When Chemical-Free Isn’t Enough: Why I Still Use Lestoil for Oil Stains

If you’ve been following my journey toward a chemical-free home, you know how passionate I am about ditching toxins and embracing natural, safe alternatives. From laundry detergent to dish soap, I love finding clean solutions that are gentle on our bodies and the planet.

But today, I want to get real with you.

There’s one product I still use—and it’s definitely not chemical-free. In fact, it has a super strong smell that gives me a headache if I’m not careful. But it works. And sometimes, that’s what matters most.

I’m talking about Lestoil Heavy Duty Multi-Purpose Cleanser.

This little brown bottle has saved more of our favorite sweatshirts, shirts, and pants than I can count. It’s my go-to for one of the hardest stains to tackle: set-in oil. You know the ones—greasy cooking splatters, automotive grime, or mysterious oily marks that show up after washing and drying. Nothing else touches them. Nothing natural has even come close.

So yes, even in my chemical-free home, Lestoil has a spot on the shelf (tightly capped and used sparingly).

Why I Still Use It

The truth is, while I prefer to keep toxins out of our home, I also care about waste—especially textile waste. Throwing out an otherwise perfectly good piece of clothing over one stubborn stain just doesn’t sit right with me. If Lestoil can bring that piece back to life, I believe it’s worth using once in a while.

It’s a trade-off. One I make consciously, not casually.

Instead of tossing that hoodie into a landfill, I treat the stain with Lestoil, wash the garment separately, and then run an extra rinse cycle. I always hang it to dry outside to help air out the strong scent—and I never use it around kids or in poorly ventilated spaces.

The Takeaway

I still believe in a chemical-free lifestyle. But I also believe in balance. There’s room for grace and practicality in this journey. Choosing Lestoil every now and then isn’t giving up on clean living—it’s choosing to save what can be saved, minimize waste, and make thoughtful decisions.

If you’re trying to live more intentionally, I hope this encourages you to find your own balance. It doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. We’re allowed to make exceptions when they’re truly worth it—and for me, this is one of them.

Have you ever had a “toxic-but-worth-it” moment? I’d love to hear about it in the comments.

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