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10 Things You’ll Be Happy to Know About Lestoil

shieldMary Hunt calendar_todayNov 06, 2020 updateUpdated Jun 15, 2026 schedule9 min read verifiedFact-checked
10 Things You’ll Be Happy to Know About Lestoil

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.

 

Lestoil
Lestoil
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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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    Mary Hunt

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