2 ingredients to remove oil Stains from Clothes

When it comes to laundry, oil stains can be a huge hassle. Whether it’s from a burst of cooking oil or a dribble of salad dressing, these stains can quickly ruin your favorite clothing. But don’t worry! There’s a quick and effective solution using two everyday items that are probably already in your kitchen: Dawn dish soap and baking soda.

In this guide, I’ll explain how to use this powerful duo to tackle oil stains effectively, making your clothes look fresh and clean again.

Why Dawn and Baking Soda?

Let’s take a closer look at why this combination is so effective.

Dawn dish soap is famous for its grease-cutting abilities. It’s specially formulated to break down heavy oils, making it a top choice for laundry stain removal. In fact, studies show that Dawn can cut through 98% of grease and oil on contact. Baking soda, on the other hand, acts as a gentle abrasive and helps neutralize odors in fabrics. When used together, they create a cleaning powerhouse that can tackle even the toughest oil stains.

What You'll Need

Before getting started, gather the following items:

• Dawn Dish Soap: 1/4 cup

• Baking Soda: 1/4 cup

• An Old Toothbrush or a Soft Brush: Ideal for scrubbing the stain.

  
  

Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Oil Stains

Step 1: Blot the Stain

If you spot an oil stain, grab a clean cloth and gently blot the area to soak up as much oil as you can.

Avoid rubbing the stain, as this can push the oil deeper into the fabric, making it harder to remove.

This mixture will work even for heat set stains but it may take multiple tries to remove it completely. The sooner you tackle them the easier they are to remove.

Step 2: Mix

Now it’s time to create your cleaning mix. In a small container, combine baking soda with Dawn dish soap.

Stir until you achieve a thin paste.

This mixture can be stored in an airtight container for later use. If it begins to dry out you can revive it by adding a small amount of water.

Step 3: Apply the Mixture

Take a small amount of the paste and apply it directly to the oil stain using your old toothbrush or soft brush.

Gently scrub the paste into the fabric using circular motions from different directions. This allows the cleaning mixture to penetrate the fibers of the material without damaging the material.

Step 4: Let It Sit

After scrubbing, let the paste sit on the stain for about 30 to 60 minutes. This waiting period allows the baking soda and Dawn to effectively break down the oils.

Step 5: wash and Check

Once the time is up, wash in the washing machine with the hottest temperature water that the clothing can tolerate and your normal detergent. Check if the stain is gone. If you can still see it, don’t worry! Just repeat the process—applying the paste again and letting it sit for another 30 minutes before washing once more.

Step 6: dry Normally

When you’re satisfied that the stain is lifted, toss the garment into the dryer and dry as you normally would.

Be sure to follow the care instructions on the clothing tag for best results.

Tips for Best Results

• Act Fast: The quicker you treat an oil stain, the better chance you have of removing it completely. Don’t let it linger!

  
  

• For stains that have set on the fabric for a long time or with multiple washing it may take a few tries to completely remove them.

• Test a Hidden Area First: Always check the paste on a small, hidden area of the fabric to ensure it won’t cause discoloration.

• Different Fabrics: Be cautious with delicate fabrics. They may require gentler treatment or a diluted mixture.

  
  

• Go Green: If you're looking for a more eco-friendly solution, both Dawn and baking soda are safer alternatives to harsher chemicals commonly found in stain removers.

  
  

Wrapping It Up

That’s it! With just two simple ingredients—Dawn and baking soda—you can quickly eliminate those frustrating oil stains from your clothing.

Next time you deal with a grease spill, don’t panic. Instead, grab your trusted Dawn and baking soda combo. With a bit of effort, your clothes will look as good as new, saving you the expense of store-bought stain removers or the heartache of tossing out stained items.