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Last updated on April 8th, 2022 at 10:54 pm
So here’s the deal: I work really hard to put together a wardrobe of clothes that I can remix and wear multiple ways. No piece goes wasted until …dun-dun-DUN! I find one of my basic tops has oil stains all over it!
What’s up with that? You’d think I’d be more careful considering how much time I put into getting a wardrobe together so I can do a style challenge. Which are totally awesome if you are bored with wearing basically the same outfit all the time. Plus, I don’t have to think about what I’m wearing for a month or more …until I do something stupid to my clothes.
But I digress.
I think most of us tend to wear the same things all the time. So when I piece goes out of the rotation, it kinda messes with the whole getting dressed thing.
Today I’ll help you fix one of those messed up clothes problems by teaching you how to remove those set in oil stains from clothes.
I don’t care if you already washed that little dress and dried it. This solution WORKS! The best part is, you probably have all the ingredients you need.
How to remove oil stains from clothes:
What you need:
- Blue Dawn Dish Soap
- Baking Soda
- Hydrogen peroxide *see note
- Old toothbrush
- Time
1 | Drizzle the Dawn Dish Soap on the spots with grease or oil.
2 | Sprinkle baking soda over the top.
3 | Add a little hydrogen peroxide to moisten the mixture.
4 | Gently scrub the affected spots until they make a paste.
5 | Let it sit for an hour to soak.
6 | Wash and dry the clothing in your normal routine cycle.
*Note on hydrogen peroxide …I’ve used this method successfully a few times but the hydrogen peroxide could bleach dark clothing, so test it on an inconspicuous spot, or find another method.
And that’s all there is to it. Simple ingredients and simple steps to getting your hard earned closet back on track.
Oh, and if you’re in a style rut, I recommend checking out a one of the PMT Style Challenges or even a Starter Kit Wardrobe Guide. Go get your money’s worth out of your wardrobe.
Lori says
Do you have to rinse the garment before you put it in the washer? I have an HE front loader, I’m worried that this will make a lot of suds.
Jena says
Hi Lori, I have a HE front loader as well and I haven’t had a problem. I’ve only ever done a small amount of stain removal, so extra suds never crossed my mind. I don’t think it would be a problem if you rinsed it beforehand, especially if you’re taking out some larger stains. Good luck!
Regan says
Do i need to use that specific dish soap?
Jena says
I don’t see why something other than Dawn wouldn’t work, but it seems like Dawn has some kind of magic about it. It could just be brand loyalty too 😉
Darlene M Marchant says
Dawn is made to get rid of the grease on dishes and cookware. That is why it is so good on grease on clothes.
Ann Watley says
When I use a commercial spot remover to do this, I invariably get a spot where the oil was that is lighter than the surrounding garment. I’m wondering if you have seen this happen with your approach?
Jena says
Hi Ann, I haven’t seen any noticeable changes in the color.
Rebekah says
If I am using this on a grey colored fabric, will it bleach it so I will have a bleach mark on that sweatshirt?
Jena says
Hi Rebekah, I noticed some slight fading on my daughter’s dark blue dress (pictured above).
Trakila Tribble says
do i have to use dawn dish liquid on the set in oil stain?
Jena says
I haven’t used anything other than Dawn, but you could try it on a small spot to see if it works the same. I don’t see why it wouldn’t.
Susan says
I just use Avon bubble bath . Apply to already washed and dried stain and throw back into the washer. It takes out grease stains painlessly.
Mary says
I was ready to use my jeans as painting clothes. I washed my jeans with a lipstick in the pocket, they were spotted all over. Tried your treatment, worked like a charm, looks like brand new. Thanks