Oil stains can look irritating on both fabric and concrete. Not only that, these stains can be difficult to remove, especially if they've been around for too long. Chemical cleaners are the best way to get rid of oil stains, but they are not always safe for the user and the environment. Fortunately, baking soda is affordable and effective at removing oil stains.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Removing Oil Stains from Concrete or Asphalt
Step 1. Moisten the stained area with water
The water will help lift the oil to the surface.
Step 2. Sprinkle plenty of baking soda on the stain
Don't let any of the stained areas still be visible.
Step 3. Boil the water
By boiling the water, you give the baking soda time to work effectively.
Step 4. Pour hot water on the stain
You don't need to use all the water, just enough to moisten the baking soda into a paste. Save the remaining hot water for later rinsing.
Step 5. Scrub the stain using a hard brush
Try using a stiff-bristled brush, such as a bath brush. Do not use a metal bristle brush as it can damage the concrete, especially if it gets caught in cracks and rust.
- If the stain is very stubborn, add a few drops of dish soap.
- It's a good idea to save this brush for future oil cleaning.
Step 6. Pour the remaining hot water on the stain to rinse off the baking soda
Repeat as needed until the stain disappears. Clean the brush and put it back in its place.
Method 2 of 3: Removing New Oil Stains from Fabric
Step 1. Place a piece of cardboard inside the fabric
The cardboard should be directly behind the stain so that dirt doesn't transfer to the fabric behind it.
Step 2. Gently blot the stain with a paper towel or kitchen paper
Do not press hard or rub the fabric as the stain can go deeper.
Step 3. Sprinkle plenty of baking soda on the stain
Try to cover the entire stain with baking soda.
Step 4. Wait for an hour
This will give the baking soda enough time to clean the stain and absorb it.
Step 5. Fill a sink or bucket with water, pour a few tablespoons of baking soda into it and stir
Use hot water if you can. If the fabric cannot be washed in hot water, try using warm or lukewarm water.
Step 6. Take out the cardboard and soak the cloth in water
Wait for 15 minutes. Once done, rub the cloth to remove the baking soda, then remove it.
Step 7. Wash the cloth as usual
If the fabric is machine washable, combine it with other laundry fabrics. Otherwise, wash it manually in a sink filled with detergent water.
Method 3 of 3: Removing Old and Stubborn Oil Stains from Fabric
Step 1. Place a piece of cardboard inside the fabric
The cardboard should be directly behind the stain to prevent the stain from transferring to the fabric behind it.
Step 2. Spray the stain with WD-40
This product helps remove oil from the fabric.
Step 3. Sprinkle baking soda on the stain
Make sure the stain is completely covered in baking soda. The baking soda will absorb the WD-40 and oil.
Step 4. Apply baking soda to the stain with an old toothbrush
Keep scrubbing until you see the baking soda start to clump.
Step 5. Pour some dish soap on the baking soda
You don't need a lot of dish soap. Just drop two drops, depending on the size of the oil stain.
Step 6. Scrub the area back with a toothbrush
At some point, the baking soda will become trapped in the bristles of the brush. If this happens, rinse the toothbrush with water, then continue scrubbing until all the baking soda is clean.
Step 7. Remove the cardboard and wash the cloth as usual
If the fabric is machine washable, combine it with other clothes to be washed. If you can't, clean it in a sink containing a detergent solution.
Tips
Store baking soda in the garage for sprinkling when there's an oil stain; the faster the baking soda is applied, the easier the stain will be
Warning
- Don't delay. Try to clean the stain as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the harder the stain will be to clean.
- Some people find baking soda too harsh for fragile fabrics. If your fabric is sensitive enough, absorb as much of the oil stain as possible and take it to a professional cleaning service or dry cleaner.
