Getting an Oil Stain Out of Polyester
Polyester is a synthetic fiber used for clothing and other textiles. When cared for properly, it's long-lasting and travels well. Polyester is sensitive to heat and oil-based stains. Greasy stains that are left too long on the fabric can become permanent.
Act fast, using supplies found readily around the home, to absorb the oil out of the polyester fibers before removing it from the surface. Thorough and prompt treatment leaves your garment clean and grease-free.
Things You Will Need
- Paper towels
- Baking soda
- Aerosol prewash stain remover
- 1/4 cup oxygen bleach
- Laundry detergent
- Dry cleaning solvent
Tip
Substitute baby powder, cornstarch or table salt to absorb excess oil out of the polyester fabric. Rub grease-cutting dishwashing detergent into an oil stain to break down the oil for easier removal.
Warning
Avoid heat from hot water, the clothes dryer or iron with polyester fabric. This can permanently damage the fibers, ruining your clothing.
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Lay the oil-stained polyester on a flat surface. Blot with paper towels to soak up as much oil from the fabric as possible. Change to clean paper towels and continue to blot the fabric until there's no more transfer.
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Pour baking soda on the oil stain until completely covered. Leave the baking soda on the polyester for 30 to 60 minutes to absorb the grease. Brush the baking soda off the fabric, into the trash.
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Spray aerosol prewash stain remover onto the remaining oil stain. Allow it to soak into the fabric fibers for one minute.
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Mix up a solution of 1/4 cup oxygen bleach and 1 gallon warm water. Soak the polyester in a bucket containing the solution. Agitate the fabric a bit by dunking it up and down in the bleach mixtur, then allow it to soak for half an hour.
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Wash the polyester item in warm water with laundry detergent. If any oil stain remains on the fabric after washing, lay the fabric face-down on paper towels and apply dry cleaning solvent. Allow the solvent to dry on the oil stain before rinsing it with water and laundering again.
The Drip Cap
- Polyester is a synthetic fiber used for clothing and other textiles.
- When cared for properly, it's long-lasting and travels well.
- Act fast, using supplies found readily around the home, to absorb the oil out of the polyester fibers before removing it from the surface.
- Leave the baking soda on the polyester for 30 to 60 minutes to absorb the grease.
References
Writer Bio
Mary Ylisela is a former teacher with a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education and mathematics. She has been a writer since 1996, specializing in business, fitness and education. Prior to teaching, Ylisela worked as a certified fitness instructor and a small-business owner.
Photo Credits
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
- Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images
- Hemera Technologies/Photos.com/Getty Images
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