How to Remove Oil Stains from Your Clothes

Reading time: 5 minutes

A gravy spill or a sauce drip can easily ruin your favourite outfit. An important tip for care and maintenance of your clothing is to always treat stains as soon as you spot them. While immediately washing the garment may not always be possible, you must spot-treat a stain to prevent it from setting into the fabric permanently. If you spill something on your clothing, blot it immediately using paper towels. Try to remove as much of the spill, as soon as you can. 

Follow the steps given below to prevent oil spills from leaving behind permanent marks on your garment. 

Ingredients to Keep Handy:

a) Baby powder or cornstarch

b) Soft-bristled brush

c) Laundry detergent

d) Old toothbrush

e) Warm water

f) Chalk or chalk powder

Method 1: Use Baby Powder and Detergent

1. Step 1: Treat with Baby Powder

   Cover the stained area of the garment with baby powder or cornstarch. It will absorb the oily residue and lift the stain from the fabric. Wait for 10 minutes before gently brushing the area with a soft-bristled brush. 

2. Step 2: Treat with Detergent

   Dampen the stained area of your garment and sprinkle laundry detergent on it. You can try Surf Excel Easy Wash. Let the detergent rest on the stain for 10 minutes. Ensure that the detergent seeps into the fabric. Then, scrub the detergent gently with an old toothbrush and wash it off with warm water. Repeat the process if the stained patch is still visible. 

3. Step 3: Wash and Air-Dry

   Once the stain has disappeared, toss your garment in the washing machine and wash as you normally would. Do not put clothes with oil stains in the dryer as the heat will set the stain firmly into the fabric. It’s best to air-dry your clothes after you have washed them.

Method 2: Using Chalk

1. Step 1: Rub Chalk on the Stain

   Take a chalk or some chalk powder and rub it on the stained part. Allow it to sit for 20-30 minutes. It will absorb the oil from the fabric.

2. Step 2: Brush Away

   Use a nylon brush to scrub away the chalk powder. Chalk powder will help lift the oil stains. A nylon brush it not abrasive, and at the same time helps clear stains.

3. Step 3: Wash as Usual

   Now, wash your garment as you normally do. Remember to check the wash care label on your garment to understand the right washing method.

Knowing how to treat basic stains can help you make your clothes last longer. After all, good quality clothes don’t come cheap. Stay stylish and trendy without hurting your wallet.