4 Basic Steps on How To Get Vaseline Out Of Clothes
– Vaseline Out Of Clothes –
Vaseline as petroleum-based leaves an oil-based stain on clothes that can be problematic to remove. However, this article is about how to remove Vaseline stains on clothes.
Clothing, carpeting, and even furniture can suffer from tough-to-remove stains that ruin their appeal and shorten their use. Petroleum jelly, oil, and grass stains are among those stubborn stains.
Equipment / Tools
- Dull knife or plastic edge
- Soft-bristled brush
- Washing machine (Optional)
- Soaking basin (Optional)
- Vacuum
Materials
- Water
- Heavy-duty laundry detergent
- Stain remover stick, gel, or spray
- Cornstarch or talcum powder (Optional)
- Oxygen-based bleach (Optional)
How to Get Vaseline Stains Out of Clothes
Step 1: Remove the Solid Residue
Lie the garment flat and use a plastic knife or spoon to scrape away as much of the Vaseline as possible. Place a paper towel over the stained area and iron it with the iron on a low setting to lift the stain.
Swap out the paper towel as needed and keep ironing until no more Vaseline will come up. Launder the garment as usual.
Step 2: Treat With Stain Remover or Heavy-Duty Laundry Detergent
Treat the oily/waxy component of the stain with a stain remover spray or gel that contains the enzyme lipase that will help break down the oil. This is particularly important for stains on synthetic fabrics like polyester that tend to trap oily stains.
Work the cleaner into the stain with your fingers or a soft-bristled brush. If you do not have a stain remover, then use a heavy-duty liquid laundry detergent (like Tide or Persil) that contains enough stain-lifting enzymes to remove the oil.
Allow the cleaning solution to remain on the fabric for at least 15 minutes, then scrub the stain lightly with a soft brush and rinse the area in hot water.
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Step 3: Wash as Usual
Wash the stained item as usual in the hottest water recommended on the garment care label. Check the stained area before placing the garment in the dryer.
The high heat from a dryer can set the stain and make it nearly impossible to remove.
Step 4: Remove Dyes With Oxygen-Based Bleach
If the ointment is tinted, you may need to do some additional work to remove any traces of the dye. Mix a solution of oxygen-based bleach (such as OxiClean, Nellie’s All-Natural Oxygen Brightener, or OXO Brite) and cool water, following the package directions.
Completely submerge the entire garment and allow it to soak for at least 8 hours. Check the stain for any traces of dye.
Additional Tips
- If the fabric is washable, a grease-cutting dish detergent (ex: Dawn) can be used to remove the greasy residue.
- If the fabric can tolerate hot water, that will also aid in removing the oil.
- Sometimes petroleum jelly will leave a stain on suede, even after the oils are removed. This stain is permanent and cannot be removed.
- If the stain cannot be removed, take it to a professional cleaner to have the stain removed.
Just remember, the key to removing vaseline stains from any item is to use a product that can cut the grease and oil. All in all, you have a few tips on how to get Vaseline out of clothes.
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