Cultural conditions for the production of lipase by Aspergillus niger strain MTCC 2594 by solid-state fermentation using gingelly oil cake were standardized. A lipase activity of 363.6 U/g of dry substrate was obtained at 72 h under optimum conditions. Addition of various nitrogen sources, carbohydrates and inducers to the substrate was found to be ineffective. The enzyme was optimally active at pH 7.0 and 37 degrees C, and was found to be stable between pH 4.0-10.0 and 4-50 degrees C. The enzyme also showed remarkable stability in the presence of detergents and it could be effectively used for the removal of triglyceride soils in laundry.