Coconut oil is useful, from hair treatments to facial masks. However, it can leave stains when it comes into contact with clothes. So, how do you get coconut oil stains out of your clothes?
To get coconut oil out of clothes, here are the best things to do:
- Use dishwashing soap
- Soak in baking soda
- Use cornstarch
- Pour hydrogen peroxide
- Spray with WD-40
- Rinse in distilled white vinegar
- Sprinkle with baby powder
- Wash with oxygen bleach detergent
Read on to learn more about getting coconut oil out of clothes.
How to Get Coconut Oil Out of Clothes
There are plenty of ways to get coconut oil out of clothes. The right choice depends on specific factors, such as the material of the cloth and the extent of the stain you will need to remove.
In most instances, however, below are some of the solutions that are worth a shot:
1. Use Dishwashing Soap
Dishwashing soap is probably one thing that most of you have at home. It is one of the most accessible and effective solutions if coconut oil stains are on your clothes, especially if it is light. This will work best if the stain is fresh. Otherwise, you might have a hard time.
Apply a Drop Directly on the Stain
Put a drop of dishwashing soap directly on the area of the clothes with a stain. Any brand of dishwashing soap will do.
Rub the Stain
The next thing to do is rub. This will allow the chemicals in the soap to penetrate the stain.
Rinse and Dry
Now, you are almost done. Finish off by rinsing the cloth. Look at the stain from the coconut oil. You can apply more dishwashing soap and rub if it is still visible. After rinsing, let it dry.
2. Soak in Baking Soda Paste
Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate is a form of crystalline salt. When applied with water, baking soda breaks down. It is affordable and 100% natural, making it another great option when removing coconut oil from clothes.
It can also neutralize foul odors, making your clothes smell fresh and without oil stains.
Make a Paste
Baking soda, on its own, will not remove coconut oil from your clothes. To be effective, it should be a paste. Combine one part water and two parts baking soda.
Apply and Leave the Paste
With the baking soda paste ready, apply it directly to the coconut oil in your cloth. Ensure that you cover the entire area. Leave it for at least 30 minutes.
Scrub and Rinse
After about half an hour, rinse the coconut oil stain on the cloth. End it by rinsing the cloth, or you can put it in the washing machine.
3. Use cornstarch
Cornstarch is another great alternative for stubborn coconut oil stains on clothes. One of the best things about cornstarch is that it works even on an already set stain. This natural and affordable powder can deliver surprising results!
Turn It into a Paste
Do not put cornstarch directly on the coconut oil stain. Instead, turn it first into a paste. In a small container, mix equal parts of water and cornstarch until it reaches the consistency of a paste.
Apply on the Stain
Now that the paste is ready use your fingers to scoop it and rub directly on the coconut oil stain on the cloth. If the stain is new, you can put a paper towel on the top of the paste, which will prevent the stain from bleeding. Leave it for several hours.
Rinse the Cloth
After cornstarch settles on the stain, it is time to wash the cloth. Rinse and be amazed at the outcome!
4. Pour Hydrogen Peroxide
A staple in first-aid kits, hydrogen peroxide, is another effective choice for removing coconut oil on your clothes. It can also brighten colors and whiten whites, making it a must-have in your laundry room.
It is an oxidizing agent, a great alternative to laundry bleach. More so, it safely breaks down, making it better for the environment than ordinary bleach.
Before using hydrogen peroxide, take note of a couple of things. For instance, the best option is one with a 3% formulation. Plus, ensure it is in a dark bottle since it is light-sensitive. It is also most effective if the bottle is new.
Put Hydrogen Peroxide on the Stain
Start by applying a small amount of hydrogen peroxide on the part of the cloth with a coconut oil stain. See to it that you will cover the area with the oil.
Let It Rest
With hydrogen peroxide now on the cloth, wait at least ten minutes. This will give it enough time for it to settle.
Wash the Cloth
After ten minutes, you can wash the cloth as you normally would. If you’re using a washing machine, choose the appropriate setting, depending on the fabric.
