Getting oil stains on clothes while cooking or eating is quite common; however, sometimes these stains set so firmly that they do not come off with regular washing. This becomes particularly challenging when the stains are on expensive or new garments, as scrubbing them vigorously at home can be risky.
In such situations, dry cleaning often seems like the only option, but these stains can actually be removed easily using a few simple hacks.
**Cornstarch or Baking Soda**
Instead of immediately washing the stained garment with detergent, sprinkle 1–2 teaspoons of cornstarch or baking soda over the oil spill. Leave it on the fabric for at least 10–15 minutes. You can simply shake off the powder, or if the stain is stubborn, gently scrub it away with a brush.
The powder helps absorb the oil from the fabric, making it easier to remove the stain during washing. For stubborn stains, let the powder sit for up to 30 minutes before washing the garment with detergent. A sign that the powder is working is that it may start to clump or slightly change color.
**Tissue or Paper Towel**
Place the garment on a piece of cardboard to prevent the oil from seeping through to the other side. Then, place a tissue or paper towel over the stain and press down gently; this helps transfer the oil from the fabric onto the tissue. Be careful not to rub the fabric during this step. Finally, take a little detergent and gently rub it into the stained area using your fingers. Using dish detergent is even better for this purpose, as the surfactants it contains help break down the layer of oil.
Consider the fabric type
It is also important to remember that the same method will not work on every type of fabric. Cornstarch or baking soda can be used on cotton, denim, and polyester. However, using these home remedies on delicate fabrics like silk, georgette, and cashmere could damage the material; dry cleaning is the best option for these fabrics.
