Will Essential Oils Stain Fabric? How to Remove Stains from Clothes and Other Surfaces

Yes, essential oils can very easily stain most types of absorbent fabrics and porous materials. Oil as a substance stains quickly because it penetrates into the fibers of the fabric or material on which it has been spilled and holds it firmly. Like other oils, essential oils can stain clothing and fabrics. Usually, stains are only visible if the oil has not been diluted on contact with clothing.

Essential oils are not really oily and should not be confused with a fixed oil or carrier oil. With the exception of some darker colored essential oils, a pure essential oil should not leave stains on clothing or bedding. However, if you get pure essential oils, they can still leave a noticeable stain on your clothes. Stains are usually evident only when the oil has not been diluted when it comes into contact with clothing.

On our most common clothing fabric, the stain usually resembles an oil or grease patch that is obtained from any other type of oil, which looks like a discoloration or a darker patch. Although they are not the worst type of stain, these patches are usually unsightly and obvious. If you find yourself with an essential oil stain on your clothes or other surfaces, there are several ways to remove it. For dust spots, try making a paste with 3 parts baking soda and 1 part water, grease the grease stain with butter and allow it to dry.

In a spray bottle, mix a teaspoon of vinegar with 2 cups of water and lightly sprinkle in the air (you can also add a few drops of essential oil). To remove an essential oil stain from items that are too large to be washed in the sink or taken to the dry cleaners, such as sofas or mattresses, try putting baking soda on the area immediately and soaking it for a while. After removing oil stains from clothes as much as possible, place them in the washing machine along with standard detergent and half a cup of white vinegar. The ways to remove stains from essential oils are slightly different from other common stains, such as those from wine or ketchup.

Water can remove stains left by sugar, dirt or food, but if an item has been stained with essential oil, using water alone may not be enough to effectively remove the stain from the fabric. Be careful not to leave your essential oil bottles in places where they can easily tip over or spill, be careful where you apply it and where you use your favorite essential oils, and you will be relatively safe from oil stains. Now, you'll realize that no matter what method you use, most of them start to fade the stain before removing it completely. Sprinkle baking soda powder on the stained surface, then rub it with an old toothbrush so that it absorbs for about an hour.