Does Coconut Oil Stain Clothes? Well this question comes to the mind of many people who frequently use it on daily basis.
If you have ever spilled some coconut oil on your favorite shirt or dress, then you might be worried about Does Coconut Oil Stain Clothes? And how to get rid of the greasy mark. In this article, you will get some effective tips on how to prevent and treat coconut oil stains.
Does Coconut Oil Stain Clothes?
Yes, coconut oil can stain clothes, sheets, towels, and other fabrics, just like any other oil. The oil molecules get trapped in the fibers of the material and make the stain visible. To remove coconut oil stains, you need to act fast and use some household items such as dish soap, baking soda, and vinegar. These products can help break down the oil and lift it out of the fabric. If you follow the right steps, you can save your clothes from coconut oil stains and keep them looking fresh and clean.
Washing Agents That You Can Use
1. Dishwashing Liquid
Dishwashing liquid is designed to cut through grease and oil on dishes, so it can also work on clothes. The dishwashing liquid contains surfactants, which are molecules that can attach to both water and oil and help lift the oil out of the fabric.
How To Use:
Apply it directly to the stain and rub gently. Then, rinse with cold water and wash.
2. Laundry Detergent
Laundry detergent also contains surfactants, as well as enzymes and bleach, which can break down the oil and remove any color.
How To Use:
Pre-treat the stain with some detergent and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, wash the clothes in hot water with more detergent.
3. Toothpaste
Toothpaste contains abrasives, such as silica or baking soda, which can scrub away the oil from the fabric. Toothpaste also contains fluoride, which can act as a mild bleach and whiten the stain.
How To Use:
Apply a small amount to the stain and rub it with a toothbrush. Then, rinse with cold water and wash.
4. Baking Soda & Vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar are natural washing agents that can remove coconut oil stains from clothes. Baking soda is a base that can neutralize the acidic coconut oil and make it easier to wash off.
Vinegar is an acid that can dissolve the oil and remove any odor.
How To Use:
Sprinkle some baking soda on the stain and spray some vinegar on top. You will see some fiz, which means the reaction is working. Then, smudge the stain with a paper towel and wash as usual.
5. Cornstarch
Cornstarch is a simple washing agent that can remove coconut oil stains from clothes. It is a starch that absorbs the oil and draws it out of the fabric.
How To Use:
To use cornstarch, sprinkle some on the stain and let it sit for a few hours or overnight. Then, brush off the cornstarch and wash
6. WD-40
WD-40 Multi-Use Product is a spray intended to lubricate and dry moisture. It is an excellent product for removing dried-out coconut stains from clothing.
It is also widely used to remove other greasy contaminants, like tar and cooking oil.
How to Use:
Make sure you put square-shaped cardboard around the stain to avoid spraying it on a clean cloth surface. Use a Q-tip or spray nozzle to apply it to the stained area. Also, add an adequate amount of any other washing agent along with it. Leave it for some time and rinse it off.
How To Remove Coconut Oil Stain From Clothes?
1. Hot Water Treatment
Coconut oil is a natural fat that melts at high temperatures. You can use hot water to dissolve the oil and wash it away from your clothes. To do this, first scrape off any excess oil from the fabric with a knife or a spoon. Be careful not to damage the fabric or spread the stain.
Soak the stained area in hot water for 15 to 20 minutes. You can add some dish soap, laundry detergent, or baking soda to help break down the oil. Then, rinse the fabric with cold water and check if the stain is gone. If not, repeat the process until the stain is removed. Finally, dry the fabric as usual.
Tip: Avoid using a dryer as it can set the stain permanently.
2. Cold Water Treatment
Scrape off the oil with a knife or a spoon. Be careful not to damage the fabric or spread the stain. Then, wash the fabric with cold water and some dish soap or laundry detergent. Rub the stained area gently with your fingers or a soft brush. Finally, rinse the fabric with cold water and dry it as usual.
Treatment Of Set-In Coconut Oil Stains On Clothes
Coconut oil can also leave stubborn stains on your clothes. Here are some effective ways to remove it, as long as you act quickly:
Step #1: Sprinkle some baking soda, cornstarch, or talcum powder on the stain and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. This will help absorb the oil from the fabric. Then, brush off the powder with a soft-bristled brush or a cloth.
Step #2: Apply some dish soap, heavy-duty laundry detergent, or enzyme-based stain remover to the stain and work it in with an old toothbrush or your fingers. This will help break down the oil molecules and make them easier to wash out.
Step #3: Wash the stained clothing in the hottest water possible for the fabric type, along with the recommended amount of detergent for a regular load. Check the care label on the clothing to see the maximum temperature and cycle type. If possible, air dry the clothing instead of using a dryer, as the heat may set the stain if it’s not completely gone. If the stain is still visible after washing, repeat the steps until it’s gone.
Learn About the Benefits & Usage of Coconut Oil Bath
Things To Keep In Mind
- Check the cloth label before treating any type of stain on clothes.
- Use a cover or a splatter screen when cooking with any oil.
- Avoid rubbing the fabric too vigorously when scrubbing at the stain, as it may press the oil further into the fibers and make it more difficult to remove.
- Do not let the stain stay on the fabric too long, as it may become harder to remove.
- You can put the cloth in the dryer only when you’re 100% sure that the cloth is now stainless, as the heat may set the stain off if it’s not completely gone.
- Make sure you do not iron or dry clean the stained clothing, as this may make the stain permanent.