To effectively remove oil from fabric, particularly from a backpack, several methods can be employed. First, it's crucial to absorb as much surface oil as possible using paper towels. Soaking the backpack in hot water can help, as oil will rise to the surface. After soaking, scrubbing with a stiff brush and a surfactant is recommended, followed by thorough rinsing. Products like Simple Green and degreasing dish soap, such as Dawn, are effective for cleaning oil stains. For tougher stains, mechanic's hand cleaners like Goop or Fast Orange can be applied directly before rinsing. It's important to avoid using a dryer, as heat can set the stain permanently. Additionally, some suggest soaking the item overnight in laundry detergent for better results.