Oh no, petroleum jelly on your clothes! Don’t panic, this common household item can be removed with a little patience and the right techniques. Whether you accidentally spilled the jelly while using it on your skin or a child got it on their clothes during playtime, there are several effective methods to remove it without damaging the fabric.
First, determine the fabric type of the garment. Delicate fabrics like silk or lace may require a more gentle approach, while sturdier materials like cotton or denim can withstand more vigorous cleaning methods. Once you know the fabric type, select the appropriate cleaning solution. For delicate fabrics, use a mild dishwashing liquid mixed with water. For sturdier fabrics, you can use a stronger solvent like rubbing alcohol or acetone.
Apply the cleaning solution to a clean cloth or cotton ball and gently dab it onto the stain. Avoid rubbing the stain, as this can spread the jelly and make it harder to remove. If the stain is fresh, it may come out with just a few dabs. For older stains, you may need to soak the garment in the cleaning solution for a few minutes before dabbing it. Once the stain is removed, rinse the area thoroughly with water and blot it dry with a clean towel.
Identifying the Type of Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly, also known as petrolatum, is a versatile substance with a wide range of applications. It can be found in everything from skincare products to automotive lubricants. However, when petroleum jelly gets on clothes, it can be a difficult stain to remove. The first step in removing petroleum jelly from clothes is to identify the type of petroleum jelly that you are dealing with.
There are three main types of petroleum jelly:
1. White petroleum jelly is the most common type of petroleum jelly. It is made from purified petroleum and is usually white or colorless. White petroleum jelly is often used in skincare products, such as lip balm and diaper rash cream.
| Type of petroleum jelly | Appearance | Common uses |
|---|---|---|
| White petroleum jelly | White or colorless | Skincare products, such as lip balm and diaper rash cream |
| Yellow petroleum jelly | Yellow or amber | Automotive lubricants, such as engine oil and grease |
| Red petroleum jelly | Red or brown | Industrial applications, such as metalworking and woodworking |
2. Yellow petroleum jelly is made from unrefined petroleum and is usually yellow or amber in color. Yellow petroleum jelly is often used in automotive lubricants, such as engine oil and grease.
3. Red petroleum jelly is made from petroleum that has been treated with a dye. It is usually red or brown in color. Red petroleum jelly is often used in industrial applications, such as metalworking and woodworking.
Applying White Vinegar
White vinegar is a versatile household cleaning agent that can also be effective in removing petroleum jelly from clothing. Here are detailed instructions on how to use white vinegar to get petroleum jelly out of clothes:
- Test the Vinegar on a Hidden Area: Before applying vinegar to the entire stain, test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the garment to ensure it does not cause any damage.
- Create a Vinegar Solution: Mix equal parts white vinegar and cool water in a bowl or spray bottle. Avoid using hot water, as it can set the stain.
- Apply the Vinegar Solution: Apply the vinegar solution to the petroleum jelly stain using a clean cloth or sponge. Gently dab at the stain, working from the outer edges towards the center to avoid spreading it.
- Allow the Vinegar to Soak: Let the vinegar solution soak into the stain for at least 15 minutes. This will help to break down the petroleum jelly and loosen it from the fabric.
- Rinse the Garment: Rinse the garment thoroughly with cold water to remove the vinegar and any remaining petroleum jelly residue. If the stain persists, repeat steps 3-4.
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| White vinegar | 1/2 cup |
| Cool water | 1/2 cup |
Utilizing Acetone or Nail Polish Remover
Acetone is a powerful solvent that can effectively dissolve petroleum jelly. However, it is crucial to use acetone with caution as it can damage certain fabrics. To safely remove petroleum jelly using acetone or nail polish remover, follow these steps:
- Test the acetone on an inconspicuous area of the garment to ensure it does not cause any damage.
- Apply a small amount of acetone or nail polish remover to a clean cloth.
- Dab the cloth onto the petroleum jelly stain, working from the outside towards the center.
- Allow the acetone to dissolve the petroleum jelly for a few minutes.
- Rinse the treated area with cold water to remove any residue.
- Repeat steps 2-5 until the petroleum jelly is no longer visible.
| • Apply acetone to a clean cloth. | • Dab cloth onto stain, working outward. |
| • Allow acetone to dissolve jelly. | • Rinse treated area with cold water. |
| • Repeat until stain is gone. |
**Caution:**
Acetone is a flammable substance. Keep away from heat and flames. Do not use on delicate fabrics such as silk or wool.
