How to Remove Vaseline Stains from Clothes

Vaseline is widely used for skincare and beauty, but it can leave annoying greasy stains on your clothes. Fortunately, there are several easy methods to remove Vaseline stains using household products like dish soap, white vinegar, baking soda, and more. Here is a detailed explanation of the most effective methods to help you clean your clothes and restore them to their original condition:

1. Removing Vaseline Stains with Dish Soap:

Scrape off excess Vaseline: Use the edge of a spoon or a dull knife to remove as much of the Vaseline as possible. This will prevent extra oil from sticking to the fabric. Avoid rubbing the stain, as this can spread it further.
Apply dish soap: Pour a small amount of dish soap directly onto the stain and gently rub it into the fabric with your fingers to make sure the soap penetrates the stain.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush: If needed, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to distribute the soap evenly across the fabric's fibers. Be careful not to damage delicate fabrics.
Rinse with warm or hot water: Rinse the stained area under warm or hot water to wash away the soap and oils.
Wash the clothing: After treating the stain, wash the clothing in the highest safe water temperature for the fabric. Add a tablespoon of white vinegar to the laundry detergent to help remove any remaining Vaseline residues.

2. Removing Vaseline Stains with Rubbing Alcohol:

Scrape off excess Vaseline: Use a spoon or dull knife to remove excess Vaseline from the fabric.
Dampen a cloth with rubbing alcohol: Soak a clean cloth or cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and press it gently on the stained area. Continue blotting and rubbing lightly with the alcohol to ensure it absorbs the stain.
Wait for the alcohol to dry: Let the rubbing alcohol sit and dry on the fabric for 10 to 40 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fabric and the size of the stain.
Rinse with cold water: After the alcohol dries, rinse the area under cold water to remove it.
Apply dish soap: If the stain persists, apply a few drops of dish soap and rub it into the fabric with your fingers.
Rinse again: Rinse the area again with warm or hot water.
Wash the clothing: Wash the item in the highest safe water temperature for the fabric.

3. Removing Vaseline Stains with Vinegar:

Scrape off excess Vaseline: Use a spoon or dull knife to remove the excess Vaseline.
Use vinegar solution: Mix one part white vinegar with two parts water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture directly on the stain and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Vinegar is a natural astringent that helps break down grease and oil stains.
Use a toothbrush to scrub: Dampen a soft-bristled toothbrush with water, apply a few drops of dish soap to the stain, and gently scrub the area with circular motions.
Rinse the fabric: After scrubbing, rinse the fabric with warm water.
Wash the clothing: Wash the item using the highest safe water temperature for the fabric.

4. Removing Vaseline Stains with Cornstarch or Baking Soda:

Apply cornstarch or baking soda: Sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda on the stain and let it sit for about 30 minutes. These powders have absorbent properties that help lift grease and oil from the fabric.
Scrape off excess Vaseline: After the powder has absorbed the oils, use a spoon to scrape off the excess Vaseline.
Apply more powder: Add more cornstarch or baking soda to the stain and gently rub it in with your fingers.
Wait and wipe: Let the powder sit for 15 to 30 minutes. As the powder absorbs the oil, it will become sticky or clumpy. Remove the powder by gently brushing it off.
Repeat the process: Continue adding cornstarch or baking soda until the stain is completely gone.
Wash the clothing: Wash the clothing in the highest safe water temperature.

5. Removing Vaseline Stains with an Iron:

Place paper towels: Put paper towels on both sides of the stain—one on top and one underneath the fabric.
Scrape off excess Vaseline: Use a spoon or dull knife to remove as much of the excess Vaseline as possible.
Iron the stain: Set the iron to its lowest heat setting. Iron over the stain. The heat will melt the Vaseline, and the paper towels will absorb the oil. Continue ironing until all the Vaseline is absorbed by the paper towels. You may need to change the paper towels if they get saturated.
Wash the clothing: After the stain has been absorbed, wash the clothing in the highest safe water temperature.

Notes:

Be sure to remove the stain completely before drying the clothing, as heat from the dryer can set any remaining Vaseline into the fabric, making it harder to remove.
You may need to repeat some steps if the stain is old or deeply embedded in the fabric.

By following these methods, you can effectively remove Vaseline stains from your clothes and restore them to their original, clean state.