How to Get Emu Oil Out of Clothes

Emu oil is a food byproduct obtained from the fat of the emu bird, according to the Emu Oil Institute. Emu oil is applied topically to benefit the skin. Drugs.com states that some of its uses include medication for painful joints, burns, sore muscles and scarring, as well as a moisturizer for the skin and hair. Due to its application on the skin, it is possible to get emu oil stains on your clothing. The use of detergent, hot water and a stiff brush will get rid of emu oil marks on clothing items.

Things You'll Need

• Detergent
• Spray bottle
• Water
• Stiff brush
• Toothbrush

Instructions

1. Put equal parts of water and dishwasher detergent soap like Cascade in a spray bottle. Squirt the detergent and water solution onto the oil mark on the clothing item. Alternatively, you can pour some Dawn dishwashing liquid over the stain. According to Cooks Illustrated, dish detergents are effective for removing food-based oil stains because they contain surfactants which help oil and water mix. The oil is then surrounded by water droplets and carried away when the clothing item is washed.

2. Rub the detergent into the fabric of the stained clothing item with the stiff brush. Rub in the detergent for five minutes to ensure it penetrates deep into the fibers of the fabric. Using a toothbrush works better when the oil stain covers a small area. Leave the detergent on for a while to let it work on the stain.

3. Wash the clothing item as normal using warm water. Hot water is the best for oil stains if the clothing item is made of material that can withstand high temperatures. Check the label on the clothing item for laundering instructions to avoid damage resulting from high water temperatures.

4. Hang the clothing item on a clothes line and let it air dry. If the emu oil stain is not yet out, drying the garment in a dryer could set the oil stain and make it permanent. Once the clothing item has air dried, check to see if the oil mark is gone. If it is still there, repeat the process.

Tips & Warnings

• When applying emu oil to your skin, make sure to rub the oil in completely and wait a few minutes before dressing to let it absorb. This will prevent the oil from getting onto your clothing.

• Treat the stained clothing items as soon as possible to prevent the oil stain from spreading further into the fabric fibers.

References

• Emu Oil Institute: What is Emu Oil?
• Drugs.com: Emu Oil
• Cook's Illustrated: Liquid Dish Detergent