Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 1/26/2021 to
Guides
Cooking brings with it certain hazards. There's the chance that you could burn your fingers or cut your hand but there's also a chance that you could spill or splash something on your clothes. Aprons are particularly useful because they are designed to protect your clothing while cooking but they aren't foolproof. They also aren't worn every time someone steps foot in the kitchen. Aprons may go a long way in protecting your clothing when actively cooking but they aren't typically worn when sitting down to eat, which is when most other spills occur outside the cooking process.
Oil stains from cooking oil or food are common and can be the toughest to get out. They can also be hard to spot right away. If you are eating dinner and accidentally drop a piece of lettuce soaked in vinaigrette dressing or a bit of chocolate from a dessert sundae cone on your shirt, you would most likely notice it when it happens and can get up to take care of the matter then and there. If, however, a bit of oil splashed onto your shirt while cooking, you may not notice until much later when you are getting ready for bed.
Unlike other stains, oil stains aren't bright or otherwise immediately obviously noticeable. Instead, they usually look just a few shades darker than the fabric of your shirt or pants which is why they can be overlooked initially. The best way to approach an oil stain is to treat it immediately if possible, as the oil is much easier to remove before it has had time to set.
To treat a fresh oil stain, start by blotting at it with a paper towel or napkin in an effort to soak up as much oil as possible. Then, either sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda onto the stain and let it sit for twenty minutes or so. If neither cornstarch or baking soda is handy, liquid dish soap or liquid laundry detergent can be used--just be sure that the detergent does not contain bleach, or you may accidentally end up with a bleach stain instead. After a few minutes, rinse the cornstarch, baking soda, or dish soap out using hot water and look to see if the stain has been removed. Depending on the color of the garment and how wet the surrounding area is, you may need to wait for the garment to air dry before the stain or lack thereof is apparent.
If the stain remains, repeat the process again. Once the stain is gone, you can wash and dry the piece of clothing like normal. It is important to avoid putting any clothing stained with oil in the washer or dryer until you have removed the stain as the wash and dry cycles will set the stain and make it harder to remove later.
If the stain has had time to set, combine a few ingredients. Using hot water, wet the area with the stain and add dish soap directly to the stained area. Using either your fingers or a toothbrush, rub the soap in and let it sit for a few minutes before adding baking soda on top of the soap. The baking soda will clump up a bit and develop a paste-like texture. Again, using your fingers or a toothbrush, gently rub the baking soda in, adding more if necessarily or if it clumps too much. Then let the mixture sit for at least an hour.
After letting the mixture sit, rinse off the baking soda and dish soap with hot water. Let the area air dry and check to see if the stain is still there. If it is, repeat the process again. If it is not, it is safe to throw the clothing into the washer and dry to wash as normal.
There are a number of items that can be used to remove oil stains from clothing. Hot water, baking soda, laundry detergent, and liquid dish soap are some, and typically the most popular and readily available. But, other items that can be used to remove oil stains include cornstarch, baby powder, shampoo, and Lestoil. The best way to avoid getting oil stains on your clothing is to not get them in the first place. This can be done by making sure to wear an apron whenever you are cooking in the kitchen and by placing a napkin in your lap whenever you sit down to eat. If a stain does happen however, hot water, dish soap, and baking soda are three items within easy reach in the kitchen to combat the oil immediately.
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$11.60 Each
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John Ritzenthaler 612BAFH-WH - Bib Apron, 28" x 27", 3 pockets, adjustable neckband, white
Chef Revival 612BAFH-WH
$11.08 Each
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$17.97 Each
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