Although baby oil is aromatic, light, and has many functions, it is still an oil, and getting rid of oil stains is a headache because clothes can’t repel oil like they do with water.
Whether it’s a tiny blot or a whole pool, oil stains are stressful to manage, leaving permanent marks on the clothing and causing discomfort to babies if not handled.
Getting Baby Oil Out of Clothes – A Few Things to Note
- Treat Baby Oil Stains Immediately
Treat baby oil stains the instant the spill happens. Oil quickly absorbs into the fabric of clothes, and the longer they stay there, the harder it will be to remove.
When the oil dries, it decreases the clothes’ ability to repel water, preventing the removal of the stains.
Soak the stained clothes in hot water if you can’t locate the stain removal agents.
- Stop the Baby Oil Stain from Spreading
Gently place a damp paper towel on the stained area for a few minutes to absorb the excess oil, containing the oil stain in a secluded area and preventing spread. Similarly, dab the stained area when treating so they will not spread.
It is another reason why it’s crucial to treat the stains before they dry.
- Use the Right Water Temperature
The preferred water temperature to use when treating baby oil stains is hot water. It will easily remove the stains after treatment and prevent re-staining.
- Follow the Recommended Instructions
Always default to the instructions on the stained clothes’ care label because different clothes and fabrics have individual treatment methods.
Also, follow the written instructions on the stain remover bottles for the correct measurements when spot treating.
- Perform a Patch Test
Once you have the other parameters set, perform a patch test on an innocuous part of the cloth to see how the stain removal agent will react to the fabric. It will prevent damage to your clothes while removing the baby oil stains.
10 Items That Will Get Baby Oil Out of Clothes
These items will remove baby oil stains from your clothes and sheets.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch is not just a beloved cooking ingredient; it is also a natural abrasive capable of absorbing stains, particularly oil stains from clothing.
The best part about cornstarch as a baby oil stain remover is that it also works effectively when the stain dries.
Procedure:
- After removing excess baby oil from the clothing, pour a fair amount of cornstarch on the stained areas of the clothes. Leave the cornstarch to soak for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Alternatively, make a paste of equal parts water and cornstarch. Apply the paste to the stained areas and leave it to soak for 10 minutes.
- Afterward, place the clothes in the washer and wash them with a heavy-duty laundry detergent.
Dishwashing Liquid
The primary purpose of dishwashing liquid is to clean greasy plates, pots and pans effortlessly. You can also repurpose this magical substance to deal with baby oil stains on clothes.
Procedure:
- Spread the stained clothes on a flat surface.
- Make the stained area(s) damp with hot water.
- Pour a generous amount of dishwashing liquid on the stains and gently dab with a soft brush or white cotton cloth.
- Leave them to soak for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Rinse the treated area with warm water and wash the clothes in the washer with a suitable laundry detergent.
Baking Soda
As a household item, baking soda is crucial as a cleaning agent as it is a baking ingredient. Baking soda is a powerful multifunctional stain remover, degreaser, and deodorizer.
Procedure:
- While the hot, damp cloth absorbs the excess baby oil from the clothes, make a baking soda paste with 1-part water to 2-parts baking soda.
- Gently rub the paste into the stained area with a soft brush or white cotton towel.
- Leave the treatment to soak for 30 minutes.
- Place the clothes in the washer with a suitable laundry detergent.
Commercial Stain Remover
There are many stain removers capable of dealing with baby oil stains. The goal is to use one that will not affect the color and fabric of the particular cloth you want to treat.
Procedure:
- Remove the excess baby oil stains with a hot, damp cloth.
- Pour the recommended amount of stain remover on the stains and leave it to soak for 15 minutes.
- Rinse the stains and wash in the washer with a suitable laundry detergent.
- Alternatively, pour the stain remover into the washer alongside the laundry detergent.
Soaps for Oily Skin
These soaps remove excess oil from the users without damaging the skin. You can also use these soaps to remove the baby oil stain from your clothes without causing damage to the fabric, especially delicate ones.
Procedure:
- Carefully wet the stained areas with hot water, avoiding the spread of the stain.
- Rub the soap into the stains in a circular motion for five minutes. Cut the soap into smaller pieces if you prefer.
- Leave the clothes to soak for ten minutes.
- Afterward, place the clothes in the washer with a heavy-duty laundry detergent.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen Peroxide is a non-toxic cleaning agent as its makeup is almost similar to water. It will effectively remove baby oil stains from clothes without damaging them.
Procedure:
- Pour hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle and spray the liquid directly on the stains. In the absence of a spray bottle, pour a few drops on the stained areas.
- Leave the hydrogen peroxide to soak for ten minutes and penetrate the clothes fabric to dissolve the stains.
- After ten minutes, wash the clothes in the washer with a suitable laundry detergent.
Baby Powder
Baby powder acts as an absorbent, deodorizer, and degreaser for babies and adults. It also cleans baby oil stains and refreshes clothing.
Baby powder is another safe way of getting baby oil stains out of clothes.
Procedure:
- Remove the excess baby oil from the clothes with a hot, damp cloth.
- Pour a generous amount of baby powder on the stains and leave it to sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb the oil.
- Wash the clothes in the washer with a heavy-duty laundry detergent.
Amodex
The evolution of Amodex from an ink remover in the 1950s and 1960s to a multifunctional stain remover in recent times is not entirely surprising.
Amodex is a cheap, non-toxic, and effective stain remover. It can also remove baby oil stains from clothes.
Procedure:
- Remove the excess baby oil and place cardboard under the stained clothes to avoid stain transfer.
- Perform a patch test before applying the Amodex to the stains. Do not wet them beforehand.
- Gently rub the solution in with your hand or a soft brush for a few minutes.
- Rinse the stains and wash the clothes with a suitable laundry detergent.
- Repeat the stain treating process if there are still stains.
White Vinegar
The acidity of white vinegar removes oil stains effortlessly, making it a popular choice when degreasing and removing stains.
Procedure:
- Remove the excess baby oil with a paper towel or a hot damp white cotton towel.
- Pour white vinegar on the stained areas and gently dab with a soft brush for a minute.
- Leave the vinegar to soak for 20 minutes to absorb the oil from the clothes.
- Wash the clothes in the washer with a heavy-duty laundry detergent.
OxiClean
OxiClean is a versatile stain remover catering to various fabric types and colors. It removes wet and dry baby oil stains easily, but you should follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent damage to your clothes.
Procedure:
- Fill a basin or tub with hot water and pour OxiClean inside.
- Submerge your stained clothes into the OxiClean solution and leave it to soak for three to six hours.
- Afterward, wash the clothes in the washer with a suitable laundry detergent.
- Alternatively, wet the stained area of the clothes with hot water, pour OxiClean on the wet stains, gently scrub with a soft brush, and wash in the washer.