It is super easy to get an oil stain on your clothes if you're even slightly ignorant of how and what you're eating or cooking. And big or small, the stain will become extremely difficult to remove if you don't move swiftly. But fret not, because in this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide as to how to remove oil stains from clothes.
Why Quick Action is Important?
As soon as you find the stain, try to remove as much as you can. If you are in at your workplace or in any other social situation, take a bunch of tissue papers or your handkerchief to blot it. This will lift as much of it as possible, preventing the oil from depositing deep into the fabric. However, if you didn’t notice the stain and now it has spread further, we will tell you how to remove it.
Method 2: For White Clothes
Ingredients to keep handy:
a) Tissue papers
b) Salt
c) White vinegar
d) Laundry detergent
e) Baking soda or cornstarch
f) Water
g) Bucket
Step 1: Check the Wash Care Label
Before you begin to treat the stain, remember to read the wash care label to understand appropriate cleaning instructions. Check to see the correct water temperature, wash method i.e., hand-wash or machine-wash and so on.
Step 2: Blot the Stain
Dampen the stain with water. Use a couple of tissue papers and blot the stain. This will remove the removable residue.
Step 3: Apply Baking Soda or Cornstarch
Liberally sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on the affected area to form a thick layer. Wait for 30-40 minutes. You will see that the oil will get absorbed into baking soda. If the oil stain is not lifted up completely, repeat the step once again.
Step 4: Apply Dishwashing Liquid
Now, pour 4-5 drops of dishwashing liquid over baking soda. Using the circular motions of your fingers, gently scrub it on the stain. By now, most of the stain should be gone.
Step 5: Soak the Garment
Once the affected area is cleaned, soak the clothes in soapy water to ensure maximum cleansing. Take ½ bucket of lukewarm water and add 3-4 tsp. of laundry detergent to it. Soak your garment in it for 20-30 minutes.
Step 6: Wash the Garment
Wash your garment using your normal wash routine.
Step 7: Dry the Garment
Now, you can dry it out in the sun. Sun acts as a natural bleaching agent. If your garment is coloured, hang it on the clothesline in partial shade, away from the sun.
The above methods work well for most of the fabric types including cotton, polyester, chiffon, viscose, rayon and so on. Ensure you select the right cleaning method basis the colour of your garment i.e., dark or white. However, if the stain is on a delicate material like silk, it is best to hand over the garment to professional dry cleaners for safe cleaning.
And there you have it! Enjoy your fresh and stain-free garment. When you find oil stains on your clothes the next time, you know how to make them disappear. You are welcome!