5 SIMPLE TIPS FOR REMOVING OIL STAINS FROM FABRIC

​Oil Stains can definitely ruin a happy moment... Especially when it's an important one! I was inspired to do this post the other day when I was doing a clients makeup for the VMA's. My client had noticed an oil stain on her shirt and went totally bonkers over it. I told her it wasn't noticeable, but she still didn't believe me. The outfit she wanted to wear had to be replaced by one she wasn't too thrilled about. There wasn't anytime to fix it, because she was already running late. 

I've dealt with situations like this in the past. It's not fun when it happens last minute and you're scrambling for another outfit. So I've decided to put together some tips that will help you if oil ever accidentally spills on you. Keep in mind that if it does happen, you must act quickly or the stain will be harder to remove. For expensive fabrics or outfits, I would recommend you take them to the dry cleaners ASAP! 

Here are 5 Tips​:

1. ​Dishwashing Soap and Baking Soda-Mix a solution of dishwashing soap and baking soda, and apply to the stain. Place a washcloth underneath fabric and with a sponge soaked in warm water, massage stain, pressing into washcloth. This can be repeatedly until stain is removed, or follow by washing in washer (Stain should be removed after first wash).
2. Pour hot boiling water onto stain (white garments). Hot water naturally breaks up oil. Make sure to have dishwashing gloves on and also a towel underneath the garment to absorb the oil. Do this is the sink to prevent spilling or burning.
3. Pour vodka onto stain and press with a cloth. The high alcohol content helps to breakup the oil. Follow with warm water on a cloth. ​
4. Soda, preferably one with a high amount of phosphoric acid. Sodas high in phosphoric acid are great for cleaning up stains (oil, blood, mildew, etc.). ​Apply soda to stain and allow 3-5 minutes. Press affected area with warm water and toss in washer.
5. Pour cornstarch ​on stain and place cloth underneath stain. Massage cornstarch with dry cloth. Allow up to an hour. Rinse with warm/hot water and grease cutting dish soap.  

​Remember, these are just tips. Not all will work for the oil stain you have because not all oils are made the same. Some oils are easier to remove, whereas others are more difficult depending on the composition. But with all oils, you must act right away.