Removing oil stains on fabrics

Getting rid of oil stains

Whether it's a culinary oil stain on a shirt or a motor oil stain on a vehicle seat, oil stains may be a frequent and nuisance on clothing. As they can seep deeply into the cloth's fibres and are resistant to standard cleaning techniques, oil stains can be extremely challenging to remove.

Although difficult to remove, do not despair; you can tackle oil stains using the tips below:

• Act quickly, an oil stain will become more difficult to remove the longer it stays.

• If at all feasible, blot the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb as much of the extra oil as you can.

• Give the stain a liberal coating of cornflour or baking soda, and let it sit there for at least 30 minutes to absorb the oil.

• Apply a little dish soap directly to the stain after brushing off the baking soda or cornflour.

• Use a clean cloth or a soft-bristled brush to gently massage the stain.

• Launder the item as usual using the hottest water safe for the fabric after rinsing the affected region with cold water.

• Repeat the procedure if the stain persists, or take the item to a professional cleaner.

• Before attempting to remove a stain, always check the care label on the item because some materials could only be dry-cleanable.

It is worth remembering that some oil-based stains can be difficult to remove, especially if they are old; acting quickly is often the key. Following these steps can increase your chances of removing the stain if you use the appropriate cleaning solution and follow manufacturer's instruction for the fabric.