5. Spray with WD-40
A petroleum-based lubricant, WD-40, can stain clothes. At the same time, however, it can also be a wonderful stain remover. It contains solvents, which can break down and loosen the oily molecules on fabric.
Spray WD-40
Grab a can of WD-40 and spray it directly on the part of the cloth with a stain. We recommend spraying once in the front and once at the back to be more effective.
Let It Sit
Do not wash the cloth immediately after spraying WD-40. As with everything else on this list, give it time to settle. You do not have to wait long. Five minutes should be enough.
Follow-Up With a Heavy-Duty Detergent
For the best results, do not rely on WD-40 alone. We suggest cleaning with a heavy-duty detergent. This will make it more powerful.
Wash the Cloth
To finish, rinse the cloth using hot water. Choose the maximum temperature depending on the specific fabric you are working on.
6. Rinse in Distilled White Vinegar
If you like cleaning your home using natural materials, you probably know how distilled white vinegar can work like magic. It is safer than chlorine bleach and gentle on any fabric.
Soak the Cloth in Vinegar
To remove coconut oil, wash the cloth as you normally would. When done, add one cup of vinegar to soak the cloth.
Rinse With Soap
Distilled white vinegar can leave a strong and unpleasant smell on your cloth. So, rinse it thoroughly and use soap to mask its odor, making your clothes smell fresh after removing the coconut oil stain.
7. Sprinkle Baby Powder
If you have talcum or baby powder at home, you can also use it to remove coconut oil from your clothes. However, this is best only if the stain is new. The sooner you act, the higher the chance that you will succeed. For dry stains, this will not work.
Apply Powder to Your Cloth
Take your clothes off. Sprinkle powder on the top. Let it sit overnight. This should be enough time for the powder to absorb grease.
Scrub the Powder
Next, use a soft-bristle brush to remove powder on the surface. As you brush the powder off, the stain from coconut oil should also go away.
Wash the Cloth
At this point, the stain may still be visible. Wash it with laundry detergent, rinse, and air dry.
Again, how to get coconut oil out of clothes? Use hot water instead of cold water to wash your coconut oil-stained clothes. Note that you should also use the hottest setting. After washing, air-dry your clothes.
8. Wash with Oxygen Bleach Detergent
Removing coconut oil in clothes is also possible by using oxygen bleach detergent. It has a special formula that is effective for the treatment of stains.
The effectiveness, however, can vary from one brand to another. So, take your time to read reviews and learn from the real-life experiences other people are sharing.
Dissolve the Detergent
Start by dissolving your choice of detergent in water. For the best outcomes, follow the exact recommendations of the manufacturer on the quantity to use.
Soak the Cloth
With the water and bleach now ready in a basin, soak the cloth with coconut oil stain. Leave it for two hours, depending on the manufacturer’s recommended duration. Leaving it longer can cause discoloration.
Wash the Clothes
Put it in the washing machine and choose the highest temperature the fabric can handle without sustaining damage. Dry as you would.
How to Get Coconut Oil Out of Different Types of Fabric
Take note that getting rid of coconut oil on clothes includes varying steps. Among others, it will differ depending on the fabric that you are treating. For instance, some materials are not good for colored clothes. Meanwhile, gentle fabrics require more gentle cleaning materials.
Here’s a quick rundown of how to remove coconut oil stain, depending on the type of cloth you are washing:
1. Light Cotton
Cotton is a lightweight material that can absorb coconut oil, making it easier to remove.
In most cases, you are good with dishwashing soap, which can dissolve the stain. If it is stubborn, blot the oil with a paper towel, sprinkle baking soda, and rinse. Once done, dry it in the sun, not in a dryer.
2. Polyester
Compared to cotton, coconut oil tends to stick more to polyester fabric. Curious about how to get coconut oil out of polyester? You can use dishwashing soap and baking soda, but you will need to exert more effort in scrubbing.
Use a brush with a soft bristle to prevent damaging the fabric while you are cleaning it. You should also use cold water.
3. Silk
Since silk is a delicate fabric, careful handling is necessary when removing coconut oil. With this, it is best to use the gentlest stain remover possible.
