How to Get Coconut Oil Out Of Clothes (4 methods)

In the past several years coconut oil has become super popular to cook with because of its health and beauty benefits. But, did you know that coconut oil leaves stains on your clothes!

As much as I love cooking with coconut oil, I don’t love the stubborn stains I sometimes get when I accidently spill some on my clothes. But not to worry, today I am going to show you some effective cleaning methods about how to get coconut oil out of clothes.

Coconut oil stains can sometimes be difficult to remove from your clothes, particularly if you didn’t notice the stain and its been sitting a while.

Fortuantely for you, there are several different effective cleaning methods to remove coconut oil stains out of clothes and get them back to looking good.

First, you need to identify the coconut oil stain. These stains are usually darker than the fabric around them because the oil has soaked in.

Acting fast is crucial, as the longer the stain sits, the harder it is to remove.

It’s important that you know the fabric type, so you know which stain removal technique will work the best for your fabric. Once you know the type of fabric, you can them move onto figuring out the best stain remover to remove oil from clothing.

Today, I am going to show you exactly how to get coconut oil out of clothes.

My Best Tips for How to Get Coconut Oil Out of Clothes:

Identifying what a coconut oil stain looks like.
Act quickly to address coconut oil stains for easier removal.
Choose the most effective stain removal method based on fabric type.
Remove coconut oil using laundry detergent.
Removing coconut oil using baking soda
Remove coconut oil stains using rubbing alcohol.
Remove coconut oil stains using dish soap.

*This post contains affiliate links. Full disclosure here.

Identifying a Coconut Oil Stain

It’s really important that you identify if the stain you are seeing is from coconut oil.

Spotting coconut oil stains on your clothes can be tricky, but with a keen eye and some knowledge, it’s easy to identify and tackle them. In this section, I’ll help you recognize a cocounut oil stain and then I will show you how to remove coconut oil stains.

Coconut oil is a light-colored oil that solidifies at room temperature and melts when heated, so it leaves a faint, oily residue on fabrics. This residue may not be immediately visible, but over time, it darkens and becomes more noticeable.

To identify a coconut oil stain, examine your clothes under bright lighting. Look for areas that appear darker or slightly more translucent than the surrounding fabric.

Some stains may require holding the material up to light to clearly see the contrast. The texture of a coconut oil stain is typically smooth and greasy to the touch.

Keep in mind that coconut oil stains can occur in various scenarios. For example, you may accidentally spill some while cooking, applying a skincare product, or using it for a DIY project. Being aware of when and where you’ve used coconut oil can help you locate potential stains on your clothes more quickly.

In summary, identifying coconut oil stains on your clothes involves looking for subtle, darker, or greasier areas on the fabric.

Bright lighting and a keen eye will be your best friends in this process. Once you’ve spotted a coconut oil stain, you can then take the necessary steps to remove it and keep your clothes looking pristine.

Steps to Take Before Removing Coconut Oil Stains

Before we dig into the nitty-gritty of the various cleaning methods for removing coconut oil stains from clothes, let’s explore a few preliminary actions you can take.

While these steps may not eliminate the stain entirely, they will definitely help reduce its intensity.

Blot the stain

The first thing you want to do is get a dry paper towel, or a plain white towel and very gently blot the whole stain to remove the coconut stain as much as possible.

DO NOT rub or press too hard, as this can make the stain worse by pushing the oil further into your clothing fabric.

Replace the paper towel when it becomes wet from the coconut oil, otherwise the paper towel can’t do its job properly. Continuing to use a stained paper towel negates what you’re trying to do.

Use Corn Starch or Baby Powder

After blotting the stain, you can sprinkle some corn starch or baby powder on the stained area. These substances are excellent for absorbing oils and will help pull the coconut oil out of your clothing.

Sprinkle a generous amount onto the stained area, and leave it sit for at least 15-20 minutes.

Then, get some plain white towels, or a piece of cardboard to very gently remove the powder from your clothes.

You should notice some of the stain transferring onto the powder, but if the stain is still noticeable, you can repeat the process with fresh corn starch or baby powder.

By taking these important first steps, you’re setting the stage for a more effective and successful cleaning process when you move on to the specific methods for removing coconut oil stains from your clothes.

Always remember that treating the stain as quickly as possible, will give you the best chance of removing coconut oil stains from your clothing.

Choosing the Right Stain Remover Method

Understanding fabric types

When dealing with coconut oil stains, it’s essential to consider the type of fabric you’re working with.

Different fabrics have unique needs when it comes to stain removal and overall care.

Cotton is a popular and versatile fabric found in many garments. It’s generally easy to clean and can handle various stain removal methods. For cotton, options like baking soda and dish soap can be effective in getting coconut oil out of cotton clothes.

