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10 Things to Know About Lestoil (and Where to Find It)

/Updated /42 Comments/in , /by Mary Hunt

Where have I been all my life? That’s what I thought when I finally met Lestoil, a heavy-duty cleaner that’s been around since 1933. I’d never heard of it. Now it’s my go-to for the grease and ink stains I’d given up on. Fair warning: it smells like a factory. Totally worth it.

lestoil how to get grease stains out of clothes on kitchen countertop

Have you ever learned about something and thought, “Where have I been all my life?” That was me with Lestoil.

It’s a heavy-duty cleaner that’s been around for almost a century, and plenty of people have loved it that whole time. I’d never even heard of it until about ten years ago. Now? Call me a rabid fan.

What is Lestoil?

Lestoil (say it like “less-toil,” get it?) is a concentrated heavy-duty cleaner and degreaser from Clorox. It goes after grease, oil, ink, paint, and the kind of stains you’ve long since given up on.

There’s no chlorine bleach in it, even though Clorox owns the brand. Use it full strength on a stain, or dilute it for floors and walls.

If you’ve never met Lestoil, here’s what you’ll be glad you know.

1. It’s a heavy-duty grease and stain remover

Got a stain you’ve written off? Lestoil goes after the ones most of us give up on: ink, toner, grease, oil, scuff marks, blood, lipstick, nail polish, paint, grass, coffee, crayon and marker. It also cuts through smoke film and soot.

It works on soft surfaces and hard ones. Laundry, shoes, carpet, garage floors, counters, linoleum, tile, patios, plastic. It even lifts the sticky gunk stickers and labels leave behind.

For a stain, put it on full strength, rub it in, and walk away. A fresh stain needs about 10 minutes. An old, stubborn one can sit for a few hours or even overnight. Then launder as usual.

Upholstery or anything else that can’t go in the washer? Rinse and blot, then repeat as needed. Especially if the stain is old and the item has been washed and dried a dozen times already.

2. It’s really old

Lestoil has been around since 1933. A man working at a dry cleaner in Holyoke, Massachusetts, wanted one product that could lift both greasy and water-based soils, and he came up with it as a dry-cleaning fluid. It was called Lavol at first, then became Lestoil in 1936. Clorox bought the brand in 1996.

I wasn’t around in 1933. Still, I can’t help wondering where I’ve been all this time.

3. So far, 100%

Lestoil has taken out every old stain I’d given up on, plus every new one I’ve picked up since the two of us met. Clothing, carpet, concrete, patio furniture (including molded plastic). Even the black stains on my outdoor furniture covers.

It made short work of some ugly stains on cultured stone. It also got rid of that gross, sticky residue that shows up on vinyl and plastic, and left both looking good as new.

The most recent test was this shirt. (Apologies to my expert photography readers. I promise to work on my lighting.)

before and after stain on shirt using lestoil

4. It’s soap, so rinse it

Lestoil contains sodium tallate (tall oil acid), which is a type of soap. So when the job is done, rinse it out or wash it off. Leave residue behind and it’ll attract the next stain.

Here’s what the label says. For general cleaning, use a quarter cup per gallon of water and rinse as needed. For tough jobs, use it full strength and rinse right away. Brush when you need to, and wear rubber gloves if you’re at it for a while.

Two more warnings from the label: don’t use it on wool or silk, and always test a hidden spot for colorfastness first. Here’s the full ingredient list if you’re curious.

5. It’s thick like syrup

Lestoil is concentrated, so a little goes a long way. Your wallet will like that.

For laundry stains, use it full strength on whites, lights, darks, or any washable fabric*. Use just enough to cover the stain.

Then scrub gently with an old toothbrush. Gently matters, because you don’t want to damage the color or finish of the fabric. Wait 10 to 15 minutes and launder as usual, in the hottest water the garment label recommends.

Big jobs like tile or linoleum floors? Stick with that quarter cup per gallon of hot or warm water.

*Always test in an inconspicuous place first. Lestoil could fade the color if you’re not working with a colorfast item, in which case you might have to decide between a slightly faded spot and that horrible, stubborn stain.

6. It’s also stinky

Let’s be honest. Lestoil has a strong odor, and it’s not lovely. It smells like an industrial factory that’s being cleaned with pine oil.

There is pine oil in it. But the ingredient list also includes petroleum-based solvents, and those are a big part of both the smell and the grease-cutting power. That’s one more reason to rinse when you’re done, and to open a window while you work. So far, the odor hasn’t stuck around for me.

A few of you find it heavenly, the fresh smell of clean. I may come around. Someday. Maybe.

before and after photo of shoes cleaned using lestoil

7. It’s a mighty warrior

Lestoil is strong. Used full strength, it can dissolve the finish on water-based and oil-based painted surfaces, laminate, and wood floors. So don’t. Even if you plan to dilute it, test a hidden spot first.

The workshop and garage, though? That’s where it shines. Soak paintbrushes in a container of Lestoil to remove paint and soften the bristles.

Use it full strength as a garage floor scrub to lift grease and oil stains from concrete. Diluted, it’s also good for cleaning walls before you paint.

