Oil stains are a real problem. Greasy substances almost instantly soak into fabrics, distorting them. The stains are so deeply ingrained that it sometimes seems easier to throw the item away and forget about it. But there are ways to solve the problem. Our experts will tell you how to get rid of oil stains on clothes without changing their color and fabric properties.
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Method 1 How to Get Rid of Oil Stains on Clothes – Chalk Powder
To save your favorite clothes, you need a simple piece of chalk or chalk powder. It’s perfect for removing fresh stains. As soon as you notice the stain, rub the fabric with chalk. For better effectiveness, sprinkle powdered chalk.
For the best results, let the chalk sit on the fabric for a few hours. It should absorb the greasy substance. After this, shake off the item and wash it with your regular detergent.
Method 2 How to Get Rid of Oil Stains on Clothes – Salt
The action of salt is similar to the previous method. If you sprinkle it immediately on a fresh stain, it can absorb the greasy liquid and prevent it from forming a stain. For better effectiveness, slightly dampen the fabric and soap it. Generously sprinkle the damp fabric with fine salt and leave it for a few hours. After that, you can scrub the stain with a brush and wash it with your regular detergent.
Method 3 How to Get Rid of Oil Stains on Clothes – Laundry Soap
Ordinary laundry soap is a universal remedy for fighting all kinds of dirt, and greasy stains are no exception. To quickly remove an oil stain from fabric, you need a bar of soap, wet it in water, and thoroughly soap the dirty area of the material. Wrap it in cellophane and leave it for 10-12 hours. Then rinse it with clean water.
Note that you should use laundry soap specifically. Toilet soap is not suitable as it is less aggressive, less alkaline, and contains moisturizing ingredients that are unnecessary for cleaning. If you need to know how to get rid of oil stains on clothes of bright colors, test it first on an inconspicuous area. Laundry soap may contain detergents and bleaching agents that could harm the fabric dye.
Method 4 How to Get Rid of Oil Stains on Clothes – Sugar
If methods like laundry soap have been exhausted and the stain is still there, try an unconventional way to fight oil stains. First, thoroughly soap the stained area with laundry soap, then sprinkle sugar on it and leave it for 15 minutes. After that, scrub the area with a brush and rinse the sugar off with warm water. Put it in the washing machine.
Method 5 How to Get Rid of Oil Stains on Clothes – Glycerin
Don’t think that heavily ingrained stains can only be removed with especially aggressive products. Safe for hands and fabrics, glycerin can work. Take a cotton pad or swab, soak it in glycerin heated to 50 degrees Celsius, and vigorously rub the stained area. Leave it for a few hours to act. You can leave the pad on the stain. After this, wash the item in the usual way – in the machine or by hand.
By the way, warm glycerin works well on stains from coffee, chocolate, wine, and berries. To increase effectiveness, you can mix it with salt.
Method 6 How to Get Rid of Oil Stains on Clothes – Vinegar
Regular table vinegar (9%) can also help get rid of oil stains that have already soaked into the fabric. Simply mix warm water and vinegar in equal proportions, and soak the stained fabric in the mixture for 10-15 minutes. Then wash the item as usual.
But before starting such a wash, check how the dye reacts to the acid. In most cases, vinegar doesn’t harm, but caution is necessary.
Method 7 How to Get Rid of Oil Stains on Clothes – Turpentine
This method can be called extreme. You probably don’t have turpentine at home. But if you do, it will definitely help. This product has long been used for dissolving oil paints. It can dissolve fats and wax, making it easy to degrease various surfaces. But note that turpentine is quite an aggressive substance. Before using it to remove an oil stain, make sure it won’t damage the fabric.
To remove any greasy dirt, carefully soak a cotton swab in turpentine and thoroughly rub it into the material. Leave it for a few hours. But periodically check the stain to ensure there are no changes in the fabric color. After this, thoroughly wash the clothing to remove the stain and turpentine residues from the fabric.
How to Get Rid of Oil Stains on Clothes Without Washing
We’ve described methods on how to get rid of oil stains on clothes made from thin fabrics that are easy to wash. But what if, for example, a coat is stained? Of course, the best option is to take it to the dry cleaners. But there’s a way to remove a fresh stain quickly and at home.
To get rid of an unsightly oil stain, prepare regular paper napkins – not colored, but white, and an iron. Spread the item on a flat surface and cover the stain with a paper napkin. Iron the napkin on top with a hot iron.
Fats usually evaporate easily, and the paper napkin will absorb the vapors. When you see that a stain has appeared on the napkin, replace it. Repeat until the next napkin remains clean. This will allow you to remove the stain without washing or using aggressive cleaning agents.
How to Get Rid of Oil Stains on Clothes Using Natural Remedies – video
To learn interesting ways how to get rid of oil stains on clothes using natural remedies that are available in every home, watch the video:
Conclusions
We’ve told you how to get rid of oil stains on clothes using various household items. Although greasy stains are very difficult to remove, they can be cleaned if you use our tips. The main thing is to check the fabric’s resistance to the substance’s effect before starting the cleaning process to avoid making things worse.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About How to Get Rid of Oil Stains on Clothes
Use a stain remover or baking soda to remove greasy dirt.
Vinegar or salt, which are found in every kitchen, can help remove oil stains from clothes.
You can try applying flour or cornstarch to the stain before washing.
You can try stain removers that contain enzymes.
Apply a concentrated detergent or try turpentine – it’s risky but effective.