Silk and other delicate fabrics require extra care when removing stains. Be gentle and cautious when dealing with these materials. Opt for mild cleaning solutions and always test on an inconspicuous area first.

Synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon can often handle stronger cleaning solutions. When dealing with coconut oil stains on synthetic fabrics, you can use vinegar and baking soda combination as an effective stain remover source.

Wool is a delicate fabric that demands a specific cleaning approach. In most cases, it’s best to use a gentle detergent and cold water to treat any stains.

Checking care labels

Before attempting any stain removal, always check the care label of your garment for specific instructions. Care labels provide valuable information about the fabric and any special cleaning requirements.

Look for any specific temperature settings, as heat can sometimes worsen oil stains
Some clothes may have restrictions on which cleaning agents can be used, such as bleach or certain detergents.
A delicate fabric may require handwashing or even professional cleaning services.

By understanding the different fabric types and following care label guidelines, you’ll ensure the best possible outcome when removing coconut oil stains from your clothes.

Remember to be gentle with delicate fabrics and always test a cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area before applying to the coconut oil stain.

My Best Stain Remover Techniques

Coconut oil can leave some stubborn stains on your clothes, causing you to even rethink cooking with coconut oil.

Don’t do that. Today, I am going to show you how to get coconut oil out of clothes easily.

Say goodbye to stubborn coconut oil stains on clothes with these four effective cleaning methods.

#1 How To Get Coconut Oil Out Of Clothes Using Laundry Detergent

Get rid of stubborn oil stains with these simple steps.

First, blot the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel to remove any excess oil. Then, apply a generous amount of liquid laundry detergent and gently rub it in using your fingers or an old toothbrush.

Again, be very gently when rubbing.

Let it sit for at least 10 minutes to work its magic and break down the oil.

Then, pour hot water on the stain, (be careful not to burn yourself). This will help dissolve the oil and detergent. Agitate the fabric gently, then wash the garment as you normally would, but check the care label instructions before you wash it.

If can be extremely difficult to get coconut oil stains out of clothes, so if it’s not entirely gone, repeat the process before drying.

#2 How to Get Coconut Oil Out Of Clothes Using Baking Soda and Vinegar

For a more natural and eco-friendly approach to remove coconut oil stains, try using baking soda and white vinegar.

You can easily remove coconut oil out of clothes easily with this simple and effective method.

Apply baking soda to the stain, make sure it’s a good generous amount of baking soda, and then let the baking soda sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb the coconut oil.

Once the time is up, brush off the excess baking soda and pour distilled white vinegar directly onto the stain. Watch as the vinegar and baking soda react, creating a foaming action that lifts the oil from the fabric.

To complete the process, rinse the garment with warm water to remove the baking soda and vinegar mixture. Then, simply toss the item in the washing machine with your regular laundry detergent.

For those tougher stains, try adding more baking soda and then repeat these steps until the stain is completely gone.

If the stain did not disappear after your first attempt, dont panic, just keep repeating the process and those stubborn stains, will go away.

Say goodbye to oil stains and hello to fresh, clean clothes!

#3 How To Get Coconut Oil Out Of Clothes Using Rubbing Alcohol

A third method to remove coconut oil stains involves using rubbing alcohol as a stain remover. Rubbing alcohol works really well to remove coconut oil from clothes.

Dampen a clean white cloth or cotton ball with rubbing alcohol, and gently dab it onto the stain. As the alcohol dissolves the coconut oil, the stain will start to lift.

You will want to replace the cloth or cotton ball so you don’t smear and spread the coconut stains. When you see the oil stain has lightened in color substantially, give the garment a thorough rinse in cold water, followed by a regular laundry cycle.

Always check your garment for care instructions.

If the coconut oil stain has not completely gone away, simply go through the process again.

#4 How To Get Coconut Oil Out Of Clothes Using Dish Soap

Finally, you can try using a dish soap known for its grease-fighting capabilities. I like to use Dawn for this purpose.

Remove coconut oil stains from your clothes with these simple steps. First, apply a few drops of dishwashing liquid soap directly to the stain and gently rub it in. Let the dishwashing soap soak into the fabric for at least 15 minutes, then rinse under cold water.

If the stain is still there, try an enzyme-based stain remover before washing the garment. Enzymes break down the proteins in oil stains, making them easier to remove. Just make sure to follow the instructions on the stain remover and wash your clothes as directed on the care label.

Remember, the key to success is to treat the stain as soon as possible to prevent it from setting into the fabric.

Try these methods todayto remove oil stains from your clothes and say goodbye to stubborn coconut oil stains for good.

