If you don’t get rid of ChapStick as soon as it gets on your clothes it can leave behind an oily stain because it is made up of petroleum jelly and lanolin which both are oil-based. And of course, it is not news that oil stains are naturally harder to get rid of compared to other stains because oil melts into fabrics easily.
The stain left behind by chapstick is difficult to get rid of; however, it is not impossible. You can get chapstick out of your clothes without a hassle by using the right products.
10 Ways to Get Chapstick Out of Clothes
After getting chapstick on your clothes, do not make the mistake of putting the stained cloth in the dryer without completely getting the stains out because it will only worsen the situation as the heat will have the stains melted even more into the fibres of your cloth.
You may be able to get the ChapStick off the cloth, eventually, but there will most likely be an oil stain left behind. So, treating a ChapStick stain before it has time to dry is the only way to ensure that the stain is completely gotten rid of. Here are the different ways, you can get chapstick out of clothes below:
1. Scrape off excess ChapStick residue
ChapStick is wax-like and would most likely leave behind a waxy residue on the stained clothes. To do this, use a butter knife to scrape off as much ChapStick residue as you can from the surface of the fabric.
This will prevent the wax from becoming more deeply embedded in the fibers of the fabric. As you scrape, wipe the wax off. You can launder your clothing using warm water afterward. This should get rid of the chapstick, however, if it doesn’t, continue with the other methods of removal below.
2. Iron the Stain
Ironing the ChapStick stain to melt it and make it easier to get out of your clothes. Here is a step by step guide on how this method will work for you below:
Step 1: Cut out a piece of brown paper and place it directly under the stain and another over it — to soak up the wax as it melts, and prevent it from spreading further into the cloth as you iron.
Step 2: Power the iron and set it to medium heat, then give it a few minutes to warm up. Place the iron over the stain and watch it melt and stick to the paper.
Step 3: Repeat the process until you’re satisfied. Always replace the now stained paper with a new piece to monitor the ChapStick removal.
3. Use Baking Soda
Baking soda is one household ingredient that comes in handy and can rescue you from any stain situation, especially the one you’re in now. Here is how to use baking soda to get rid of chapstick:
Step 1: Lay the cloth out on a flat surface and apply baking soda over the stain. Then use a toothbrush or a soft hairbrush to scrub the powder into the stain. As you scrub, you will notice that the powder begins to clump together, this means that the oil is being absorbed.
Step 2: Shake off the clumps of baking soda and apply a new one. Continue scrubbing until the clump starts to form again.
Step 3: When there are no more clumps of baking soda powder, stop and brush it off. There would most likely still be an oily stain, but not too worry just move on to the next step
4. Use Vinegar
Vinegar is an effective solution to getting rid of stubborn oil stains. If you’re not satisfied with the baking soda process, here’s how to use vinegar below:
Step 1: Make a solution by mixing a cup of vinegar with a bucket of water. You should test the solution in a hidden part of the cloth to see if it’ll cause any form of discoloration.
Step 2. If there’s no discoloration, pour directly on the stain a small amount of vinegar and leave it to sit for at least ten minutes. The acidic properties of the vinegar will help break down the stain. Rinse with water.
5. Use Rubbing Alcohol
If vinegar is not readily available, you can make use of rubbing alcohol. Pour rubbing alcohol into a bowl; soak the stained area in the bowl for fifteen minutes. Rubbing alcohol should break most of the leftover stain.
6. Use Hydrogen Peroxide
Just in case you are out of vinegar and rubbing alcohol, you can also use hydrogen peroxide. You surely have a bottle stored up in your medicine cabinet.
Soak the stain in a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, a cup of water and a little bit of washing detergent for about twenty minutes. Rinse off with cool water.
7. Use Dish soap
Dish soap is also another alternative if you can’t make use of any of the above-stated solutions. Dish soap can also help break down the oil stain on the cloth.
To use, apply some dish soap to the stain; use an old toothbrush to scrub gently at the stain. Leave the dish soap to sit on it for fifteen minutes after scrubbing, then rinse off.
8. Use Goo Gone
If this stubborn stain fails to come off the clothing, try Goo Gone. It is a cleaner specifically produced to get rid of sticky substances.
You can either spray Goo Gone directly on the affected area of the clothing or dab at it with a cloth soaked with Goo Gone. After applying the Goo Gone, leave it to sit on the stain for ten minutes. Then rinse.
9. Use Stain Remover
If you have tried any of the above methods and it still didn’t work, you could make use of a stain remover. This way, the stain remover can penetrate the fiber to get rid of the embedded stain. Apply your preferred stain remover and let it sit for the said recommended amount of time.
10. Use Liquid Laundry Detergent
Apply detergent on the ChapStick stain, let it sit for a few minutes then put the cloth in your washing machine to wash under a hot water cycle. Check the care tag of the clothing to find out the hottest water said fabric can take in.
Do not put the clothing in a dryer until you’ve confirmed that the stain is gone. If there is any lingering stain, repeat the process with the same products.
How to get ChapStick out of your clothes after drying
Since the heat produced in the dryer melts the stain into the fabric more, it can be difficult to get rid of ChapStick after it has been dried. So, the best approach is to first scrape out as much ChapStick residue as possible. Then, apply Goo Gone or any of the products stated above to get rid of the remaining stain; it is most effective when you use the product directly to the stain and use a butter knife to scrape.
Wash under the hottest water cycle possible. Confirm all the stains are gone before putting the cloth in a dryer. You might have to repeat the process to ensure the stain is removed completely.