8. Yes, even carpet and no-wax floors

Have an old, greasy, ugly stain on the carpet? Mix 2 tablespoons of Lestoil with 1 cup of water. Saturate the stain well, then scrub with a clean white cloth. Blot and repeat as needed.

When the stain is gone, rinse well and blot dry. Test in a closet or other hidden spot first.

Dull no-wax floors and ceramic tile perk up with that same quarter cup per gallon of water.

Hardwood floors are a maybe. Lestoil is strong and can strip the finish or damage the wood. If you try it, dilute it and test somewhere nobody will see, like a closet or behind a door.

9. It’s handy in a spray bottle

Lestoil is smelly. Did I already say that? I need to say it again. This stuff is strong, so I use it on purpose instead of by the glugful.

I pour mine into a 32-oz. spray bottle so I can put it exactly where I need it. Label the bottle so nobody mistakes it for water.

10. It can be hard to find

Lestoil isn’t a household name, and it can be tough to track down. Lowe’s and Home Depot say they carry it, but I have yet to find a store near me with even one bottle on the shelf. Don’t take my word for it, though.

Check Walmart, Lowe’s, Ace, and Home Depot where you live. Clorox’s own site says you’ll have better luck at hardware and home improvement stores than at grocery stores. And if you strike out, you can get it online, which is how I get mine.

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    Your Lestoil questions, answered

    Is Lestoil the same as Pine-Sol?

    Nope. Both are Clorox brands, but they're different animals. Pine-Sol is a general household cleaner. Lestoil is the heavier hitter. Here's the twist: Clorox announced back in 2014 that Pine-Sol would no longer contain pine oil. Lestoil still has some.

    Can I use Lestoil as laundry detergent?

    No. Think of it as a stain pretreater. Put it on the stain, let it sit, then wash with your regular detergent.

    Can you mix Lestoil with bleach?

    Don't. Never mix cleaning products, and especially not with bleach. Use one at a time and rinse in between.

    What happened to Lestoil?

    Nothing. Clorox still makes it. It just isn't a household name anymore, which is why it's so hard to spot on store shelves.

    I’m quickly developing a love affair with Lestoil. It’s that amazing.

     

    Question: What’s the one stain you’ve waved the white flag on? Share in the comments below.

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    42 replies
    1. sandy says:

      I was introduced to Lestoil 34 years ago by my mother in law. I just want to let you all know it get gum out of everything too including hair. I is an amazing product

      Reply
    5. Wendy says:

      Great article! I hadn’t seen or thought of Lestoil in years. It always made our daughter’s white heavy polyester baseball uniform come out like new. And it smells great!

      Reply
    6. Sandy Johnson says:

      We used Lestoil to wash our front porch screens when we were in Florida. Before we got it rinsed off the screens were covered with bees and they were all over the front of the house and yard. We kept rinsing and it tookost of the afternoon before they were gone. We would like to know what is in Lestoil that attracts bees?

      Reply
      • Arly Helm says:

        As of 2015, the safety data sheet for Lestoil lists: Tall oil fatty acids, sodium salts 5 – 10%, Stoddard solvent 3 – 7%, Pine oil 1 – 5%, Sodium hydroxide < 1% [4]

        Reply
    7. Barbarah says:

      I used to use Lestoil to clean a very thick layer (probably 1/4โ€) of pine rosin from a tree trimmerโ€™s clothing, after he worked in Bull pines all day. Used a paint brush to apply it, rolled the items up and washed in hot water the next day. Not a trace of rosin left. At that time,I purchased it at our local Kroger. Have not been able to find a store in my area, that carries it since Kroger discontinued it many years ago. Just happened to Google it and am pleased to find that Walmart and Lowes in the neighboring county carry Lestoil!

      Reply
    8. Theresa Rich says:

      I live in Georgia and have been on the hunt for Lestoil. Finally I went to Lowe’s. Had her look it up on the computer and she said I can’t buy it anywhere in the state of Georgia. Was wondering why.

      Reply
      • Mary Hunt says:

        I’m going to guess that this is a Lowes restriction? Not sure. But I checked HomeDepot.com using a random zipcode in the state of Georgia (30030) and every store I checked in that zipcode had Lestoil available for pick up, which means it is on the shelf of those Home Depot stores. So I suggest you check HD. Or order online from Amazon.

        Reply
      • sandy says:

        when I move to Louisiana I could not find it either. I had to have my mother in law bring me a bottles every time she visited. I also never knew why

        Reply
    10. Harold Green says:

      I’m 69 and I remember the Lestoil jingle on tv. I recently saw it on Amazon and purchased some. It’s amazing!

      Reply
    11. Debbie says:

      Since it says that lestoil is Syrupy thick, do you need to add water to a spray bottle for it to spray correctly?

      Reply
      • Mary Hunt says:

        I use it in a heavy-duty spray bottle, without dilution. But you could do that if you find it’s you have a problem with getting it to spray from your bottle.

