How to remove an oil stain from a garment? 4 infallible tips

The stains we fear the most on our clothes are oil or grease stains in general. These seem difficult to eliminate and we immediately prepare to say goodbye to our stained clothes. Still, there's no need to worry: removing oil stains is possible, especially if they're still fresh. Find out how to overcome this inconvenience with these tips.

When an oil stain spreads on a garment, you must react as quickly as possible before the stain dries or hardens. Thus, it is safer to eliminate it quickly. For this, you will need simple and easy-to-reach products.

What products to get rid of oil stains?

1. Baking soda

Bicarbonate is an effective stain remover. It has the ability to absorb oil in order to prevent it from becoming completely embedded in the fibers of the fabric. Hence the need to react immediately to the stained garment.

Before using the baking soda, first be sure to lay a piece of paper towel or a clean paper towel over the stain to absorb the excess oil and not stain other parts of the garment. Then sprinkle baking soda on the stain and let sit overnight. Then remove the excess baking soda and spray the stained area with a solution of white vinegar and water. Then scrub the splatter with a brush and soap, preferably Marseille soap, and then rinse. If the stain still persists, repeat this process.

You can also sprinkle the area to be treated with lemon juice and cover it with a little baking soda. Rub well for a few seconds and then rinse with clean water.

It is advisable, when using baking soda, to rub gently, especially if the material of the garment is fragile, such as silk, muslin or lace, because the crystals of baking soda are abrasive.

Removing an oil stain with baking soda – Source: Apartment therapy

2. Chalk

If a few drops of oil or grease splashed onto your top while cooking, try this chalk trick.

Chalk powder has the power to absorb grease. It is a stain remover that can remove grease stains, but also oil or makeup stains such as lipstick.

To do this, cover the stain with crushed chalk and let it sit for a few minutes so that the oil is absorbed. You can then put your garment in the washing machine to regain its cleanliness.

Chalk to remove a stain – Source: spm

3. Marseille soap

Marseille soap is also a stain remover that helps to overcome everyday stains, such as coffee, grease, oil or chocolate.

To remove the oil stain on your garment, place shavings of this soap on the stain and leave for 10 to 15 minutes, if the latter is fresh, otherwise, you will leave the soap on for a few hours. This will allow the soap to absorb the grease. Then rub the stain gently for a few minutes and then rinse with cold water.

4. Dishwashing liquid

Apply a few drops of dishwashing liquid to the stain and rub gently with your fingers to make the product penetrate. You can also use a soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub the stained area. Let stand for 5 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water.

Dishwashing liquid to remove stains – Source: Apartment therapy

The right steps to take to remove an oil stain

Do not try to remove the oil stain with water: Wetting the stain with water will not remove it. On the contrary, it will allow the stain to become more embedded in the fibers of the fabric.

Place a piece of cardboard behind the stain: Placing cardboard between the layers of the garment is helpful to prevent the stain from spreading to other intact parts of the garment.

Remove excess oil with a rag: Before resorting to the tips described above, first consider removing excess oil. To do this, dab the stain with a dry cloth, paper towel, paper towel, or paper towel. Be careful during this step not to spread the stain on other parts of the garment. Finally, be sure to detach the garment in question first before putting it in the washing machine, to prevent it from coming out again stained with oil.

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