How to Remove Motor Oil Stains from a Baseball Cap

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How to Remove Motor Oil Stains from a Baseball Cap

Do you think that the only way to remove motor oil is with a toxic solvent?

Think again.

Motor oil is oil, a little heavier than most oils but nonetheless, the last time I looked it was still oil. We have used these techniques with much success daily in our certified green dry cleaners and now you can use them with success at home.

Test for colorfastness before proceeding: Take the stain removal product and apply small amount to a white towel. Take that part of the towel and blot a hidden area of the garment to see if color transfers over to the white towel. If the item is not colorfast start with step 1, use caution as this will still remove color. If the item is colorfast, than skip directly to step 2.

Step 1: Dawn Dishwashing Liquid

· Apply the dawn Dishwashing Liquid directly to the motor oil stain.
· Tamp the stained area with a toothbrush to help the Dawn penetrate the oil stain.
· Let Dawn penetrate for a few minutes.
· Rinse with fresh water.

If the first steps did not achieve adequate results then continue with a citrus base oil degreaser.

Step 2: Dawn Dishwashing Liquid and CITRASOLV Degreaser

· Create a spotting solution with 1 part Dawn Dishwashing Liquid, 2 parts CITRASOLV degreaser, and 2 parts water.
· Apply the spotting solution directly to the motor oil stain.
· Tamp the stain lightly with a soft brush (toothbrush) to help the solution penetrate into the oil stain.
· Let the solution penetrate for a few minutes.
· Rinse with fresh water.

Oil stain may be stubborn, 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.