Everyone knows the pain of getting food on their favourite jumper or T-shirt. Rather than throwing this garment to the back of your drawer and only pulling it out when you need pyjamas, there are ways you can refresh your clothes and remove any oily stains.
From cooking mishaps to accidental spills, greasy marks often seem impossible to remove. Luckily, the experts at Plumbworld have revealed one kitchen staple that can tackle the problem almost instantly. They explained: “Oily stains are common, but the good news is that a simple, food-safe product like cornstarch can often remove them if treated promptly. It’s affordable, non-toxic, and very easy to use at home.”
Cornstarch, or cornflour, is a fine powdery starch derived from maize. It removes oily stains by drawing the oil out of the fabric’s fibres, allowing it to be brushed or washed away.
And unlike bleach or specialised detergents, it does not alter the colour of the garment and is gentle on most materials.
Oil stains are particularly stubborn, as oil is typically hydrophobic. This makes it rather difficult for standard detergents to remove them, especially if the stains have already set.
“The sooner you treat the stain, the higher the chance of complete removal,” the experts explain: “Cornstarch acts quickly by absorbing the excess oil before it spreads further.”
How to use cornstarch to remove oil stains
It’s better to act quickly once a spill has occurred. Start by blotting the excess oil with a paper towel, but do not rub. Then sprinkle a generous layer of cornstarch over the stain, covering it completely.
Let it sit for 15-20 minutes; for tougher stains, leave it for half an hour. Then carefully brush off the powder with a soft brush or cloth.
After this, you can put the clothes in the washing machine as usual, using your regular detergent. However, you should be sure to avoid hot water on delicate fabrics; warm water works best for oil removal.
If the stains aren’t gone after this, then just repeat the process or combine cornstarch with a small amount of gentle liquid detergent for a pre-wash treatment.
The experts at Plumworld conclude: “Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective. Cornstarch is a low-cost, easy, and safe way to tackle oily stains before they become permanent.
“For families, home cooks, or anyone prone to grease spills, this pantry staple is a must-have for maintaining spotless clothes.”