This article will discuss removing essential oils from clothes, including step-by-step processes and some cleaning agents. Until then, let’s consider the possibility that these oils may stain your clothes.
Essential oils are an excellent substitute for commercial perfumes. They make us smell good and also have a unique therapeutic quality. Thus, the presence of these oils on clothes is often intentional rather than accidental.
How to Remove Essential Oil Stains from Clothes
Because essential oils are highly concentrated and potent, they can cause stains on clothes. Some people find such stains a nightmare, especially when they get on their beloved clothing.
Do you know how to remove rosemary oil from clothes?
However, don’t worry—there are ways to remove such stains from clothes without breaking your back or the bank.
Do Essential Oils Stain Clothes?
Of course, they can. Essential oils are lipophilic, allowing them to penetrate fabrics and cause stains.
Research indicates that undiluted essential oils are prone to staining. Some notable oils that can stain clothes are citrus oils, resinous oils, and pigmented oils.
The essential oil stain resembles a typical oil or grease patch from other kinds of oil. It is discolored and darker, and often unsightly and obvious. Certain fabrics are known to react well to these oils when they come into contact.
Essential oils are also known to degrade plastic, mainly when used undiluted. Synthetic materials also suffer deterioration when in contact with essential oils.
Therefore, it’s advisable to keep these items away from essential oils.
Ways to Get Essential Oil Out of Clothes
There are several methods for removing essential oil stains from your clothes.
Some examples include paper towels, rubbing alcohol, baking soda, hot water, gel stain remover, dishwashing detergent, baby powder, eucalyptus oil, Coca-Cola, and Murphy’s Oil Soap.
These methods are not only practical but also safe. Let’s take a look at a few.
-
Clean With Gel Stain Remover
Fantastic gel stain removers can remove essential oil stains from clothes. One such gel is OxiClean, a regular laundry detergent.
To remove oil stains with this detergent, apply it directly to the stained area. Next, press gently and rub into the fibers. Allow it to sit for at least 5-30 minutes before washing.
-
Paper Towel
Another excellent way to remove essential oil stains from clothes is to use paper towels. Some of you may be wondering what a paper towel is.
Well, it’s an absorbent paper product used for cleaning and drying. There are single-use and reusable paper towels, each with a unique purpose.
To remove the stain using a paper towel, first blot the area with the essential oil stain. In other words, boil the oil with a paper towel and try to remove the excess oil stain.
Next, obtain new paper towels and place some sheets over the stained area. Allow the new paper towel to soak in the oil for a few hours. It will leave zero stains behind.
-
Remove Stain with Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is another excellent cleaning agent. It is an ordinary detergent used to remove stains and odors from clothing.
First, get 70% rubbing alcohol, a clean rag, bar soap, hot water, and gloves. For safety, use gloves when handling rubbing alcohol, as the chemical can cause burns to the skin.
Next, dip a rag or sponge in rubbing alcohol and gently rub it on the stained area. Ensure the stained area is thoroughly soaked for about five minutes.
Then, take the bar soap and directly apply it to the stained area, rubbing it until it becomes soapy. Rinse the cloth with hot water to melt down the residual oil stain.
-
Try Baking Soda
Baking soda is said to be an excellent cleaner, including for essential oil stains.
It’s powdery and has excellent smell absorbency, meaning it can instantly remove bad smells from clothes. Before removing a vital oil stain with baking soda, you’ll need to prepare first.
Get your baking soda, spray soda, hot water, and an old brush. Wet the stained spot using hot water inside a spray bottle. Next, prepare the soda paste and apply it to the stained area using the old brush.
Allow the paste to sit for an hour before you gently scrub it.
-
Dishwashing Detergent
You can also refer to it as dish soap, and it is commonly found in most households. The dish soap is a liquid, making it perfect for removing greasy garment stains.
It dissolves grease particles, including essential oils. A dishwashing detergent will do the magic to save your clothes from permanent stains.
You only need dish soap, a soft brush, and warm water.
Next, pretreat the area and apply dish soap directly to it. Use the brush or sponge to rub the liquid onto the stained area gently. If the stain persists, try the following method.
Mix two tablespoons of dish soap with one gallon of warm water.
Soak the whole affected area in the solution for about 20 minutes. If the cloth is white, light-colored, or otherwise bleach-safe, you can add bleach to treat the essential oil stain.
After thoroughly soaking, remove the cloth and apply dish soap to the stained area. Rinse it thoroughly with clean water and dry it.
-
Clean with Baby Powder
Surprisingly, baby powder is a home remedy for absorbing oil stains on clothes. Because it’s applied to the skin, it’s considered the safest stain remover.
You’ll need items such as a small dish, a cotton ball, a container, and other cleaning supplies.
-
Remove Stain with Eucalyptus Oil
It’s possible to remove essential oils from clothes using eucalyptus oil. It’s a natural detergent that consists of cineole or eucalyptol, which quickly dissolves grease stains.
The cleaning process is simple. First, apply the eucalyptus oil directly on the stained area, like 5 to 10 drops. Allow it to sit for about 15 minutes, then rinse the clothes.
Essential oil stains on clothing can be removed in several ways. One popular technique is to create a paste from vinegar and baking soda, which is applied to the stain before the clothing is washed normally.
However, depending on the type of fabric and the intensity of the stain, you may need to use additional removal procedures. These include rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and lemon juice.