Oil-based stains on clothing can be treated with two common household items before washing, according to cleaning expert Jess from Australian homewares brand Hommey. The method involves applying washing-up liquid and bicarbonate of soda to the mark before putting the garment in the washing machine.
How the Two-Product Method Works
Jess recommended washing-up liquid as the primary solution for oil-based marks, noting that it acts as a degreaser. Since oil is a grease, the detergent helps break it down quickly. After covering the stain with washing-up liquid, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda over it and work it into the fabric. The paste should be left to penetrate the stain for several hours or overnight.
When the item is ready, Jess suggested running it through a cold wash cycle using a modern biological detergent. The bicarbonate of soda acts as an absorbent, drawing the oil out of the fabric. Combining the two products allows both absorbing and grease-cutting benefits.
Treating Set-In Stains
If the baking soda begins to clump together, it is a sign that it is working. Baking soda also acts as a deodoriser. However, the hack will not be effective if the stain has already dried or was not treated before going into the tumble dryer, as it becomes far harder to shift.
For white garments with set-in stains, Jess recommended applying a small amount of hydrogen peroxide. She advised treating stains as soon as possible and repeating the treatment if necessary: "Set oil stains are not your friend. Here's a general rule. Do not let a stain dry. So treat it as soon as you can. If you treat it and wash it and it's still there, treat it again before it dries, and do it over and over again until you get it out."
