How to remove grease and oil stains from a maxi dress?

The best way to remove grease and oil stains from a maxi dress is to blot the stain with a clean, white cloth, pre-treat the area with a cleaning product, gently launder the dress as normal, then air dry or use low heat in the dryer.

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Max Out Your Cleaning: A Step-by-Step Guide to Washing Grease and Oil Stains from a Maxi Dress

Accidents happen, and nobody wants to be a victim of a greasy or oily stain on their maxi dress. Although not every stain is created equal, the good news is that there are some simple steps you can take to help rid your dress of any unsightly spots. We’ll walk you through how to clean grease and oil stains from a maxi dress so you won’t have to worry about potential spills ruining your outfit.

Updated 20 Feb 2023

By Matej Kramberger

Step 1: Blot the Stain with a Clean Cloth

When you first notice the stain, don’t panic. The first step is to use a clean, white cloth and gently blot the stain - don’t rub it as this can spread the grease or oil even further! If you have some baking soda, sprinkle it on the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before you start blotting - this will help absorb some of the oil.

Step 2: Pre-Treat Stain with a Cleaning Product

Once you’ve blotted the stain, it’s time to pre-treat the area with a cleaning product like dish soap or an enzyme cleaner. Be sure to test the product in an inconspicuous area of the dress first, then apply according to the product instructions. Let the pre-treatment sit for five to ten minutes before you move on to the next step.

Step 3: Launder the Dress as Normal

Once you’ve pre-treated the stain, it’s time to launder dress as normal. Choose a gentle cycle and lukewarm water, then add a mild detergent and fabric softener if desired. When the cycle is finished, inspect the stain to make sure it’s gone before you dry the dress - if it’s still there, repeat steps two and three.

Step 4: Air Dry or Use Low Heat in the Dryer

Once the stain is removed, air dry the dress outdoors or indoors in a well-ventilated area. If you prefer to machine dry, choose the lowest heat setting possible. It’s important to avoid high heat as this can cause the grease and oil stains to set into the fabric permanently. Once the dress is dry, you’re ready to wear your freshly cleaned maxi dress!

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