Oil stains on clothes can feel like a death sentence to your favorite garments. We’ve all been there, whether it’s the heartbreak of a pizza oil stain embellishing your shirt or a cooking mishap that’s left a greasy souvenir on your pants. The good news is that removing oil stains, even the old, stubborn ones, doesn’t have to be a mission impossible. This article will explore how to get rid of oil stains on clothes.
How to Get New Oil Stains Out of Clothes
The key to removing new oil stains from your clothes is swift action. Rebeccah Buurstra lays down a simple yet effective plan to tackle these greasy offenders without delay:
Check the Care Label: Your clothing’s care label is your best friend. It knows what your garment needs and, more importantly, what it can handle. For delicate fabrics like silk or cashmere, consider a professional’s touch carefully.
Scrape and Blot: Gently scrape off any excess grease using a butter knife. Next, blot the stain with a clean, white paper towel or cloth. It’s essential to use plain paper towels as colored patterns might transfer onto your clothes.
Apply Liquid Dish Soap: Gently rub a small amount of liquid dish soap into the stain. Let this sit for about 10 minutes, allowing the soap to break down the oil. Remember to rinse out the soap residue thoroughly afterward.
Wash: Use a concentrated laundry soap and wash the garment in the warmest water recommended on the care tag.
Line Dry: Always line dry clothes with oil stains. The high heat from a dryer can set the stain permanently and even pose a fire risk due to the grease.
Repeat the process if the stain persists after the first wash.
How to Get Old Oil Stains Out of Clothes
Don’t lose hope if you missed an oil stain and only discovered it after it’s set and dried. Old oil stains can still be vanquished with a bit more patience and effort:
Reapply Liquid Dish Soap: Similar to fresh stains, apply liquid dish soap to the stained area and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
Soak: Soak the garment in warm or hot water for at least 30 minutes. Add a bit of stain remover or laundry detergent to the soaking water to help break down the oil.
Wash: Place the item in the washing machine with your usual laundry detergent, using the warmest water setting suitable for the fabric.
Line Dry: As with new stains, avoid the dryer and opt for air drying.
How to Remove Set-In Oil Stains You’ve Already Washed
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, oil stains might survive a wash cycle. But there’s still a ray of hope for your stained clothing:
Spray with Water Displacement Lubricant: A water displacement lubricant can help reactivate the oil stain, making it easier to remove. Spray the stained area and let it sit for 15-30 minutes.
Treat with Liquid Dish Soap: Apply dish soap to the area and hand wash the garment in warm water, suitable for the fabric type, with a small amount of laundry detergent.
Hand Wash and Rinse: Wash by hand until the grease odor is no longer present. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Line Dry: Always line dry garments are treated for oil stains.
Wrapping Up
Remember, patience and perseverance are your allies when tackling oil stains. By following these expert tips, you’ll stand a good chance of rescuing your beloved clothes from the clutches of oily despair. So, next time you find yourself facing the dreaded grease stain, don’t panic. Armed with the right knowledge and a little elbow grease (pun intended), you’ll know exactly how to get rid of oil stains on clothes, ensuring they emerge from the ordeal unscathed and looking their best.