Want to learn how to get coconut oil out of clothes? Well, depending on how old the stain is, you can use either dishwashing soap and detergent or a stain remover. As you can imagine, though, there is much more to this process than this. So, here is a total breakdown of how to get rid of all kinds of coconut oil stains.
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You can use one of these spot removers that work like a charm:
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Read on for DIY options and other details.
It is always best to tend to coconut oil stains immediately. If you are able to intervene before the stain sets, you will have a much easier time getting rid of it. The good news is that you can use products that you may already have to remove coconut oil stains.
One remedy involves using absorbent powders like baking soda and clothes detergent. The other, requires the use of dishwashing soap.
So, let’s take a how to banish coconut oil stains from fabric immediately!
Here is your guide to using dish soap:
Apply a thin layer of dishwashing soap across the stain.
Leave the dishwashing liquid to be absorbed into the cloth or sheets.
Set your clothes washer to the highest temperature possible - dont use cold water. Hot water will dissolve the rest of the oil.
Wash as normal and dry or air dry.
You can actually use any kind of absorbent powder here – baking soda, arrowroot powder, or cornstarch. Some people will even use talcum, baby powder, or chalk. However, food-based powders tend to be preferable.
While baking soda is the favorite, arrowroot powder, and cornstarch work just as well. For the sake of simplicity, however, we will simply be mentioning baking soda in the instructions below – feel free to substitute with cornstarch or arrowroot powder as needed.
It is best to use plain white towels to blot the excess. However, paper towels can work as well.
Press the towel against the cloth or sheets so that the coconut oil is absorbed by the towel.
Continue to do this until most of the oil has been blotted.
Liberally sprinkle the baking soda, arrowroot powder, or cornstarch over the coconut oil stain until it is covered.
To remove coconut oil stains that are minor, you can leave the powder on it for about 10 to 15 minutes.
For major stains, let it sit for about 30 minutes to an hour.
Discard the baking soda once it begins to clump.
If you have spilled a lot of coconut oil on your clothes, you may need to add more baking soda on the stain and leave it for longer.
For this part, you will need a stiff, thin piece of cardboard or an old credit card.
Press the card against the fabric and drag it across the oil stain. Repeat this until the baking soda has effectively been removed from the patch of coconut oil.
Set your clothes washer to the highest possible temperature for hot water.
Wash and dry as normal or air dry.
If the stain has had time to set into clothing, then you are going to have to make a bit more of an effort to remove oil stains.
To get rid of old oil stains from clothes, you will need to add a stain remover. Now, there aren't stain removers specifically meant for this oil. However, there are several options available for cooking oil. As such, they will work just as well to remove coconut oil stains.
When selecting your remover, you have two options. You can either select a spot remover for oil stains or you can use a special detergent.
If you would like to use a spot remover, then is a great option. It works for all oil stains, including coconut oil stains. It is great for dislodging any oil that has been soaked up into the cloth. Then, it is simply a matter of putting the clothing items or towels in the wash with warm water.
For an all-over detergent, an oxygen bleach such as . This detergent is readily absorbed deep into the cloth, making it easier for it to break up coconut oil stains. As an added bonus, it will also work to brighten clothes, making it a suitable option for colored fabrics or towels as well.
This is what you will need to do if the coconut oil stain has been on the fabric for a while.
The first thing you should do is read the instructions.
These can differ from one brand to another. Thus, it is important to always follow the directions perfectly.
Dab the remover onto the stain. Some brands may require you to dilute the solution first before placing it onto the fabric - dont use more than necessary.
Use the directed amount and avoid getting the chemical on any other portion of the cloth apart from the stains.
Also, dont let it make contact with your skin.
Leave the product in for as long as necessary. For some brands, you will only need to let the product soak in for a few minutes to 10 minutes or so.
Others, however, may require you to leave it on for longer.
Never leave the stain remover in for longer than is recommended. When left too long, some products can remove dyes from clothes.
Follow the directions and wash the remover out of the clothes. Make sure that the product has been completely removed from the fabric.
Wash the item as you usually would and dry as normal.
This is what you should do if you are using an oxygen bleach detergent:
Dissolve the liquid or the substance in a bucket or basin of water.
Follow the instructions regarding the pre-soak amounts for stain removal. This will differ from one brand to another.
For the best results, dont use more or less than indicated. This will create a solution that is either too strong or diluted.
Place the clothing item in the bucket or basin. Leave it in for about two hours or follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Dont let the cloth or cotton sheet soak for more than indicated.
The stain should be mostly or completely gone at this point.
Place the fabric in the washing machine and set it to the highest possible temperature.
If there is any coconut oil left in the stain, the heat should work to remove it.
Dry the clothes as usual.
Yes, coconut oil can stain your clothes, sheets, and towels.
Although it is thicker than most other liquids, coconut oil can be absorbed into the fabric. When this happens, you will notice a darkened spot where it has settled in.
Now, it should be noted that coconut oil stains are more difficult to get rid of than certain other substances. This is because coconut oil isn't water soluble and can’t be simply washed out.
These are the instructions to follow if you need to remove coconut oil from clothes. If it is a fresh stain, some detergent and washing in hot water should do the trick.
On the other hand, if the stain has set, you can use a stain remover such as Carbona or OxyClean to help get rid of it.
Regardless of what kind of coconut oil stain you are dealing with, you should find your solution here. So, go ahead and try these techniques out.
