How Do I Get Petroleum Jelly Out of My Blouse?

Some blouses require dry cleaning.

Petroleum jelly is widely used as a skin protectant and moisturizer. It is also touted as an agent to help remove tough stains like lipstick and oils. But be careful when using it to remove stains because this soft, waxy substance can also cause visible stains on your favorite blouses and tops. It's a good idea to start the process of removing the petroleum jelly as soon as you notice it. Giving it time to settle may make it harder to rid your blouse of the stain.

Things You'll Need

• Gentle detergent
• Knife with a straight edge
• Paper towels or a clean cloth

Instructions

1. Check the label in the blouse for the care instructions. These instructions will indicate whether the blouse should be dry cleaned, hand washed or machine laundered. This label will also provide information on the type of fabric from which the blouse is made and how to care for it. Care instructions will vary based on whether the fabric is washable silk, fine silk, linen, cotton, polyester or some other material.

2. Remove as much of the petroleum jelly as you can using the straight edge of a knife. You can also use a dry, clean cloth or paper towel to blot the excess from the blouse. Be careful not to further smear the petroleum jelly and create a larger stain.

3. Soak the blouse in a mixture of detergent and the hottest water appropriate for the fabric for about 30 minutes.

4. Hand wash or launder the blouse as directed by the instructions on the care label.

5. Air dry the blouse and then check it to see if the stain dissolved. If the stain is still visible, you may need to repeat steps 3 through 5.

Tips & Warnings

• Some blouses may require dry cleaning. If so, take it to your dry cleaner so that the stain can be properly treated. Let the attendant know what caused the stain and how long it has been on your blouse.

References

• Whirlpool Institute of Fabric Science
• Vaseline: Petroleum Jelly