Oil stains are ugly to look at, whatever the material in question. Furthermore, they can be difficult to remove, especially if they are not recent. Generally, the most effective way to remove them is to use a chemical cleaner, but in some situations it is a dangerous choice for people and the environment. In these cases you can use baking soda which is as cheap as it is effective for removing oil stains.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Remove an Oil Stain from Concrete or Asphalt
Step 1. Wet the stained area with water
The water's job is to bring the oil to the surface.
Step 2. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on the stain
Make sure it is completely covered and hidden from view.
Step 3. Boil some water in a saucepan
In the meantime, the baking soda will have time to act.
Step 4. Pour the boiling water over the stain
Use just enough to moisten the baking soda and form an easily spreadable paste. Save the remaining water for rinsing.
Step 5. Scrub the stain with a stiff bristled brush
You can use a simple plastic toothbrush, like the one you use to clean your bathtub or dishes. Do not use a brush with metal bristles as they may damage the concrete, especially if some of the bristles become trapped in the cracks in the material and then rust.
- If the stain doesn't come off this way, add a few drops of dish soap.
- The bristles of the brush will likely remain slightly greasy or stained, so from now on use it only to remove oil stains from materials such as concrete or asphalt.
Step 6. Pour the rest of the water onto the stain to wash off the baking soda
Repeat as needed until the grease disappears. Once done, rinse the brush and put it in a safe place to avoid getting confused and using it for other purposes.
Method 2 of 3: Remove a Freshly Made Oil Stain from a Fabric
Step 1. Place a piece of cardboard inside the stained garment
Place it right under the stain so the oil can't transfer to the other side of the garment as well.
Step 2. Gently blot the oil stain with a tissue or paper towel
Do not rub or force the fabric to not push the grease even deeper between the fibers.
Step 3. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on the stain
Make sure it is completely covered and hidden from view.
Step 4. Let the baking soda sit for an hour
In this period of time it will be able to penetrate the fabric and absorb the oil.
Step 5. Fill the sink or bowl with water and add a few tablespoons of baking soda
If the type of fabric allows it, it is best to use hot or at least lukewarm water.
Step 6. Remove the cardboard from under the fabric and dip the garment into the water
Leave the garment to soak for a quarter of an hour, then move it in the water with your hand so that the baking soda comes off the fabric and finally pull it out and squeeze it very gently.
Step 7. Wash the garment as you normally do
If it can be put in the washing machine, simply add it to the rest of the laundry. If the washing instructions do not allow it, wash it by hand with water and a suitable detergent.
Method 3 of 3: Remove a Hard or Old-fashioned Oil Stain from Fabrics
Step 1. Place a piece of cardboard inside the stained garment
Place it right under the stain so the oil can't transfer to the other side of the garment as well.
Step 2. Sprinkle the stain with WD-40
This is a multifunctional water repellent that you can buy from the hardware store. In this case it has the function of bringing the oil to the surface of the fabric.
Step 3. Sprinkle the baking soda on the WD-40
The stain must be completely covered and hidden from view. The powder will absorb both the oil and the lubricant.
Step 4. Get the baking soda into the fibers by scrubbing the stain with an old toothbrush
Gently rub it into the fabric until the dust begins to clump.
Step 5. Pour some dish soap over the baking soda
Very little is enough, even one or two drops may be enough, depending on the size of the stain.
Step 6. Scrub the stained fabric again with the toothbrush
At some point you will see that the baking soda will get trapped between the bristles. When this happens, rinse your toothbrush with water to wash off the dust and start scrubbing again. Continue this way until the baking soda has been completely removed.
Step 7. Wash the garment as you normally do
If it can be put in the washing machine, simply add it to the rest of the laundry. If the washing instructions do not allow it, wash it by hand with water and a suitable detergent.
Advice
Keep a supply of baking soda in the garage to spread it on any oil stains that may leave the car. This is a good way to be able to remove them quickly
Warnings
- Act as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to get rid of the oil stain.
- According to some, baking soda is too aggressive to be used on delicate fabrics. If the stained garment is made of a fragile fabric, blot the stain to absorb as much oil as possible and then take it to the laundry.
