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Lestoil Heavy Duty Cleaner

Lestoil is a Clorox heavy duty cleaner for grease and stains. It can be hard to find in stores.

Updated . Edited by: Ilyass Ben Hakim.

Where to buy

Clorox points buyers to hardware and home improvement stores first. Some grocers in the Northeast and Midwest also stock it.

Professional insight

Cleaning pros treat Lestoil as a solvent degreaser, not a daily spray.

  • Pretreat oil and grease stains before the wash, not after.
  • Spot test on colored fabric and painted walls first.
  • Case packs of 12 bottles suit shops and garages.
  • The pine scent is strong; ventilate small rooms.

Check the label

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Lestoil at a glance

Introduced
1933, renamed Lestoil in 1936
Owner
The Clorox Company since 1996
Key ingredients
Soap salts, Stoddard solvent, pine oil

Common uses

  • Grease and motor oil stains on work clothes.
  • Collar and cuff grime before washing.
  • Scuffs and adhesive residue on hard floors.
  • Kitchen grease on range hoods and backsplashes.
  • Wet paint drips, both water and oil based.

How to use it

  1. 1Read the label directions for your surface or fabric.
  2. 2Test on a hidden spot and wait a few minutes.
  3. 3Apply full strength to stains, or dilute for floors.
  4. 4Rub or scrub, then rinse well with water.
  5. 5Wash treated clothes on their own the first time.

Safe use

  • Wear gloves; the solvent dries and irritates skin.
  • Open windows or run a fan while cleaning.
  • Keep away from open flames and pilot lights.
  • Store upright with the cap tight, out of reach.

Common questions

Is Lestoil discontinued?
No. Clorox still makes it, but stores carry it unevenly.
Why can I not find it locally?
Its sales are strongest in a few regions. Online sellers ship more widely.
Is it a disinfectant?
It is sold as a cleaner and stain remover. Check the label for claims.
Does it smell of pine?
Yes. Pine oil is part of the formula.