        Reply
      • Mary Hunt says:

        You can find Lestoil at Walmart, Home Depot, Ace Hardware, Amazon. I don’t know what you mean by triple in price … 3 times what? Keep trying!

        Reply
    13. Landon "RusticLumberCo.com" Edgington says:

      Lestoil is an amazing product! I got one the other day and used it to stained clothes, and it went off like a couple of hours. The smell’s not good though.

      Reply
    14. Keef says:

      I’ve got a pair of insulated jeans not worn since last year. They had come to have a full dark stain across both thighs. I remembered what my old bรบsha had told me would make them stains be gone. I just couldn’t remember the trade name Lestoilโ„ข! Ran across this website and confirmed all I had been told. I finally found some at the new Ace hardware in Saline.
      I’m a 62 yr. old single dad with a 15 yr. old boy. Seeing as I work full time, I haven’t the EXTRA time, or patience to be playing around with this stain. It either works or I go blow the funds for new. Funds that have much more fun and meaningful uses for my son and I. So I washed the jeans as noted above and a quick tumble in the dryer later and, they look amazing. Before the stubborn stains showednup, I had noticed the becoming duller looking. And Tide just wasn’t getting it. The lady is right when she says cleans everything as I have since verified it’s usefulness in the garage! Thus stuff with its multiuse formula is THE best unknown cleaning products out there. Makes me wonder why I don’t see it advertised as such.
      Thanx for sharing.

      Reply
    15. Chris says:

      You can buy Lestoil online through Ace Hardware for half the price of Amazon and have it shipped for free to your local Ace. I’m sure the same applies to other hardware stores.

      Reply
    16. Linda says:

      Absolutely the best product ever! I have a bottle under all three sinks in the house and made sure my children have a stock of their own. I came to this site to see if there was a discussion about removing tree sap on polyester/acrylic fabrics. I’ll probably go ahead and try it anyway before waiting for responses because I’m almost positive it won’t hurt. Lestoil has never let me down over 50 years of using it.

      Reply
    17. Kathy says:

      I recently read your other Lestoil article (updated September 27, 2020) and purchased a bottle. I am curious to know how long it needs to be on the clothing to remove the stain; the earlier article stated “Nextโ€”and this is very importantโ€”I roll up that treated item and leave it overnight. (Iโ€™ve tried letting it sit for an hour or so, but find that is not long enough to guarantee a good result.)” This posting does not give the same directions and, since my husband really dislikes the smell, I’d like to use it for the shortest time possible for a great result.

      Reply
    18. Melody says:

      I used Lestoil this morning on a pair of pants that I accidently got caulk (and quite a bit) on. A little soaking with Lestoil and it came right off. I love this stuff.

      Reply
    19. Dawn says:

      I have been blessed with a store in my area, Mathews, North Carolina. (Renfro) is the name of the store. Lestoil is an amazing product!

      Reply
      • Pamp says:

        Same here Peggy. My mom always had a bottle of Lestoil on hand so of course I used it after I got married 52 years ago, but about 30 years ago we moved across the county and could never find it until I went online last night and lo and behold, the local hardware store in the town where I do most of my shopping has it. Always has. I actually thought the Clorox company stopped making it. My parents moved to Florida 42 years ago and Mom hasn’t seen it since. I’m ordering her a couple bottles and having it shipped to her. She will be surprised.

        Reply
      • Chuck says:

        Funny… when I started as a cook on Long Island back in the early 80’s, I washed my own uniforms… with Lestoil! It worked amazingly well at getting out restaurant grease and smell. I also remember seeing it around as a child.

        Reply
    21. Bonnie says:

      Growing up in Brooklyn, NY, I remember my mother using Lestoil to get tar from the beach sand off my feet. I donโ€™t remember if it worked, but I still remember the smell. My question is that between Lestoil and Soilove, which product would you use for what type of stains?

      Reply
    22. Tamara Coleman says:

      This is good to know about. Will it clean hard water stains in toilet. If not, what will remove the water ring around the toilet?

      Reply
    24. Alma S says:

      I have used Lestoil for years and it does everything you say and more. One note of caution, I have always used it without incident in my front loading washing machine. I recently got a brand new front loading machine after 20 years and in that new machine the very same amounts and way of using it causes MASSIVE amounts of bubbles and suds, which are not good for an HE front loader! Use it sparingly in HE machines until you know what amount your machine can handle.

      Reply
      • Mary Hunt says:

        Good advice, Alma and one more reason to pour Lestoil into a spray bottle so you can use it judiciously and get it exactly where it needs to goโ€”on that stain. I would not advise using Lestoil as a laundry additive into the detergent reservoir!

        Reply
    25. Cynthia T. says:

      My husband is a plumber and his work clothes are awful! One cup of Lestoil in the washer and stains and smells are gone. Amazing stuff

      Reply
      • Mary Hunt says:

        Great feedback, Cynthia! I have such great respect and admiration for plumbers. Oh, the icky awful challenges they have to deal with!! Can we assume your washer is not HE front loader? That would be a lot of Lestoil for that kind of machine that uses less water and can’t handle massive suds ๐Ÿ˜‰

        Reply

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