Ugh, oil stains! They’re the worst, right? Whether it be a splatter from the fryer, an oil-based food prank, or even some spilled on your favorite shirt after tinkering with your car… once it’s there for more than 24 hours, they can quickly become PERMANENT STAINS. But don’t worry! Usually, with the proper steps, you can save your clothes. Let’s dive in!
Understanding Oil Stains
Oil stains are tricky because they do not like water at all, which is why washing the shirt alone might not be enough. The oil has separated; we have to break it down and remove it from the fabric.
Act Fast
The longer an oil stain is on your clothing, the harder it will be to remove. There is less time for the oil to penetrate into the clothing, so don’t hesitate!
Basic Steps
Today, I will be sharing my oil-stain-removal technique generally on clothes.
- Blot the Stain: Blot up as much oil as possible with a paper towel or clean cloth. Wipe and do not rub, as this could spread the stain.
- Pre-Treat: Select an oil pre-treatment. Read and follow the product instructions.
- Scrub the Shirt as Normal: After you treat the stain, wash your shirt according to its care label and then air dry.
DIY Stain Removers
Do not worry if you are out of a commercially bought stain remover. Chances are you have a few great ones right in your kitchen.
- Dish Soap: For cutting through grease. Dab a small amount on the stain and let it sit for about ten minutes before laundering as normal.
- Baking Soda: Baking soda and water make a paste. Apply the paste to the stain, allow it to dry, and brush it off, then launder.
- White Vinegar: Combine white vinegar and water in equal parts. Spray on the stain, leave for 30 minutes, rinse out, then wash.
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Specific Fabric Tips
How to care for different types of fabrics? Here are some tips:
- Cotton: For the most part, you can use almost any stain-removing method on cotton.
- Wool: Be gentle with wool. Choose a mild detergent, and avoid harsh chemicals.
- Delicate Fabrics: For delicate fabrics like satin and silk, opt for dry cleaning in case of any tough spots.
Preventing Future Stains
Well, you saved your shirt this time. How to avoid oil stains in the future?
- Aprons (PPE – Personal Protective Equipment): Wear an apron during cooking.
- Food Scrubs: Avoid heavy eating.
- Acting Fast: As mentioned above, the quicker you get to a stain, the better.
Tougher Stains
There are times it feels like you have tried everything to your best ability and still an oil stain won’t budge. When you have literally tried everything but the stain is still visible, it could be a sign to call for professional help. A dry cleaner can tackle the toughest stains as they have appropriate machines and detergents.
And don’t forget, unfortunately, patience is the most needed thing with oil… It can be an experience of trial and error to get rid of the spots, but if you do it properly, you often save your favorite outfits.
FAQs
- Is hydrogen peroxide used to take off an oil spot?
- Bleaching clothes with hydrogen peroxide is too harsh to be applied directly on stains.
- What about old oil stains?
- Old oil stains are indeed problematic to get rid of. You will have to repeat the treatment a few times. For common stains, just use the instructions above and see if that does not remove it, but for pet poop or kid vomit, a good stain remover may be needed.
- Will taking my stained shirt through the dryer ‘set’ the stain?
- That is true; heat could set the oil, making it more difficult to remove. Repeat this process until the stain has completely disappeared, and make sure to always air dry the item.
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