How to Remove Vaseline and Ointment Stains From Clothes

How to Remove Vaseline or Other Ointment Stains From Clothes

1. Remove the Solid Residue

   When a blob of Vaseline or ointment lands on fabric, use a dull table knife or the edge of a credit card to lift away as much of the ointment as possible from the fabric. Do not rub because you will just push the ointment deeper into the fibers and make it more difficult to remove the stain.

   Can't Clean Right Away? Powder It

   if you do not have time to treat the stain immediately, remove the excess ointment and sprinkle the greasy area with a bit of cornstarch, baby powder, or talcum powder to absorb the oil.

2. Treat With Stain Remover or Heavy-Duty Laundry Detergent

   • Treat the oily/waxy component of the stain with a stain remover spray or gel that contains the enzyme lipase that will help break down the oil. This is particularly important for stains on synthetic fabrics like polyester that tend to trap oily stains.
   • Work the cleaner into the stain with your fingers or a soft-bristled brush. If you do not have a stain remover, then use a heavy-duty liquid laundry detergent (like Tide or Persil) that contains enough stain-lifting enzymes to remove the oil.
   • Allow the cleaning solution to remain on the fabric for at least 15 minutes, then scrub the stain lightly with a soft brush and rinse the area in hot water.

3. Wash as Usual

   Wash the stained item as usual in the hottest water recommended on the garment care label. Check the stained area before placing the garment in the dryer. The high heat from a dryer can set the stain and make it nearly impossible to remove.

4. Remove Dyes With Oxygen-Based Bleach

   If the ointment is tinted, you may need to do some additional work to remove any traces of the dye. Mix a solution of oxygen-based bleach (such as OxiClean, Nellie's All Natural Oxygen Brightener, or OXO Brite) and cool water, following the package directions. Completely submerge the entire garment and allow it to soak for at least 8 hours. Check the stain for any traces of dye.

When to Call a Professional

If the garment is labeled as dry clean only, take the item to the dry cleaner as soon as possible and point out and identify the stain. For removing oily stains on silk and vintage upholstery, consult a professional cleaner.

Additional Tips for Handling a Vaseline or Ointment Stain

Always make sure to test any detergent or cleaning solution in an inconspicuous area first to ensure that it does not discolor the fabric.

Remove any blobs of ointment from the surface of the fabric with a dull knife or spoon. Never rub. Blot the area with a dry white paper towel. As with any stain, the sooner the fresh stain can be treated, the better the chances of success for removal.

Vaseline and ointment stains will get darker the longer they sit on the fabric and will become harder to remove—in some cases, they can become permanent stains. Once you notice the spot, it is best to get it out as soon as possible.

So what about the piece of clothing with Vaseline or ointment on it that slipped past you and got washed? Can you still remove set-in oily stains? Give it a try using the steps below.

• Use cornstarch or baby powder on the stain to try to soak up any oily residue. Let it sit for at least 20 to 30 minutes.
• Then use stain remover or laundry detergent, gently work it into the section, and let that sit for at least 15 minutes, following the process mentioned previously.
• If you notice the stain still there, air dry and repeat, or try using the stain remover or detergent process again.

You might have to do this a few times before putting the clothing into the washer, but whatever you do, do not put the clothing into the dryer as it will further set in the stain.