Introduction
Oil stains are an unfortunate reality for anyone who wears clothing. Whether you’ve got cooking oil on your shirt after making dinner or motor oil on your jeans after changing your car’s oil, oil stains can be difficult to remove. In this article, we’ll explore the best ways to remove oil stains from clothes, so you can keep your favorite garments looking their best.
Blotting Up Oil Stains
The first step in removing an oil stain is to blot up as much of the oil as possible with a clean cloth or paper towel. It’s important not to rub or scrub the stain, as this could spread the oil further into the fabric. Instead, gently press down on the cloth or paper towel to absorb as much of the oil as possible.
Pre-Treatment Stain Remover
Pre-treatment stain removers can work wonders on oil stains. One of the most popular brands is Shout, which comes in both spray and gel form. To use Shout to treat an oil stain, simply spray or apply the product directly onto the stain, then let it sit for several minutes before washing the garment in the machine.
Rubbing Soap on the Stain
Rubbing a bar of soap directly onto the stain is another effective way to remove oil stains from clothes. The soap will help break down the oil molecules, making them easier to remove when you wash the garment in the machine. Simply wet the area with some water, then rub the bar of soap into the stain until it is completely covered. Let it sit for a few minutes before washing.
Soaking the Garment in Dishwashing Liquid
Soaking the garment in a solution of dishwashing liquid and warm water can also help remove stubborn oil stains. To make the solution, mix one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid with two cups of warm water. Then, soak the garment in the solution for at least 30 minutes before washing it in the machine. Be sure to check the garment’s care label before soaking, as some fabrics may not be suited to this method.
Washing the Garment in the Machine
Once you’ve treated the stain with one of the above methods, it’s time to wash the garment in the machine. For best results, use a laundry detergent that is specifically designed for removing oil stains. Follow the instructions on the bottle for how much detergent to use, and wash the garment on the hottest cycle that is safe for the fabric.
Treating the Stain with Degreaser
If the stain remains after washing the garment in the machine, you may need to treat it with a commercial degreaser. These products are specifically designed to break down oil, grease and other stubborn stains. Simply apply the degreaser directly onto the stain, let it sit for several minutes, then rinse off with cold water. Again, be sure to check the care label before using a degreaser on the garment.
Conclusion
Oil stains can be difficult to remove from clothes, but they don’t have to be impossible. By following the steps outlined above — blotting up the stain, pre-treating with stain remover, rubbing soap on the stain, soaking the garment in a solution of dishwashing liquid and warm water, washing the garment in the machine, and treating the stain with a degreaser — you should be able to successfully remove even the toughest oil stains from your clothes.
