It doesn't matter what you do, cook or eat, if you take a little distraction, you risk leaving an oil stain on your clothes. Butter contains fats and milk proteins, leaving behind a mixed stain that is especially difficult to remove. The best thing to do with your garment is to treat the stain as early as possible before it sinks even deeper into the fabric. This article provides three ways to keep stained clothes out of the trash can. The first two can be used alone or in combination with each other. The third should be resorted to only if other methods do not work.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using dishwashing detergent and spotting
Step 1. Rub dish soap into the stain
Because dishwashing detergent is designed to combat greasy food that builds up on pots, pans and plates, it is also an excellent detergent for butter on clothes.
- Dampen the stain with warm water.
- Apply a small amount of dish soap to the stain.
- Rub the stain gently with your fingers, spreading the product over the surface.
Step 2. Rinse thoroughly
Dip the garment in a sink or tub and rinse the stain under hot water until the soap is completely removed from the fabric. Make sure that the product has not transferred to another part of the fabric. Keep the fabric taut so that the soap can drain directly into the drain.
Step 3. Treat the stain with a stain remover
When trying to remove something as stubborn as an oil stain, treat the stain with an intense stain remover before running it through the washing machine. Purchase a stain remover from your local grocery store or make it at home.
- If you want to make your own stain remover, mix the following ingredients:
- 350 ml water
- 60 ml liquid castile soap (if you can't find it in the store, buy it online)
- 60 ml natural glycerin (also available online)
- 5-10 drops of lemon essential oil
- Once you've combined the ingredients, apply the mixture to the stain by rubbing it gently into the fabric with your fingers.
- Leave the fabric for at least an hour so that it is sufficiently saturated (if you bought the product from a store, follow the instructions on the package) before putting the clothes in the washing machine.
Step 4. Wash soiled clothes in the washing machine
The hotter the water is, the more likely it is that the oil stain will be removed successfully, so set the wash to the highest temperature allowed for the item. Examine the label on the garment carefully to make sure the heat will not harm the fabric. In this case, use a lower temperature.
Step 5. Check the stain before drying
If there is still a stain, do not put the garment in the dryer. This will force the stain even more into the fabric. If the stain remains, repeat the entire process again, including applying soap, rinsing, treating the stain, and another wash session before using the dryer. After that, the stain should disappear.
Method 2 of 3: Using cornstarch or talcum powder
Step 1. Treat the stain while it is fresh
This method is more effective if you reach the stain before it dries and digs deeper into the fabric.
Step 2. Lay your garment on a flat surface
Find a place where she will not be knocked over or thrown to the floor. You don't want to create more mess by sprinkling powder all over the place, do you?
Step 3. Dust the stain with powder
Talcum powder and cornstarch are powerful absorbents. Covering a fresh spot of butter with a generous layer of one of the powders will draw the butter out of your clothes.
Spread the powder over the stain, but do not rub it into the fabric
Step 4. Leave the powder for about half an hour
The longer it stays on the stain, the more likely it is that the oil will be completely removed. Leave it on for at least half an hour before moving on to the next step.
Step 5. Wipe the stain with an old toothbrush
Use a toothbrush to rub talcum powder or cornstarch over the surface of the stain. Shake it off with your fingers and see how much remains of the stain.
If the stain has not completely disappeared, repeat this process until you are successful
Method 3 of 3: Using WD-40, hairspray, or lighter fluid (last resort)
Step 1. Become aware of the risk
While some people have been successful with WD-40, hairspray and lighter fluid in removing particularly stubborn oil stains, you risk damaging your clothes - for example, lighter fluid can ruin the color of paint on clothes. These products can leave behind a horrible smell that is much more difficult to hide than the original stain.
- Test the product on a small, hidden area of fabric before applying it to the stain.
- Leave it like this for half an hour and then check if the fabric has been damaged in any way.
- If not, go to the next step.
Step 2. Apply the product to the stain
WD-40 and hairspray are sold in aerosol cans, so they must be sprayed at close range, focusing the spray area over the stain. Since the amount of lighter fluid splashes out is difficult to control, first apply it to a paper or kitchen towel and then wipe the stain with it. This will prevent all your clothing from soaking in the lighter fluid and will be in control of the area being treated.
Step 3. Wipe the stain with an old toothbrush
Do not rub hard to avoid damaging the fabric, but try to rub enough product into the fabric and the stain.
Step 4. Wait at least an hour
Wait long enough for the product to loosen the oil stain. Put your clothes aside and try not to think about them for the next hour.
Step 5. Wash your clothes in the washing machine
Use the hottest water you can wash the item. The hotter the water, the higher the chances that the stain will be removed.
Inspect your garment to make sure the stain has been removed before putting it in the dryer, as the heat will make the stain even more resistant
Advice
- Treat stains as soon as possible! The longer it stays on the fabric, the more difficult it will be to remove.
- Take your clothes to a professional dry cleaner if you can't remove the stain yourself.