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  #1  
Old 06-02-2003, 08:05 PM
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Diesel laundry problem

Is there any known substance that will take dirty Diesel engine oil out of clothes? I find that degreaser can get some of it out, but I have yet to find anything that will get the stain completely out.

Changing the oil in black clothing works, but then when that clothing gets next to the other clothing before washing it, well there's the problem.

There are enzyme cleaners that I have not tried.

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Old 06-02-2003, 08:31 PM
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Castrol Super Clean works pretty well.
As an aside, I had to replace the water pump on my 307d in the UK last year. The engine was really dirty and my clothes were covered in diesel grease and dirt. I assumed I would have to throw the clothes away. Much to my surprise, they came almost completely clean at the laundromat. I then realized that those algae loving Brits had never banned phosphates from their detergents. What an amazing difference! You might try mixing a little TSP in with your regular detergent.
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  #3  
Old 06-02-2003, 08:54 PM
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Try applying Dawn direct to the stain and let stand overnite before washing.
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  #4  
Old 06-02-2003, 09:30 PM
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Mix hot water with Trisodium Phosphate and Tide.... agitate some and leave over night, then wash with Tide . About a cup of each in two gallons of hot water....
Be sure you find Actual TSP.... not just something labeled TSP... they are getting tricky about that... it is used to wash walls before repainting due to its oil removal abilities.
Commercial mechanic rag rental companies use it for cleaning those rags... and uniforms...
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  #5  
Old 06-02-2003, 10:52 PM
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Real TSP is available at Home Depot in the paint department. Don't settle for anything less...
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  #6  
Old 06-02-2003, 10:54 PM
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It depends on what state your in. I don't think you can find it in NY because of the pollution problems in the Great Lakes.
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  #7  
Old 06-02-2003, 11:16 PM
DCM DCM is offline
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I had good luck once by saturating a fresh diesel oil stain with WD40 then using waterless orange hand cleaner. After washing that out, it was clean.

If it isn't clean after whatever you do, I would let it air dry and be sure not to put it in the dryer because the heat will set it and it will never come out.
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  #8  
Old 06-03-2003, 09:47 AM
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This won't help with the clothes you've already stained, but to prevent this in the future, I would suggest Tyvek coveralls. Reuse them until they're so dirty you can't stand it, then throw them away. The cheapest I have found them is here: Chief Supply
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  #9  
Old 06-03-2003, 10:31 AM
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Quote:
Originally posted by Rick Miley
This won't help with the clothes you've already stained, but to prevent this in the future, I would suggest Tyvek coveralls. Reuse them until they're so dirty you can't stand it, then throw them away. The cheapest I have found them is here: Chief Supply
FOUR BUCKS!! Or $4.30 for coveralls with a hood!!! Great find, Rick!!
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  #10  
Old 06-03-2003, 11:35 AM
jcd jcd is offline
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I use lighter fluid.......and a match.
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  #11  
Old 06-03-2003, 11:40 AM
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If you get a Diesel stain on some clothing,,, just put the entire article into Diesel.... then you won't be able to see the spot.
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  #12  
Old 06-03-2003, 12:11 PM
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I have dedicated "working on the diesel" clothes. Long sleeve t-shirt, old blue jeans, and for those chilly days an old sweatshirt. It's almost mandatory to change into them before even opening the hood.

Every time they're washed the old stains fade a little bit, but are still visible. My suggestion - the time, cost, and effort required to clean the clothes most likely exceed the value of the clothing. Consider yourself as now having some clothing specifically for wrenching on cars, and go purchase some replacements for looking respectable.

- JimY

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