How to remove fuel oil stains from clothes

Noticed fuel oil stains on your clothes? Don’t rush to throw them away. Despite the fact that most products that quickly deal with such stains can damage the fabric itself, there are also gentle ones. With some effort, you can try to wash fuel oil off your clothes.

Stain Removal Guide

The faster you can remove the stain, the better. But don’t try to wipe it off with napkins or a handkerchief, the fuel oil will be absorbed even more into the fabric fibers. When removing it, follow the recommendations below:

• do not neglect protective gloves, especially when using strong agents;
• It is recommended to wash in two stages – first by hand, then by machine (for delicate fabrics, soaking and hand cleaning is sufficient);
• It is worthwhile to test the selected cleaning agent on an inconspicuous part of the garment (on the inside, in the armpits, in the groin area) beforehand. If the results are positive, you can use it on a visible part of the garment;
• on the back of the garment, place a white cloth, napkin, or thick paper under the stain so that when removing it, it does not leak onto clean areas of the fabric;
• the stain is cleaned from the edge to the center, trying to prevent it from spreading over the fabric;
• Load the soiled item into the washing machine separately from other items. If you do not remove the smell from it, it may permeate other items;
• It is recommended to dry cleaned items in the open air to remove any unpleasant odor.

What can be withdrawn?

The method of action should be selected based on the degree of contamination and the type of material.

Dishwashing gel

This method can be considered universal, the gel copes with the problem quite delicately. In particular, it can be used on outerwear (bologna jackets, down jackets, etc.). But this option will be effective only for fresh stains that have not yet been absorbed into the fibers.

Rub a small amount (2-3 drops) gently into the area affected by fuel oil and leave for 20-30 minutes. If the stain is still clearly visible after this, soak it in soapy water for 1 hour. Rinse the item thoroughly afterward and then wash with powder.

Chalk, talc, starch

An excellent and fairly simple method of combating pollution. Can be used on all types of fabrics, even on leather items that require careful care. The effect will be noticeable when applied to a very fresh stain – the active substance will absorb the fuel oil.

It is enough to sprinkle the stain with crushed chalk, starch or talc and leave it for a day. Then clean the mixture with a damp sponge.

Soap (laundry or tar)

The alkali contained in these two products acts deeply, but nevertheless, gently. It is recommended to use on fresh stains. Soap can remove a stain from fuel oil from almost any clothing, including shirts, jackets, down jackets, jeans.

The stain is rubbed with a bar and left in this form for several minutes. Then rinse as best as possible to remove the specific smell, and wash with powder. When processing outerwear, the features of washing down jackets and coats should be taken into account .

Essential oils

The universal method is suitable for cleaning outerwear from fuel oil, jeans, underwear, delicate and thin fabrics.

Rub the stain with a sponge soaked in any aromatic oil.

The procedure is carried out until the stain disappears completely, replacing the cotton wool. After removing the fuel oil, the product must be washed immediately in hot water, if allowed with baby or laundry soap, so that no oil trace remains.

Car shampoo

Due to the aggressive substances in the composition, it successfully copes with fuel oil stains. Suitable only for items made of durable fabrics (work uniforms, jeans, etc.).

Apply car shampoo to the desired area with a cotton pad and leave for about half an hour (for particularly heavy dirt, you can soak the entire garment). After the time has elapsed, the item should be hand washed and then in a washing machine.

A mixture of clay, starch and ammonia

At home, you can remove fuel oil stains from fabric using a clay paste consisting of: 50 g of clay (white), 50 ml of ammonia and the same amount of turpentine, 45 g of starch.

Apply this mixture to the fuel oil stain and leave until completely dry (about 2 hours). Then remove the residue with a soft brush and finish cleaning by washing in the machine on the “heavy soil” setting. This method is more suitable for resistant dyed or light-colored fabrics, since ammonia can lighten the material slightly.

Petrol

An effective way to remove fuel oil stains, but quite aggressive. It can wash out fuel oil from jeans and any other fabric, except leather, suede, thin fabrics and silk. You need to use a purified product from a hardware store.

Wipe the stain with a cotton pad soaked in gasoline until it completely dissolves. Then wash the item by hand or in a washing machine.

Solvents (acetone, white spirit)

Suitable for removing stubborn stains, both substances are caustic, do not use for delicate fabrics or leather.

Wipe the contaminated area with a cotton swab soaked in solvent. After the stain becomes invisible, air the item and wash it with powder in an automatic machine.

Ammonia and turpentine

These substances can be used on materials such as velvet, acetate, wool, silk.

Mix turpentine with ammonia in equal parts. Apply the mixture to the stain. Then wash the item in a convenient way.

Hot iron

It is better to use this option on fresh stains; it is not recommended for delicate fabrics, leather, or suede.

The area stained with fuel oil should be covered on both sides with absorbent material (napkins, blotting paper or toilet paper) and ironed. The stain should be absorbed into the paper. Then, depending on the fabric, wash off the remaining stains with essential oil, stain remover or ammonia and wash.

Stain remover

A stain remover, such as Vanish, removes fuel oil very well. Due to the chlorine it contains, this product is not recommended for colored and dark items.

Treat the affected area with stain remover and leave for 2 hours. Then wash in the washing machine.

Even such a persistent variant of clothing contamination can be removed without a trace. The right method will allow you to preserve your favorite thing without damaging the fibers and leaving the color unchanged. But if the oil stains are old or there is a risk of ruining the item, it is better to contact the dry cleaner.