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Lestoil in laundry basket

10 Things You’ll Be Happy to Know About Lestoil

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

Have you ever had the occasion to wonder, “Where have I been all my life?” That was my reaction to learning about a simple heavy-duty cleaning product, Lestoil.

 

Lestoil Collage

Apparently, Lestoil has been manufactured right here in the USA for decades and loved by many. Curiously, I’d never even heard of it—let alone used it like a rabid fan—until only a few years ago.
In the off chance you, too, are not familiar with the powerful cleaner of all things hopelessly dirty, greasy, or stained, here are 10 things you will be glad you know.

1. Heavy-duty grease and stain remover

Lestoil (pronounced less-toil … get it?) can be used full-strength on stains—especially really difficult stains; the kind of stains you just give up on like ink, toner, grease, oil, scuff marks, blood, lipstick, nail polish, paint, grass stains, coffee stains, crayon and marker stains on every surface you can imagine. Use Lestoil to remove smoke film and soot.

Great for both soft and hard surfaces like laundry, shoes, carpet, garage floors, counters, scuff marks, linoleum, tile, patios and plastic, even the sticky stuff left behind by stickers and labels. Use it on hard surfaces, tile, garage floors, linoleum, counters, patios, grass, stains, tar, ink even fresh paint,

Apply Lestoil full strength to that stain, rub it in then allow it to sit for a few minutes, hours, or even overnight. Launder as usual or in the case of upholstery or other situations that cannot be laundered, rinse and blot; repeat as necessary (especially if the stain is old and the item has been washed and dryed repeatedly).

2. Really old

Lestoil has been around since 1933. While I have not been around quite that long, this makes me wonder where I have been, since I’ve only learned about Lestoil more recently. Lestoil is a registered trade name of Clorox for a heavy-duty multi-purpose cleanser product, although it contains no chlorine bleach, which we usually associate with “Clorox.”

3. So far 100%

Lestoil has removed every old stain I’d given up on as well as every new stain I’ve acquired since the two of us met—on clothing, carpet, concrete, and all kinds of patio furniture including molded plastic. It removed black stains that accumulated on outdoor furniture covers.

Lestoil made short order of some ugly stains on cultured stone. It removed that gross, sticky residue that shows up on vinyl and plastic, restoring it back to its former glory.

So far, Lestoil has worked on everything I’ve tried, most recently this shirt (with apologies to all of my expert photography readers—I promise to work on my lighting ).

Lestoil and Stain

Before After Results of Lestoil Heavy-Duty Stain Treatment

4. It’s soapy

Lestoil contains, among other things, sodium tallate (Tall Oil Acid), which is a type of soap. This means that once the job is done, it must be rinsed out, washed off, or otherwise removed to make sure the item being treated doesn’t retain a residue that will attract a new stain. Complete list of ingredients.

To clean: Use one-quarter cup Lestoil per gallon of water, rinse as needed. For tough jobs, use full strength and rinse immediately. Works on grease, tar, oil, fresh paint, scuff marks, and stains. Brush when necessary. With prolonged use, wear rubber gloves. For laundry, apply Lestoil to soiled areas. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Launder in the hottest water recommended on the garment label. Do not use on wool or silk. Before use, test inconspicuous area of garment for colorfastness.

5. Thick like syrup

Lestoil is highly concentrated. A little goes a long way. You want to use it full strength on laundry stains*—whites, lights, dark colors—any washable fabric) but in a small quantity; just enough to cover the stain. Then scrub gently (gently so as to not damage or affect the color or finish of the fabric) with an old toothbrush. Wait for 10-15 minutes and then launder as usual. For large jobs like cleaning tile or linoleum floors, dilute about one cup of Lestoil to a bucket of hot or warm water.

6. Also stinky

Lestoil has a strong odor and it’s not lovely. It smells like an industrial factory that is being cleaned with pine oil. That’s because it indeed contains pine essential oil—a powerful, natural cleaner and degreaser. This is another reason that you will always want to rinse Lestoil once its done its job. So far, for me. the odor from Lestoil has not remained long term.

Having said that, some readers find it to smell heavenly—the fresh smell of clean! I may come around to agreeing. Someday. Maybe.

 

A pair of shoes

Before After Results of Lestoil Heavy-Duty Stain Treatment

7. Mighty warrior

Lestoil is powerful. It’s so strong, used full strength it can dissolve the finish on water-based- and oil-based-painted surfaces, laminate, and wood floors. Therefore, DO NOT use full-strength on these types of surfaces. Even if you intend to use it in a weak dilution, always test in an inconspicuous place first before you use Lestoil on any painted and wood surfaces.

Lestoil is ideal for a variety of chores in workshops and the garage. Soak paintbrushes in a container filled with Lestoil to remove paint and soften the bristles. Full strength, Lestoil may be used as a garage floor scrub to remove grease and oil stains from concrete. Many car buffs also use Lestoil to clean engines and other areas in and around their vehicles. Prep walls for painting by cleaning with Lestoil first.

8. Even on carpet, no-wax floors

Lestoil, diluted in water at a rate of 2 tablespoons to one cup water, will remove old greasy, ugly, stubborn, oily stains from carpet. Make sure the stain is saturated well, then scrub with a clean white cloth. Blot then repeat as necessary until the stain is gone. Be sure to rinse well followed by blotting to dry. Always test for color-fastness in a closet or other inconspicuous place.

Use Lestoil, 2 tablespoons to one quart of water, to give dull no-wax floors a lift or ceramic tiles a good cleaning.

While Lestoil is a heavy-duty cleaner that is known for its effectiveness in removing tough stains and grime from various surfaces, it can be used for cleaning hardwood floors but with special care. Lestoil is a strong cleaner and may strip the finish or damage the wood if not used properly. Always test in an inconspicous place first (like in a closet or behind a door) to see how the floor finish reacts.

9. Useful in a spray bottle

Lestoil is smelly. Did I already say that? I need to say it again. Seriously, this stuff is strong smelling, which means you want to apply it judiciously. I pour my Lestoil into a 32-oz. spray bottle which allows me to apply it strategically.

10. Availability

Lestoil is not a well-known product and can be difficult to find. However, it is readily available if you know where to look. Lowe’s and Home Depot purport to carry it but I have yet to find a store in my area that has even one bottle for sale. But don’t take my word for it.

Check Walmart, Lowe’s, ACE, and Home Depot where you live. Then rest assured that you can get Lestoil online as I do, where it remains readily available.

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

 

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    *always test in an inconspicuous place first; it is possible 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 or that horrible, stubborn stain.

    Updated 9-13-23

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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 1/4”) of pine rosin from a tree trimmer’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 búsha had told me would make them stains be gone. I just couldn’t remember the trade name Lestoil™! 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 “Next—and this is very important—I roll up that treated item and leave it overnight. (I’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 don’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 go—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 😉

        Reply

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