Probably the easiest method to use when removing oil and grease stains, chalk works wonders at doing the dirty work, in a very short time. It’s happened to us all, the accidental spills that leave us sighing as we see oil seep into our favourite item of clothing. As upsetting as a sight it may be, getting rid of the oil or grease is not difficult at all.
There are many ways to get oil stains out of clothes, all making use of basic tools or household products. In this article we’ll look at a step-by-step guide you can use to remove oil or grease stains from your clothes using chalk.
Tips For Removing Oil Stains
Before looking at the steps included in the cleaning process, here are some tips to take note of before starting:
- The most important tip is to get to work on the stain as soon as you can. The longer a stain is allowed to remain in the clothing, the more difficult it will be to get it out.
- Place the stained item of clothing onto a piece of cardboard when working on it. This will ensure that the stain isn’t spread to other areas while also helping with stability.
- When using the chalk to ‘colour in’, do not press so hard that you damage your clothing. Use just enough force for the job to be done.
Four Steps To Remove The Stain
You will need the following cleaning supplies to get the oil stain out:
- Chalk
- A flat piece of cardboard
- An old toothbrush or brush
- Laundry detergent
- Tissue or paper towel
1. Blot The Stain
Set your item of clothing down onto a flat surface with a piece of cardboard underneath it. Use a tissue paper towel to blot as much of the top layer of the stain as possible.
2. Apply The Chalk
Apply the chalk to the stain making sure to cover the entire surface. If you are applying it by ‘colouring in’ then make sure not to exert so much force that your clothes get damaged. The absorbent nature of chalk will remove the stain from the clothing and draw it onto itself. Wait 5 to 10 minutes while the chalk absorbs the stain.
3. Remove The Chalk
Once the time has passed, use an old brush or toothbrush to remove the chalk. If the stain is still very noticeable then repeat the previous steps.
4. Wash The Clothing
After removing the chalk and seeing that the stain has been removed, rub a small amount of laundry detergent onto the stained area before washing it on a hot setting. If you want to play it safe, wash the item of clothing on its own – to save water, hand washing might be a better option if you choose to do this. After washing, let your clothing air-dry.
If you don’t have chalk on hand, using baking soda to remove oil stains is another easy way to restore your clothing back to its best condition. Using the easy process listed above, you’ll have more confidence in your cleaning abilities while not worrying too much about the spills that are yet to come. Grab your chalk and enjoy the absence of unwanted stains.
