A cleaning guru has recommended two common household items that may remove tough oil-based stains from clothes before washing.
Two-item spot treatment
TikTok creator Chantel shared the cleaning hack, which uses washing up liquid and baking soda. The method acts as a spot treatment and can be used on both new and older stains that have not yet been dealt with.
Cover the oil stain with a small amount of washing up liquid, then dust the garment with a generous amount of baking soda. The ingredients can be made into a paste and applied, or applied one after the other.
Working the solution in
To ensure the mixture does not just sit on the surface, work it into the stain with a small bristled brush, such as a toothbrush. Leave it for 15 minutes to soak in and draw out the excess oil, then wash the garment on its usual cycle.
Baking soda acts as an absorbent, soaking up the oil and drawing it out of the fabric. Washing up liquid helps break down tough oil stains, loosening them before washing. If the baking soda clumps together, this means it is doing its job. Baking soda is also a deodoriser.
Precautions for coloured fabrics
Appliance brand Bosch explained that with oil-based stains, it is important to keep the fabric dry and avoid rinsing. Bosch said: “Rinsing is one of the worst things you can do to an oil stain since oil repels water and will cling onto fibres when rinsed.”
Before applying baking soda, Bosch recommended blotting the stain with a clean, dry paper towel. It said: “Before applying anything, blot out as much oil as you can with some kitchen roll or an absorbent cloth. Remember, don’t rub, dab.”
Baking soda has the potential to fade dark and coloured clothing, especially on sensitive fabrics or clothes with pH-sensitive dyes. Its high pH level can damage protein-based fibres like wool, cashmere, and silk, and may cause some dyes to fade. Although baking soda is not a bleach, it can have a bleaching effect on coloured fabrics, potentially leading to discolouration.
