Well, hello there, my fellow busy grandmothers! I bet you can relate when I say that having a house full of grandkids means dealing with all sorts of messes, and olive oil stains on clothes(including family t shirt) are just one of those things that seem to pop up way too often. You know how it is – we're in the kitchen whipping up a big family meal, and before you know it, there's olive oil smeared on someone's shirt or the little ones' play clothes. But don't you worry one bit, because I've got some tried-and-true tricks up my sleeve to help us all keep our family's clothes looking spick and span.
What You’ll need before start to remove olive oil
Before you start, gather your supplies to make the process easier. Here's what you'll need:
- Baking soda or cornstarch
- Dish soap (preferably a degreaser)
- Water
- A clean cloth or paper towels
- A soft-bristled brush (an old toothbrush works great)
- A washing machine (or sink for hand washing)
Why does olive oil stain?
Now, it does seem a bit unfair, doesn't it? We use olive oil to make delicious, healthy meals for our loved ones, but it can turn into a real headache when it gets on our clothes. The thing is, olive oil is a fat, and fabric fibers just have a natural attraction to it. They soak it up like a sponge, and once it's in there, it clings on for dear life. If we don't act quickly, that stain can set and become a nightmare to remove. But understanding how it works is half the battle – it gives us the upper hand when we go to tackle it.
Getting rid of olive oil stains on clothes and fabric
Act Fast, Don't Fret
The very second you spot that olive oil stain, take a deep breath and don't panic. Grab a paper towel or a clean rag and gently press it onto the stain. Try to soak up as much of the oil as you can. Remember, rubbing is a big no-no because it'll only spread the oil around and make the problem worse.
Use Dish Soap to Clean olive oil
Once you've blotted up as much as possible, it's time to bring in the dish soap. Put a few drops of that trusty soap right on the stain. Then, using your fingertips or the soft sponge, gently work the soap into the fabric. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. You'll notice the soap starting to break down the oil, loosening its grip on the fabric. After that, rinse the area with warm water. Sometimes, you might have to repeat this process a couple of times if the stain is being extra stubborn.
Baking Soda or White Vinegar for the Tougher Jobs
If the stain is still hanging around after the dish soap treatment, it's time to pull out the heavy artillery. For baking soda, mix it with a little water to make a paste. Slather that paste onto the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour. The baking soda will absorb any remaining oil. Then, just brush it off and wash the garment as usual. If you're using white vinegar, mix one part vinegar with two parts water. Soak the stained area in this solution for 15 to 30 minutes. Rinse it out and, if needed, follow up with a bit more dish soap. Then wash it in warm water.
How to get olive oil out of carpet
Carpets can be a whole different story when it comes to olive oil stains. First things first, blot up as much of the oil as you can with paper towels. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda all over the stain. Let it sit overnight. The baking soda will not only absorb the oil but also help get rid of any funky smells. In the morning, vacuum up the baking soda. If there's still a bit of a stain left, you can try a mixture of dish soap and warm water. Gently dab the area with a clean cloth soaked in the solution, but be really careful not to over-wet the carpet. Let it dry and see if you need to repeat.
Removing oil stains from wool and cashmere clothing
When it comes to our precious wool and cashmere pieces – you know, the ones we love to wrap our grandkids in when it's chilly – we have to be extra careful. Never, ever use hot water, as it can shrink and ruin the fabric in a heartbeat. Start by blotting the stain gently with a clean cloth. Then, mix a small amount of a very mild detergent – like a wool-safe one – with cool water. Dip a clean cloth in the solution and gently dab the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse with cool water. If the stain persists, you can try a tiny amount of white vinegar diluted in water, but always test it on a hidden part of the fabric first. After treating the stain, lay the garment flat to dry.
