How to Get Transmission Fluid out of Clothes?

If you work with vehicles or machinery that use transmission fluid, you might have experienced the frustration of getting transmission fluid stains on your clothes.

These reddish-brown, viscous stains are challenging to remove from fabric once they have settled. Nevertheless, with the right approach, you can effectively remove transmission fluid stains from your clothes.

We will explore how to get transmission fluid out of clothes with 6 methods. We will provide detailed instructions on how to use each method effectively, as well as tips on preventing future stains.

Table of Contents

Method 1: Blotting with Paper Towels

The first step in removing transmission fluid stains from clothes is to blot the stain with paper towels. This method is effective for removing as much of the excess transmission fluid as possible before treating the stain.

Here’s how to do it:

Place a clean white paper towel under the stained fabric.
Use another paper towel to blot the stain from the top, working from the outside of the stain towards the center. Do not rub the stain, as this can cause it to spread.
Replace the paper towel as it becomes saturated with transmission fluid.
Repeat the blotting process until no more transmission fluid can be absorbed.

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Method 2: Pre-treating with Dish Soap

Once you’ve blotted away as much of the excess transmission fluid as possible, it’s time to pre-treat the stain with dish soap. Dish soap is an effective degreaser that can break down the transmission fluid stain.

Here’s how to do it:

- Apply a small amount of dish soap directly to the stain.
- Use a soft-bristled brush or your fingers to work the soap into the fabric.
- Let the soap sit on the stain for 5-10 minutes.
- Rinse the fabric with warm water to remove the soap and any loosened transmission fluid.

Method 3: Soaking in Vinegar Solution

If the transmission fluid stain persists after pre-treating with dish soap, you can try soaking the garment in a vinegar solution. Vinegar is an acidic substance that can help to break down tough stains.

Here’s how to do it:

Fill a sink or bucket with warm water.
Add 1 cup of white vinegar to the water and stir to combine.
Place the stained garment in the solution and let it soak for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, remove the garment from the solution and wring out the excess water.
Rinse the garment with warm water to remove any remaining vinegar.

Method 4: Using Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is another effective solvent that can help to remove transmission fluid stains from clothing. Here’s how to use rubbing alcohol to remove a transmission fluid stain:

Apply rubbing alcohol to the stain using a clean cloth or cotton ball.
Blot the stain with the cloth or cotton ball, working from the outside of the stain towards the center. Do not rub the stain, as this can cause it to spread.
Repeat the process until the stain is removed.
Rinse the garment with warm water to remove any remaining rubbing alcohol.

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Method 5: Using Baking Soda

Baking soda is another household item that can be used to remove transmission fluid stains from clothing.

Here’s how to do it:

Mix 4 tablespoons of baking soda with ¼ cup of warm water to form a paste.
Apply the paste directly to the stain and let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
Rinse the fabric with warm water to remove the paste and any

Method 6: Using Commercial Stain Remover

If the above methods do not work, you can try using a commercial stain remover to remove transmission fluid stains from clothing.

There are many stain removers available on the market, and it’s essential to read the label carefully before use.

Some stain removers contain harsh chemicals that can damage certain types of fabric. Here’s how to use a commercial stain remover:

Apply the stain remover to the stain according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Let the stain remover sit on the stain for the recommended time.
Wash the garment in the washing machine with a laundry detergent.
Check the garment after washing to ensure that the stain has been removed.

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Tips for Preventing Transmission Fluid Stains

Prevention is always better than cure, and there are several steps you can take to prevent transmission fluid stains from occurring in the first place. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Wear Protective Clothing: When working with vehicles or machinery that use transmission fluid, wear protective clothing like a work apron or coveralls. This will help to protect your clothing from accidental spills or splatters.

Use a Drip Pan: When changing the transmission fluid, use a drip pan or an oil pan to catch any spills or drips. This will prevent transmission fluid from getting on your clothes.

Clean up Spills Immediately: If you do spill transmission fluid on your clothing, clean it up immediately. The longer the stain sits, the harder it will be to remove.

Wash Clothing Separately: When washing clothing that has come in contact with transmission fluid, wash it separately from other clothing. This will prevent the transmission fluid from spreading to other clothes in the wash.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can professional dry cleaners remove transmission fluid stains from clothes?

Yes, professional dry cleaners have the skills and tools to get tough stains out of clothes, like transmission fluid. But how well the stain comes out depends on the type of fabric and how bad the stain is. If you want the stain to come out completely, you should take the stained item to the dry cleaner as soon as possible.

Q: How to clean automatic transmission fluid off of concrete?

The best way to clean automatic transmission fluid off of concrete is to first soak up as much of the fluid as possible with a clean, absorbent material like kitty litter or sawdust. Once the extra liquid is gone, put a degreaser on the stain or a mixture of dish soap and warm water on it. Use a stiff brush to scrub the area and a hose or pressure washer to rinse it. Repeat the steps as many times as you need to until the stain is gone.

Q: Is it possible to save clothes stained with transmission fluid?

Transmission fluid-stained garments are recoverable. The cleaning success depends on the fabric type, stain severity, and stain duration. Use a degreaser or laundry detergent to the stain immediately. For difficult stains, soak the garment overnight in the cleaning solution before washing it in the washing machine with a heavy-duty detergent. If the discoloration continues, a dry cleaner may be ideal.

Q: What type of detergent works best for removing transmission fluid from clothes?

For transmission fluid removal, use a heavy-duty washing detergent with enzymes. Protein enzymes dissolve organic stains like transmission fluid, making them easier to remove. Before washing with hot water, add detergent directly on the stain and let it sit for several minutes. For difficult stains, soak the garment in detergent overnight before washing it in the machine.

Final Thoughts

Removing transmission fluid stains from clothing can be a challenging task, but with the right approach, it can be done effectively. Whether you use a household item like vinegar or baking soda, or a commercial stain remover, it’s essential to act quickly and follow the correct steps for removing the stain.