How do I clean an oil pastel stain?

To remove an oil pastel stain, begin by blotting the area with a soft cloth to remove any excess pigment. Next, apply a stain remover spray or liquid detergent and let it sit on the fabric for a few minutes. Finally, gently hand-wash the affected area with a mild soap and warm water. For more stubborn stains, you may need to repeat these steps several times.

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Get Those Oil Pastel Stains Outta There: Easy Tips for Cleaning Sleepwear

When you or your kids are getting creative with oil pastels, it's not uncommon for accidents to happen. So what can you do when your sleepwear is stained? Don't worry—it's easier than you think to restore your clothing back to its original state.

Updated 04 Mar 2023

By Mateuzs Kowalski

Oil pastels are a great artistic medium — they produce vivid colors and can be used to create entire masterpieces on paper or other surfaces. Unfortunately, when the creative juices start flowing, it's not uncommon for stains to end up on clothing, especially children's pajamas. If you're faced with such a situation, don't fret; cleaning up oil pastel stains is easy.

Step 1: Blot the Stain.

Once you notice stain, it's important that you act quickly. Use a soft cloth to blot the area of fabric with stain. This will remove some of the excess pigment and make it easier to clean.

Step 2: Apply a Stain Remover.

For tougher oil pastel stains, a spot remover spray or liquid detergent may be necessary. Once you've applied your preferred product, let it sit on the fabric for a few minutes before blotting it off—just make sure not to scrub, as this may further spread the stain.

Step 3: Wash the Clothing.

Using a mild soap and warm water, gently hand-wash the affected area. Air drying is the safest option, but if you must use a dryer, keep the setting on low heat. For more stubborn stains, you may need to repeat Steps 2 and 3 several times before the stain is completely removed.

Be Proactive!

It's always better to prevent stains than to have to clean them up. Before letting your child use oil pastels, consider covering their clothing with a smock or apron. This will protect the fabric from any accidental contact with the pastels.

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