How to get oil out of clothes
Getting oil out of clothes can be tricky, but with the right approach, it's often very doable! The key is to act quickly, as heat (like from a dryer) can set the stain, making it much harder to remove.
Here's a breakdown of effective methods:
1. Act Fast & Absorb Excess Oil
Blot, don't rub: As soon as you notice the oil stain, use a clean paper towel, tissue, or cloth to blot away as much excess oil as possible. Rubbing can spread the stain and push it deeper into the fabric fibers.
Use an absorbent powder (optional but recommended for fresh stains): If you have it, sprinkle baking soda, cornstarch, or even talcum powder generously over the stain. These powders will absorb the oil. Let it sit for at least 10-15 minutes, or even a few hours, then gently brush or scrape off the powder. Repeat this if the powder still appears clumpy or discolored.
2. Pretreat with Dish Soap
Dish soap is your best friend: Liquid dish soap (especially those designed to cut grease, like Dawn or Fairy Liquid) is highly effective.
Apply directly: Put a small amount of liquid dish soap directly onto the oil stain.
Gently rub it in: Use your fingers, an old toothbrush, or a soft cloth to gently work the dish soap into the stained area. You want to loosen the oil.
Let it sit: Allow the dish soap to sit on the stain for at least 10-30 minutes, or even longer for stubborn stains.
3. Wash the Garment
Use warm/hot water: Oil and grease are semi-solid at room temperature, so using the warmest water recommended on the garment's care tag will help liquefy them and aid in removal. Always check the care label to avoid damaging the fabric.
Add detergent: Wash the garment in your washing machine with your usual laundry detergent. You can also add an enzyme-based laundry booster for extra stain-fighting power.
Consider a pre-soak: For tougher stains, you can soak the garment in warm water with some dish soap or an oxygen-based stain remover for 30 minutes to an hour before washing.
4. Air Dry (Crucial!)
NEVER machine dry an oil-stained garment until the stain is completely gone. The heat from a dryer will set the stain, making it incredibly difficult, if not impossible, to remove later.
Inspect: After washing, carefully inspect the garment. If any trace of the oil stain remains, repeat the pre-treatment and washing process.
Line dry or air dry: Once the stain is gone, you can machine dry the garment as usual, or continue to line dry it.
Tips for Stubborn or Set-In Stains:
Repeat the process: Sometimes, a single treatment isn't enough, especially for dried or set-in stains. Repeat the steps of absorbing powder (if applicable), pretreating with dish soap, and washing.
Baking soda paste: For extra scrubbing power, you can make a paste with baking soda and a few drops of dish soap, apply it to the stain, scrub with a toothbrush, and let it sit before washing.
WD-40 (for very stubborn, dried stains): Some sources suggest that WD-40 can help loosen old, dried oil stains. Spray a small amount on the stain (being careful not to spread it), let it sit for about 15 minutes, then apply dish soap and proceed with the normal washing steps. Be aware that WD-40 itself can leave a residue, so you'll need to ensure you get it out too.
Professional dry cleaning: If the garment is delicate or the stain is proving impossible to remove with home methods, consider taking it to a professional dry cleaner.
By following these steps, you significantly increase your chances of successfully removing oil stains from your clothes!
