What products do I need to clean oil pastel stains from cotton fabric?

For oil pastel stains on cotton fabric, you'll need salt, dishwashing liquid, a stiff-bristled brush, warm (not hot) water, and a spoon.

How long should I let the paste sit before scrubbing?

Allow the paste to sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing. This will give the paste ample time to work its magic and loosen up the paint.

WikiLaundry > Stains > Oil pastel > Cotton chambray

Cleaning Oil Pastel Stains with Ease: A Step-by-Step Guide

Oil pastels are known for their vibrant colors, but it can be a hassle to keep cotton chambray fabrics looking presentable after an accidental smudge or spill. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps for removing oil pastel stains from cotton fabric in no time.

Updated 04 Mar 2023

By Peter Blackwood

What you'll need

Salt
Dishwashing liquid
Stiff-bristled brush
Warm (not hot) water
Spoon

Step 1: Scrape away the excess paint

Using a spoon, gently scrape away any excess oil pastel that may be present on the cotton fabric. You want to be careful to avoid pushing the paint further into the fabric. Once you’ve removed all of excess, discard swiped-off bits.

Step 2: Make a paste of salt and dish soap

In a bowl, mix together two tablespoons of salt and one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid. The thick paste should be similar to toothpaste in texture. If the mixture is too thick, add a few drops of warm water until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 3: Apply the paste to the stain

Dab the paste onto the stained area and spread it around to cover the entire spot. Allow area to sit for 15 minutes so that the paste has time to work its magic.

Step 4: Scrub stain

Using a stiff-bristled brush, scrub the stained area in circular motions. This will help remove any stubborn bits of paint that remain. Continue to scrub until stain is gone.

Step 5: Rinse with warm water

Once stain has been removed, rinse the area with warm (not hot) water to ensure that all of the salt and dishwashing liquid is removed. Once you’ve rinsed the area, allow it to air dry.

Step 6: Launder

Once the spot has been allowed to air dry, throw the clothing item into the washing machine and launder as you normally would. This will help to remove any residue from the stain removal process and make your cotton fabric look as good as new.

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