How to Get a Lotion Stain Out of a Dress

Things You'll Need

Spoon
Cornstarch
Aerosol petroleum-based stain pretreatment
Heavy-duty laundry detergent
1 cup white vinegar

Don't let a lotion stain ruin your stylish appearance.

Facial and body lotion is a necessity when combating dry skin. Oils and emollients in lotion prevent skin from becoming dry and irritated, but don't do your dress any favors. Oily lotion that absorbs into your dress material can cause discoloration, and act as a dirt magnet. You must remove the lotion stain completely before drying your dress to avoid a permanent stain. With the use of effective supplies and stain removal techniques, you can successfully get a lotion stain out of your dress, and have your dress looking fashion forward, instead of like a fashion disaster.

Step 1

A simple spoon lends assistance with laundry stains.

Lay your dress on a flat surface. Remove excess lotion from the fabric by scraping it off with the edge of a spoon.

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Step 2

Sprinkle cornstarch over the remaining lotion stain to cover it completely. Allow the cornstarch to absorb the oil for 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 3

Brush the cornstarch off and into the garbage.

Step 4

Spray a petroleum-based stain pretreatment on the fabric. Let the pretreatment soak into the fabric for two minutes to break down any remaining grease.

Step 5

Apply heavy-duty laundry detergent to the lotion stain. Gently rub the detergent into the fabric.

Step 6

Vinegar boosts detergents stain-removing power.

Launder your dress using the hottest water that is safe for the fabric. Add heavy-duty laundry detergent and 1 cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle to remove any last traces of the stain.

Step 7

Check the fabric before drying your dress. If any lotion stain remains, repeat Steps 4 through 6 until it's removed.

Tip

Cover the lotion stain with table salt, baby powder or baking soda instead of the cornstarch to absorb a fresh lotion spill.

Make your own stain pretreatment by combining powdered laundry detergent and water to make a paste. Apply the paste to the lotion stain and allow it to dry. Wash as normal.

Warning

Heat sources, such as direct sunlight or dryer heat, can set the lotion stain.

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