Essential oils are popular for their versatility and benefits, from aromatherapy to natural cleaning. However, as beneficial as they are, they can leave behind stubborn stains when spilled on fabric. This guide offers effective methods on how to get essential oil out of clothes, covering simple techniques that use common household products. Whether you’re dealing with a fresh or set-in stain, these methods will help you keep your clothes clean and stain-free.
For additional information on stain chemistry and treatment, visit the University of Illinois’ Stain Solutions Guide.
Why Essential Oils Stain Clothes
Essential oils are highly concentrated, plant-derived oils that can penetrate deeply into fabric fibers. When essential oil comes in contact with clothes, it can leave dark or discolored spots, similar to those caused by grease. This is because oils are hydrophobic, meaning they resist water, which makes them difficult to remove with a regular washing cycle alone. To effectively tackle these stains, it’s essential to use cleaning agents that can break down oil and absorb it from the fabric fibers.
Acting quickly is key. The sooner you address the stain, the more successful you’ll be in removing it completely. Otherwise, the oil can seep deeper into the fibers and become harder to remove. In the next section, we’ll cover practical methods for how to get essential oil out of clothes.
Effective Methods for How to Get Essential Oil Out of Clothes
Here are three of the best techniques to remove essential oil stains. Choose the one that best suits the type of fabric you’re working with.
1. Dish Soap and Baking Soda Method
- Why It Works: Dish soap, especially those with grease-cutting agents, is effective at breaking down oils. Baking soda, on the other hand, acts as an absorbent, drawing out the oil from the fabric. Together, they provide a thorough cleaning solution for most fabric types.
- Steps:
- Blot the Excess Oil: Using a clean cloth or paper towel, blot the stained area gently to absorb as much oil as possible without spreading it further.
- Apply Dish Soap: Squirt a small amount of dish soap directly onto the stain. Gently rub the soap into the stain using your fingers or a soft brush to ensure it penetrates the fibers.
- Sprinkle Baking Soda: Generously sprinkle baking soda over the soapy area, covering the stain completely. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the oil.
- Scrub Gently: Using a soft brush, scrub the stain gently. You’ll notice the baking soda may turn brown as it absorbs the oil.
- Rinse with Warm Water: Rinse the garment with warm water and check to see if the stain has lightened. Repeat if necessary.
- Launder as Usual: Once the stain is gone, wash the garment as usual. If the stain is still visible, repeat the process before drying.
- Tip: Avoid putting the garment in the dryer until you’re certain the stain is gone, as heat can set oil stains permanently.
2. White Vinegar and Cornstarch Technique
- Why It Works: White vinegar is a natural degreaser, which helps break down oils, while cornstarch absorbs the oil left behind in the fabric. This method works particularly well for fabrics that are sensitive to harsh detergents.
- Steps:
- Blot the Stain: As with the first method, blot the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel to remove as much oil as possible.
- Apply Vinegar: Pour a small amount of white vinegar directly onto the stain. Allow it to sit for about 10-15 minutes to penetrate the fabric and break down the oil.
- Add Cornstarch: Sprinkle cornstarch over the stain, covering it completely. Cornstarch acts as an absorbent and will pull the oil out of the fabric fibers.
- Brush or Rub Gently: Using a soft-bristled brush, gently work the cornstarch into the fabric. You may notice clumping as it absorbs the oil.
- Rinse with Warm Water: Rinse thoroughly with warm water and check the stain. Repeat if necessary.
- Launder as Usual: Wash the garment in your washing machine, but air dry afterward to ensure any remaining stain isn’t set by heat.
- Tip: If you don’t have cornstarch, baby powder or flour can be used as alternatives.
3. Using Rubbing Alcohol for Tough Stains
- Why It Works: Rubbing alcohol acts as a solvent that breaks down oil, making it an excellent choice for tough or old essential oil stains.
- Steps:
- Apply Rubbing Alcohol: Dampen a cotton ball or clean cloth with rubbing alcohol and dab it onto the stain. Ensure you’re working in a well-ventilated area.
- Let It Sit: Allow the alcohol to sit on the stain for a few minutes to dissolve the oil.
- Scrub Gently: Using a soft brush or cloth, gently scrub the stain.
- Launder with Hot Water: Place the garment in the washing machine on a hot cycle, if the fabric allows. Use a quality detergent to ensure any remaining oil is removed.
- Tip: For larger stains, you can use a spray bottle to apply the alcohol evenly. Avoid drying the garment until you’re certain the stain is gone.
Alternative Remedies for Delicate Fabrics
Some fabrics, like wool and silk, require extra care to prevent damage during stain removal. For these, it’s best to use gentle, absorbent materials like baking soda or baby powder without additional scrubbing or soaking.
- Baking Soda Alone: Sprinkle baking soda over the stain and let it sit overnight. Baking soda absorbs oil without needing to scrub delicate fibers.
- Baby Powder: Similar to baking soda, baby powder can be left on the stain to absorb oils. Gently brush it off the next day and launder with a gentle detergent.
- Air Drying: Always air dry delicate fabrics after washing to avoid any remaining stain from setting in with heat.
Prevention Tips for Avoiding Essential Oil Stains
To avoid essential oil stains on your clothes in the future, follow these simple preventative measures:
- Use Protective Coverings: When applying essential oils, especially undiluted, wear an apron or old clothing. This is especially helpful if you’re applying oils to your skin and may come into contact with your clothes.
- Let Oil Absorb Before Dressing: If you apply essential oils to your skin, wait a few minutes for the oil to absorb before putting on clothes to prevent transfer.
- Dilute Essential Oils in Water or a Carrier Oil: When spraying or applying essential oils directly, dilute them to minimize the likelihood of staining.
Removing essential oil stains from clothing can be easy if you know the right methods. Dish soap and baking soda, vinegar and cornstarch, and rubbing alcohol are all effective solutions for how to get essential oil out of clothes. Acting quickly and following these steps can help you prevent permanent stains and keep your clothes looking fresh.
Always remember to check for remaining stains before drying, as heat can set oil-based stains permanently. For professional help with cleaning tough stains, visit Erie Cleaners for trusted services.
