Removing Oil Stains

Removing oil stains isn't easy, but it can be done. Oil and grease stains can make fabrics look dull and dirty. Follow these guidelines and you'll have that oil stain out in no time.

First apply an absorbent powder. This is the first step that you should take to remove oil stains, no matter the item. You can use either cornstarch or talcum powder; both are equally effective at soaking up oil and grease, so always be sure to keep one of these items in your cleaning kit.

Sprinkle the powder liberally on the affected area, and allow it to sit for five to ten minutes, depending on the severity of the stain. Brush the powder away. You can repeat this as many times as you feel is necessary to remove the majority of the oil.

Apply dry cleaning solution. If the item is a single movable layer, such as a garment or drapery panel, simply flip it over and apply the dry cleaning solution to the back, following manufacturer's directions. For upholstery, obviously you can only treat one side of the fabric.

Use a laundry pre-treater. These are readily available at any retail store. The affected area should be covered with the treatment and allowed to sit for a minute or longer, depending on the severity of the stain. It's okay to rub the treatment in.

Wash in hot water. Toss the garment into the washing machine, making sure that it's set on the hottest possible water temperature. There are various detergents available with grease-fighting power, and these are the best to use when attempting to remove an oil stain. Use the most rigorous setting, and add an extra spin cycle.

Check the item. Once the wash cycle is completed, take a look at the stain. It's important that you don't dry the garment if the stain is still visible. Instead, repeat all of the steps listed above. Once the item is free of the oil stain, you may dry it in the dryer.

You must be absolutely certain that you check the garment's care tag. Some items are dry-clean only or have special instructions relating to their washing and drying. These types of garments can be irreparably damaged by normal washing and drying methods. The above steps also work wonders for other common household items, such as small rugs, drapery panels, cloth shower curtains, and oven mitts.

If you've followed all of the above steps and the stain is still present, it is likely too old or too heavily soiled to be removed. You can repeat the steps for removing oil stains, but keep in mind that not every stain is removable.

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