How to Use Household Items for Oil Removal

Oil stains can be a frustrating sight on clothes, but you don’t always need harsh chemicals to tackle them. Many common household items can effectively lift oil and restore your garments.Oil Removal Here’s how:

1. Baking Soda:

• Absorbent Power: Baking soda is a natural absorbent that effectively soaks up oil.
  • Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda directly onto the oil stain.
  • Let it sit for several hours or overnight to allow the baking soda to absorb the oil.
  • Gently brush off the baking soda.
  • Launder the garment as usual.

2. Dish Soap:

• Emulsification: Dish soap is formulated to cut through grease and oil.
  • Apply a small amount of liquid dish soap directly to the stain.
  • Gently rub the soap into the fabric using your fingers or a soft-bristled¹ brush.
  • Let it sit for a few minutes.
  • Launder the garment as usual.

3. Cornstarch:

• Absorbent Power: Cornstarch is another effective absorbent for oil stains.
  • Sprinkle cornstarch generously over the stain.
  • Let it sit for several hours to absorb the oil.
  • Gently brush off the cornstarch.
  • Launder the garment as usual.

4. White Vinegar:

• Cutting Agent: White vinegar can help to break down oil and remove stains.
  • Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
  • Spray the solution onto the stain.
  • Let it sit for a few minutes.²
  • Launder the garment as usual.

5. Club Soda:

• Carbonation Power: The carbonation in club soda can help to lift oil stains.
  • Pour club soda directly onto the stain.
  • Let it sit for a few minutes.
  • Blot the area with a clean cloth.
  • Launder the garment as usual.

Important Considerations:

• Test in an Inconspicuous Area: Before applying any of these methods, always test them on an inconspicuous area of the fabric to ensure it doesn’t cause any damage or discoloration.
• Avoid Heat: Avoid using hot water or high heat in the dryer until the stain is completely removed. Heat can set the stain, making it much harder to remove.
• Multiple Treatments: Some stains may require multiple treatments to completely disappear.

By utilizing these readily available household items, you can effectively tackle oil stains and keep your clothes looking their best. Remember to always test any cleaning method on an inconspicuous area first and follow the garment’s care instructions carefully.