

i always use swarfega,rub it in,leave it for a couple of hours for the stain to absorb it,wash as normal.

thanks, sassy. Sadly, I don't have any of that at home. Sure my dad has some in the garage, but none within 20 miles!

My son's school jumper had this problem last week. I rubbed some washing up liquid in with a spot of water, left it for half an hour, then washed as usual. Worked better than I hoped.

thanks, flybynight. Were they old stains on the jumper? Will give that a try.

They had been through the wash a few times without shifting (we use non-bio detergent).

So do we, so fingers crossed it'll work. Will try it when I do tomorrow's washing. Thanks!

half a cup of soda crystals directly in the drum of the mashine.

So many tips