Don't Panic! Here's How to Clean Calico from Oil Pastel Stains

If you've ever worked with oil pastel, you know the vibrant and textured look it can give your artwork. But when that art gets on other surfaces, such as calico fabric, it can feel like an unsolvable mess.

Oil pastel is considered one of the most difficult mediums to remove, especially from delicate fabrics like calico. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to clean these tricky stains:

Step One: Blot, Don’t Rub

The first step when cleaning an oil pastel stain off calico is to blot the affected area with a damp cloth, instead of scrubbing. This will help to contain the stain and prevent it from spreading any further. Be sure to use a white cloth, as colored cloths may leave behind their own dye on the fabric.

Step Two: Use a Spot Remover

Next, you’ll want to apply a spot remover specifically designed for oil pastels. Place a small amount of the remover on a soft cloth, then gently dab the stained fabric. This will help to break down stain and make it easier to remove.

Step Three: Rinse and Launder

Once you've applied the spot remover, rinse fabric with cold water and launder as normal. It is important to use cold water and a gentle detergent to avoid setting the stain. As always, check the care instructions for fabric before washing.

Step Four: Check Before Drying

Before putting your fabric in the dryer, check to make sure the oil pastel stain is completely gone. If you see any traces of the stain, repeat Steps Two and Three. To be extra thorough, you can also use an iron to set the stain-removing treatment into fabric.

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