by Robyn Kirkey Walker

Created on: June 27, 2009   Last Updated: July 06, 2009

Removing many stains from clothing is much easier nowadays with the new advances in cleaning product and better fabrics. Still, one of the toughest stains that still plagues the modern cleaner are oil stains. While there are many rumors floating around the Internet,emails and all those cleaning commercials on the "best way" to remove oil from clothing, the real solutions that actually work are sometimes difficult to find. Which one to try? How do you trust one way over another? What if the treatment ruins the clothing? With so many treatments to chose from which is the best way to go? Among the well known ways to remove oil stains are nail polish remover, brushing talcum powder over it, dish detergent, borax, etc. The list could go on and on. You can try all these different methods but still be very disappointed because the stubborn stain just won't disappear. What exactly is the modern cleaner to do?

There is only one sure way of removing oil stains from clothing. This is a tried and true method that you can take to the bank. Your clothing budget will thank you. First, you put talcum powder over the stain, brush it into the stain, then set overnight. Make sure you use plenty of talcum powder (baby powder.) Once it has set overnight, brush off any excess, pour dish detergent over it and wash as normal. Remember to see if the stain came out BEFORE you put the item in the dryer. If the stain is very stubborn and still noticeable, rub denatured alcohol or your favorite household solvent cleaner over the stain. (Test a spot first to make sure it doesn't discolor the fabric.) This will take away your oil stain and save your clothing from being thrown out. When you have finished your washing and the stain is out, put the item in the dryer and you are all done! Your family will thank you for stain free clothes.

Overall, oil stains in clothing is not something we hope for. No one wants to go to all the trouble to do something special to get stains out. The alternative, though, is getting rid of your clothing and in this economy most of us are not in a position to do that. Remember, also, that it is best to treat the stain as soon as possible. Allowing it to set for any length of time adds to the frustration of removing the stain. Warm or hot water is preferable when washing. So go get all those oil stained clothes and let's get cleaning!

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