How to Remove Oil Stains from Clothes
Getting rid of stains on outfits is one of the challenges. The reasons could be your job schedule or lack of resources. Even a tiny drop of oil can ruin your clothes. That’s where you need a reliable laundry to remove oil stains from clothes, like Love2Laundry.
We understand our customers’ requirements and use a personalized washing method, as per the fabric quality. It’ll remove old oil stains as well as protect the fabric from sustaining damage.
Let’s learn about the process of removing stains from your fabric.
Understanding Oil Stains on Fabric
You need to understand the nature of oil stains when they appear on fabrics. The washing process to remove oil stains from clothes changes because of the fabric type. Remember that the older the oil stain gets, the harder it will be to remove it. Let’s dig deeper into how oil stains appear on garments.
The Science Behind Oil Stains
Oil contains molecules like glycerol and fatty acids, which are hydrophobic and lipophilic. The surface tension of oil is different from water, and it doesn’t mix when spilled with water.
When oil accidentally spills on fabrics, it goes deep within the fibers making it harder to get rid of. That’s because the hydrophobic nature makes it harder for water-based cleaning agents to remove oil stains from clothes.
Common Sources of Oil Stains
There are many sources that your clothes can get oil stains. You cannot avoid all of them. Let’s have a look at the common situations where you can get oil stains on clothes.
While Cooking – Cooking lunch or dinner is the most common source of getting oil stains on your clothes.
Through Automotive Products – While working on car and motorcycle engines, oil can spill on your outfit.
Beauty Products – Beauty products like sunscreen and foundation have oils that can ruin your clothes.
Food – Pizza and burgers contain oil, which can spill on your clothes and leave a permanent mark. A suitable washing process is required to remove oil stains from clothes.
What You Will Need to Remove Oil Stains
To remove oil stains from clothes, you’ll need to gather the required supplies. Remember that the cleaning materials could vary according to the condition of the oil stain. Here are some tools and materials for removing oil stains:
Essential Tools and Materials
- Cornstarch
- Baking soda
- Dish soap
- Sponge
- Bristled brush
Optional Items for Stubborn Stains
- Oxygen bleach
- Rubbing alcohol
- Steam cleaner
- Stain removers
- Ammonia
Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Oil Stains
Washing your garments to remove oil stains from clothes requires a step-by-step process. Your outfits will go through a detailed process to ensure all the oil stains are removed. So, let’s take a look at where to begin:
Step 1: Blot the Stain
Blot the clothes gently to prevent them from spreading. You can use a small piece of cloth and dampen the stained area with soft hands. It’s suitable when the stain is fresh.
Step 2: Apply a Stain Remover
Apply a stain remover like dish soap or baking soda to remove oil stains from clothes. It’ll go deep within the fibers of your outfits and loosen up the dense oil stain.
Step 3: Launder as Usual
Now, set up your washing machine, add laundry detergent as per the fabric’s instructions, and wash them thoroughly. Even the old oil stains would be removed after the wash.
Step 4: Air Dry and Inspect
Dry your clothes on a clothesline or with the help of a dryer, and inspect the fabric carefully. If you still find some marks of oil, then repeat the process to remove stains.
Tips and Tricks for Tough Oil Stains
There are multiple tips for you to get rid of oil stains quicker than regular washing. Let’s take a look at the tips below:
Using Heat on Fresh Stains
If the oil stain is fresh, try applying heat to prevent the stain from spreading and remove it quickly. The reason is because of its hydrophobic nature. Heat is the opposite of oil. So, a moderate to high washing temperature could easily get rid of oil stains.
Dealing with Set-In Oil Stains
Oil stains that are old and giving a tough time could be removed by tweaking the washing process. For instance, baking soda can be used for pretreatment and rinsing the fabric with warm water.
If your outfit is sensitive to regular washing, then you must use a gentle laundry detergent. It’ll protect the fibers of your clothes from losing their shape.
Preventing Future Oil Stains
You can take some preventative measures in the future to keep your outfits safe from getting oil stains. Here are some ways to keep the oil stains away from your clothes:
Best Practices in the Kitchen
The kitchen is the place where the chances of your clothes catching oil stains are higher. You can wear an apron while cooking, so even if the oil spills, it will get on the apron, not on your outfit.
Handling and Storage Tips
Another preventative measure to remove oil stains from clothes is to keep cosmetics away from cupboards. You can even check the racks while hanging your outfits to see if there’s oil or not.
FAQs – How to Remove Oil Stains
How do you get dried oil stains out of clothes?
You can get rid of oil stains from your clothes by pretreating the stain with baking soda and then washing your outfits in warm water.
What home remedy removes oil from clothes?
Cornstarch or baking soda is the best home remedy for removing oil from clothes.
How to remove oil stains from clothes with baking soda?
Apply baking soda to your outfit, and then leave the solution for at least 15 minutes so it can absorb the oil. Then, wash your clothes as usual.
Wrap Up!
Now that you know how to remove oil stains from clothes, you won’t face any problems. You’ll get all the guidance required about the laundry detergent or when to pretreat the stain first.
For instance, when you wash your outfits by following the proper instructions, check them again. If the stains from clothes are removed, then store them in your cupboard. Otherwise, repeat the process.