Removing Petroleum Jelly with WD-40
WD-40, a penetrating oil and water-displacing spray, can be effective in removing petroleum jelly from clothes. It is essential to test WD-40 on an inconspicuous area of the garment first to ensure it does not damage the fabric. If no adverse effects are observed, you can proceed with the following steps:
Step 1: Gather Materials
You will need:
- WD-40
- Clean cloths
- Optional: dish soap (for post-treatment)
Step 2: Apply WD-40
Apply a small amount of WD-40 directly to the petroleum jelly stain. Use a clean cloth to gently dab the WD-40 into the stain. Avoid rubbing vigorously, as this can spread the stain.
Step 3: Allow Penetration
Give the WD-40 time to penetrate the petroleum jelly. Leave the garment undisturbed for at least 15-20 minutes. Longer soaking times may be necessary for stubborn stains.
Step 4: Wipe Away WD-40 and Petroleum Jelly
Use a clean cloth to gently wipe away the WD-40 and petroleum jelly from the garment. Start from the outside of the stain and work inward to prevent spreading.
Step 5: Repeat Steps 2-4 as Necessary
Depending on the size and severity of the stain, you may need to repeat steps 2-4 multiple times to achieve complete removal.
Step 6: Launder the Garment
Once the petroleum jelly is removed, launder the garment according to the care instructions on the label. You can add a small amount of dish soap to the wash cycle to help remove any remaining WD-40 residue.
Step 7: Check the Garment
After laundering, inspect the garment to ensure the petroleum jelly is completely removed. If any residue remains, repeat the WD-40 treatment and laundering process until the stain is completely gone.
Using Cornstarch for Absorption
Step 1: Sprinkle Cornstarch on the Stain
Liberally sprinkle fine-grained cornstarch over the petroleum jelly stain. Allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to several hours, to allow the cornstarch to absorb the oil.
Step 2: Remove Excess Cornstarch
Gently brush off the excess cornstarch using a clean, dry brush or cloth. Use a vacuum cleaner if necessary to remove any remaining cornstarch particles.
Step 3: Wash the Garment
Treat the stained area with a grease-cutting dish soap or laundry stain remover. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use.
Step 4: Launder as Usual
Wash the garment in hot water using your regular laundry detergent. Select the appropriate water temperature and cycle settings for the type of fabric.
Step 5: Check for Stain Removal
Once the garment has been laundered, inspect the stained area to ensure the petroleum jelly has been removed. If any traces remain, repeat the process.
Tips for Using Cornstarch Use fine-grained cornstarch for optimal absorption.
Let the cornstarch sit for several hours if the stain is particularly heavy.
If the garment is delicate, place it in a mesh bag before laundering.
How to Get Petroleum Jelly Out of Clothes
Petroleum jelly, also known as petrolatum, is a thick, greasy substance that is often used to moisturize skin and lips. It can also be used to lubricate metal parts and protect surfaces from rust and corrosion. However, petroleum jelly can be difficult to remove from clothing, especially if it has been allowed to set in. Here are a few tips on how to get petroleum jelly out of clothes:
1. Blot up as much of the petroleum jelly as possible.
Use a clean cloth or paper towel to blot up as much of the petroleum jelly as possible. Do not rub, as this will only spread the petroleum jelly around.
2. Apply a solvent to the stain.
Apply a solvent, such as rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover, to the stain. Let the solvent sit for a few minutes, then blot it up with a clean cloth or paper towel. Repeat this process until the stain is gone.
3. Wash the garment in hot water.
Wash the garment in hot water with a heavy-duty detergent. This will help to remove any remaining petroleum jelly from the fabric.
4. Dry the garment.
Dry the garment on a low heat setting. Do not dry the garment on a high heat setting, as this can set the stain.
People Also Ask About How to Get Petroleum Jelly Out of Clothes
How do you get petroleum jelly out of delicate fabrics?
To remove petroleum jelly from delicate fabrics, use a gentle solvent, such as rubbing alcohol or vodka. Apply the solvent to a clean cloth or paper towel and blot the stain. Do not rub, as this can damage the fabric.
What if the petroleum jelly stain is old?
If the petroleum jelly stain is old, it may be more difficult to remove. You may need to try a stronger solvent, such as acetone or paint thinner. Test the solvent on an inconspicuous area of the fabric first to make sure it does not damage the fabric.
