How to Effectively Remove Greasy Oil Pastel Stains from Clothes
Oil pastels are great for creating vibrant, colorful art pieces. But, when they get on clothing, they can be difficult to remove. In this article, we’ll provide you with some tips on how to tackle any oil pastel stains that may have inadvertently made their way onto your favorite shirt or dress.
Updated 03 Mar 2023
By Mateuzs Kowalski
Steps to Tackle Oil Pastel Stains
- Start by laying the stained cloth flat and sprinkling an absorbent powder, such as talcum powder, cornstarch, or baking soda onto the stained area.
- Allow the powder to sit on top of the stain for 10-15 minutes.
- After time has elapsed, use a stiff brush to remove the powder and the excess oil.
- Soak the stained material in warm water for about 20 minutes — this will help loosen the stain.
- Create a DIY cleaner using dishwashing detergent, baking soda and salt. Mix the ingredients together, then apply the paste to stain.
- Use a damp sponge to rub the mixture in a circular motion, from outside of the stain to the center.
- Once you’ve finished rubbing, rinse out the paste with cool water. You can also use a soft brush to help remove any stubborn stains.
- Finally, launder the clothing item per your usual settings.
Tips to Keep in Mind
- If the stain persists after you have attempted the steps above, you may need to try pre-treating the area or soaking it in a stronger cleaning solution, such as a mixture containing detergent and chlorine bleach.
- Make sure to double-check the fabrics care instructions before applying any type of cleaner or pre-treatment.
- It’s wise to always test a cleaner on a small, hidden area of the garment before tackling stain.
- When laundering stained clothes, set washer to the hottest allowable setting for the fabric.
- Allow the garment to air dry rather than placing it in dryer, as the heat could cause the stain to set in the fabric.
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