How to remove a Oil Stain.
How to remove a Oil Stain.
Before attempting any stain removal it is important to test the item for colorfastness. Take a white towel and apply a small amount of water to a corner of the towel. Using that corner of the towel blot a hidden area of the item you wish to spot. Check the towel for color transfer, the amount of color transferred onto the towel will give you an indication of the amount of color loss that will occur during spotting or cleaning.
It is always best to remove the stain as soon as it happens; while the stain is wet it is much easier to remove. The longer you wait the more difficult it will become; the stain will set and oxidize over time.
- Create a spotting solution of 1 part liquid dishwashing detergent and 10 parts water.
- Apply this solution directly to the stain.
- Tap the stained area with a toothbrush to help the solution penetrate the stain.
- Let the solution penetrate for a few minutes.
- Apply clean water to a white towel and blot stained area
- Now blot the wet area with a dry towel.
If the stain starts to dissipate repeat the same steps or skip to Finishing Up.
- If the first steps did not achieve adequate results then continue; apply a citrus base stain remover directly to the stain, found in your local grocery store.
- Tap the stain lightly with a soft brush (toothbrush) to help the stain remover penetrate into the stain.
- Allow a few minutes for the stain remover to penetrate.
- Blot area with a wet white towel followed by a dry white towel.
If the stain starts to dissipate repeat the same steps or skip to Finishing Up.
- Another product to use on the stain is an enzyme stain remover, found in your local grocery store.
- Apply the enzyme stain remover directly to the stain.
- Enzymes take time to work so apply the product a let it rest for 15-30 minutes.
- Blot with a wet white towel followed by a dry white towel.
Repeat these steps again if necessary.
FINISHING UP!
When done removing the stain always finish by cleaning the entire item per manufacture care instructions. Even benign spotting agents such as these will oxidize and yellow over time.
Seek professional help if necessary. If you have a good relationship with your green dry cleaners they will be more than happy to help you with stain removal and cleaning questions.
Karl Huie
Pacific Heights Cleaners in San Francisco and Sausalito is your non toxic alternative, proudly leading the way in garment care today and into a healthy future.
Service with Pride since 1969
The First Dry Cleaners to be Green Business Certified by San Francisco Department of Environment and Bay Area Green Business Program Marin County. We use the Wet Clean dry cleaning system that is EPA approved as the safest dry cleaning for you and for the planet.
Other Articles of Interest:
How to Remove Chocolate Stains.
How to Remove a Milk Stain. How to Remove Red Wine Stains.
