Oil stains can be difficult to remove from clothes, especially white ones, and can ultimately ruin colours and fabric. Cleaning fan and TikTok user Carolina McCauley shared how she “rescues” white clothes from oil-based stains.
Oil molecules penetrate the fabric fibres, making them difficult to remove with simple water and washing detergent. So Carolina shared her easy-to-do method for digging those difficult stains out. Plus, you only need three household items to get the results.
How to remove oil stains from white clothing
Carolina’s go-to method only has five steps, making it super easy to replicate on your own stained clothes. You’ll need to come armed with some kitchen roll, washing up liquid, and baking soda.
Firstly, Carolina advised to blot any excess oil on the clothes. Next, mix one tablespoon of washing up liquid and two tablespoons of baking soda into a thick paste.
The paste should then be applied all over the oil stain, followed by gently rubbing it into the clothes. Allow the paste to dry for around 30 minutes.
Follow by washing the clothes on its regular cycle. This technique can effectively remove stains due to baking soda being an absorbent.
This means that when it’s applied to oil stains, it soaks up the oil and draws it out of the fabric.
By using both washing up liquid and baking soda, you get both the benefits of absorbing the grease and cutting through it. To make sure the stain is completely removed, it’s recommended to wash the clothes on a normal cycle.
Washing up liquid helps to break down tough oil stains, loosening it before washing. Experts at cleaning product company Tide urged anyone dealing with oil stains to act quickly.
If there is any excess oil, it should be dabbed with a piece of kitchen roll before attempting to clean off.
Tide noted: “There are many common household items that work great when dealing with oil stains on clothing. Tide Liquid Laundry Detergent, clear dish soaps, white vinegar, and warm water can all work well at breaking down and lifting even the most stubborn oil stains.”