Additional Stain Remover Tips

In this section, we’ll provide some friendly advice and extra tips to effectively remove coconut oil from your clothes. These tips will help ensure the best results, while also considering the care label instructions and fabric fibers of your clothes.

Scraping with a credit card

When you accidentally spill coconut oil on your clothes, act quickly by using a credit card or a similar flat, plastic tool to gently scrape off excess oil. This simple technique works really well to remove coconut oil, because it reduces the excess coconut oil that soaks into the fabric fibers, making the stain easier to treat later on.

As always, be careful that you don’t damange your clothing by applying too much pressure while scraping.

Cleaning with a soft bristled brush

Once you’ve scraped off the excess coconut oil, grab a soft-bristled brush to help loosen any remaining oil from the fabric fibers.. Dampen the stained area with water and gently brush in a circular motion, working both inwards and outwards.

You can follow up with a pre-treatment product like hydrogen peroxide, especially if the garment is white and safe for such treatment.

It’s important to always check the care label of your clothes before trying any stain removal methods. Some fabrics may not be suitable for certain treatments, or may require specific cleaning instructions.

By following the instructions on the care label, you can keep your clothes in good condition while removing the coconut oil stain.

When washing the stained clothes, avoid using cold water, as it can make the oil harder to remove. Instead, use hot water, check to see what is the highest temperature recommended on the care label.

Add your regular laundry detergent and think about adding some baking soda or vinegar to the wash to give it that extra cleaning power.

Carefully check your stained clothes to see if you were successful at getting the stain out. If the stain is not gone, DO NOT put your clothes into the dryer. Instead, let them air dry it in a well-ventilated area to prevent setting the stain.

If you still have a stain, go back and restart the cleaning process until the stain is completely gone.

Removing Set-In & Old Stains

I’m not going to lie, removing old stains from your clothes can be quite the challenge!

But it’s still possible, so stick with me.

The first thing you need to do is to blot the stain with a paper towel, or a white towel.

If you have a stain on your upholstery or colored fabrics, I would suggest testing your cleaning ageny on an inconspicuous area, before putting it on the stain in case it causes any damage.

Rubbing alcohol works great as a stain remover.

Dampen a cloth or sponge with rubbing alcohol and gently dab the stained area. Don’t rub too hard as this can actually spread the stain or worse, damage the fabric.

Let the rubbing alcohol sit for a few minutes, and then wash the area with warm water. Repeat the process if the stain doesn’t come fully out.

If the rubbing alcohol isn’t taking care of the problem, I would suggest getting a degreaser. Apply the degreaser, leave it for a few minutes, and then gently rub with a clean towel. Rinse the area thoroughly with warm water and then wash the garment as usual.

Remember, removing set-in stains may take multiple attempts, so be patient and persistent. With the right approach, you can successfully get coconut oil out of your clothes and upholstery, leaving them looking fresh and clean once more.

Alternative Solutions for Stubborn Stains

Sometimes coconut oil stains can be stubborn and require special techniques to completely remove them from your clothes. In this section, we will explore some alternative solutions that might be just what you need for those tough stains.

WD-40

If the conventional methods have failed to remove coconut oil from your clothes, you can give WD-40 a try. It is a versatile chemical that can help dissolve the oil and lift the stain. Try this tested method for removing stains from your clothing!

But before you begin, remember to be cautious with delicate fabrics like silk. To start, test the solution on an inconspicuous area. Once you’re confident it’s safe to use, spray a small amount of WD-40 onto the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, and then proceed with your regular washing routine. Say goodbye to stubborn stains with this simple technique!

Oxygen Bleach

Another alternative for removing stubborn coconut oil stains is using oxygen bleach. This is a safer option compared to chlorine bleach, which can potentially damage your clothes or bedding.

Oxygen bleach is effective in breaking down the fat molecules in the oil, making it easier to wash out during laundering.

To use oxygen bleach, dissolve the appropriate amount (according to the package instructions) in warm water, then soak the stained clothes in the solution for about an hour.

After the pre-soak, launder the items following the care instructions on the label.

Try Chalk and Arrowroot Powder

For a more natural approach, you can experiment with chalk or arrowroot powder as an alternative to talcum powder. Both chalk and arrowroot powder can help absorb the excess oil from fabrics and make it easier to remove the stains during washing.

To use this method, simply sprinkle either chalk or arrowroot powder on the stained area and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. After that, brush off the arrowroot powder and launder the clothing item as usual.

Repeat the process as needed.

There you have it, I have shown you the most effective ways to remove ococonut oil stains from clothes if you happen to get a stubborn oil stain.