We suggest using baby powder. Apply it directly to the stain, and it will absorb oil. However, this will work best only if the stain is new. Scrape the excess oil and wash the cloth.
4. Leather
Removing coconut oil stain can be tricky on leather jackets and pants. Act immediately as the oil sets. The longer you wait, the more difficult it is to remove. Blot the stain using a paper towel or microfiber cloth as soon as possible.
Use cornstarch or talcum powder to absorb the grease. Leave it for a few hours and clean it with a soft-bristle brush.
5. Denim
Thicker than most fabrics, removing coconut oil in denim can be challenging. Start by sprinkling baking soda on the stain. Leave it for 15 minutes, which is more than enough for absorption. Use a toothbrush to clean the stain and wash in hot water.
Take the denim off the washer and apply a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Brush and return to the washer. Once you are done, air-dry the denim.
Can You Wash and Dry Whites and Colors Together?
Does Coconut Oil Stain Clothes?
Coconut Oil Can Stain Clothes
By now, the answer should be clear. Yes, coconut oil will stain clothes. The same thing is true with sheets and other fabrics that the oil can be in contact with.
There are two main ways by which coconut oil can leave a stain. The first is when it has spilled. For instance, you might have your clothes in your luggage and coconut oil in a container. The bottle might open accidentally in transit, and the oil can spill on your clothes.
Another way by which it can leave a stain on your clothes is through skin contact. This is common in lotions, deodorants, and other skincare products made of coconut oil. It takes a while before the skin can absorb them. So, when they touch your clothes too soon, it can leave stains.
Does Raw Coconut Oil Cause Stain on Clothes?
While coconut oil will stain clothes, this will depend on the type of oil. Raw coconut oil will most likely cause stains.
As the name implies, it is raw, meaning it is not processed. Its natural form has compounds that can cause a yellowish stain once it comes in contact with the fabric.
Coconut oil is a potent source of saturated fats. This fat is also the reason why it causes stains on clothes. It affects clothes and other surfaces like beddings, carpets, and upholstery.
Does Refined Coconut Oil Cause Stain on Clothes?
Choose refined coconut oil if you don’t want to deal with stained fabrics. It has been through bleaching and deodorizing, among other procedures.
The latter makes it lightweight, colorless, and odorless, making it less likely to stain than raw coconut oil. This type of oil will not solidify at room temperature.
Nonetheless, not all refined coconut oils are the same. Some products’ formula contains a higher fat level, so it does not necessarily mean you do not have to worry about staining.
On the other hand, the extent of staining will depend on how long you leave coconut oil unattended. For instance, if it has been on the cloth for a short time, it will be easier to remove since it has not yet fully settled.
However, the longer you do not attend to it, the more it will seep in, making it more challenging to get rid of.
Frequently Asked Questions- Getting Coconut Oil Stains Out of Clothes
Does Coconut Oil Wash Out of Clothes?
Yes, coconut oil washes out of clothes. However, to do so, you might need to wash clothes beyond the usual laundry soap or detergent. You can use natural cleaning materials, including baking soda, cornstarch, and distilled white vinegar. Meanwhile, WD-40 and bleach can also be equally effective.
How Do You Get the Coconut Oil Smell Out of Your Clothes?
If you are wondering how to get coconut oil smell out of clothes, one of the best things to do is use a scented laundry detergent or soap.
A fabric conditioner can also help. Another good solution is to apply a few drops of essential oils but be careful about the possibility of staining. Letting the clothes air dry is also promising.
In Closing – How to Get Coconut Oil Out of Clothes
Coconut oil, especially when not processed, can leave stains on clothes. From white to colored fabrics, this stain can be unsightly. It is best to act immediately, making the removal of the stain easier. Once it is dry, it can be more challenging to get rid of.
As noted above, below are some of the best ways to remove coconut oil stains in clothes:
- Use dishwashing soap
- Soak in baking soda
- Use Cornstarch
- Pour hydrogen peroxide
- Spray with WD-40
- Rinse in distilled white vinegar
- Sprinkle with baby powder
- Wash with oxygen bleach detergent
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