Oil pastels are a great way to add creative flair to your clothing, but when they leave stains behind, it can be a bit more difficult to get rid of them. Luckily, we've got the tips to help you clean oil pastel stains from your trench coat, so you can keep wearing it.
Updated 04 Mar 2023
By Luke Smith
The first step in removing oil pastel stains is to scrape away as much of the excess material as possible with a spoon or dull knife. Next, blot the stained area with a dry cloth to absorb the oil before applying a stain remover or laundry detergent to the fabric. Allow the cleaner to sit for 5-10 minutes and then rinse the fabric with cold water.
If the stain persists, dampen the fabric with a mixture of one part white vinegar and two parts water and survey stained area. You may need to repeat this process a few times to see if the stain has been removed.
If the stain still remains, try a spot cleaning treatment with a grease-fighting dish soap. Let soap sit for a few minutes before rinsing the fabric with cool water. If the stain is still visible, try using a gentle scrub brush and a solution of one teaspoon of laundry detergent mixed with a cup of lukewarm water on the stained area. Rinse with cool water and repeat as necessary until the stain is gone.
If the above steps fail to remove the stain, try using a liquid laundry detergent and warm water. Soak the stain in the detergent solution for 30 minutes, followed by an extra cycle in the washing machine. Air-dry the fabric and check if the stain is still visible. If it is, repeat the above steps until the stain is gone.
Before tackling existing oil pastel stains, you should also take steps to prevent them in future. To do this, always use a protective covering such as a piece of cardboard or thick paper when doing art projects. This will protect the fabric from being stained by the oil pastels. Additionally, avoid wearing light-coloured clothing when working with oil pastels, as even a small spill can leave a large stain.
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