Stains on clothes are inevitable in our daily lives, but some are more difficult to remove than others. One of the most feared is the oil stain, which usually impregnates fabrics and seems almost impossible to remove.
If you have ever found yourself with an oil-stained garment and have tried different products without success, the following information is for you. Here we show you how you can effectively remove oil stains using 2 household ingredients that we all have in the kitchen: baking soda and vinegar.
Why is oil so hard to remove from clothes?
Oil stains are particularly tricky due to the nature of this product. Oils do not dissolve in water, meaning that a simple wash is not enough to remove them. Furthermore, if not treated immediately, the oil can permeate the fibers of the fabric and become even more difficult to remove.
While many commercial products promise to remove these stains, some contain harsh chemicals that can damage fabrics or even irritate the skin. Fortunately, there are natural alternatives that are just as effective and much gentler on clothes and the environment. In this case, baking soda and vinegar are the perfect solution.
Baking soda is a multi-purpose ingredient used in a variety of household tasks, and its ability to absorb oil makes it a valuable ally in treating stains on clothing. When applied to an oil stain, baking soda works by absorbing the excess grease, making it easier to remove later in the wash.
How to use baking soda to remove oil stains?
1) Make a paste: In a bowl, mix baking soda with water until you get a smooth paste. This paste will penetrate the fabric fibers and absorb the oil.
2) Apply to the stain: Using an old toothbrush, apply the paste directly to the oil stain. Rub the affected area in a circular motion, making sure the mixture covers the entire stained area. Allow the baking soda to sit for at least 15 minutes.
3) Repeat if necessary: If the stain persists, repeat the process one more time, allowing the baking soda to continue absorbing the oil. In severe cases, it is recommended to let the paste sit for about three hours.
4) Wash the garment: After letting the paste sit on the stain, rinse the garment and proceed to wash it as you normally would. Make sure to use cold or lukewarm water, as hot water can cause oil stains to set into the fabric more.
5) Let it air dry: To avoid possible damage to the fabric, it is advisable to let the garment air dry and avoid using dryers, since the heat can cause the oil residue to adhere even more to the clothing.
Vinegar: another powerful ally in the fight against oil stains on clothes
White vinegar is another common household ingredient that has excellent cleaning properties. Its ability to break down grease and disinfect makes it a great complement to baking soda when it comes to removing oil stains.
How to use vinegar to remove oil stains?
1) Apply detergent to the stain: Before using the vinegar, apply a little liquid detergent directly to the oil stain. Rub gently with your fingers so that the detergent begins to work on the stain.
2) Prepare a vinegar and water mixture: In a large bowl, mix equal parts white vinegar and cold water. Submerge the stained garment in this solution and let it sit for about six hours. The vinegar will help break down any remaining traces of oil on the fabric.
3) Rinse with cold water: After soaking the garment in the vinegar and water solution, rinse it thoroughly with cold water to remove any residue from the mixture. Then, wash the garment as usual in the washing machine.
The next time you are faced with an oil stain on your clothes, don’t despair. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll see how your favorite clothes look like new.
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