Cleaning oily clothes requires a multi-step approach combining pre-treatment, washing, and potentially additional cleaning for stubborn stains. Here's how:
Pre-Treatment for Oil Stains:
Before washing, address oil stains directly. Several methods exist:
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Baking Soda and Vinegar Paste: Mix equal parts baking soda and white vinegar to create a paste. Apply this paste to the oil stain using a clean cloth. Let it sit for about 30 minutes, then gently scrub with a soft-bristled brush (like one from Walmart). Rinse thoroughly before washing. This method is effective for many oil-based stains.
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Dish Soap: Apply a small amount of dish soap directly to the stain. Gently rub the soap into the fabric, working from the outside of the stain inward to avoid spreading it. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing.
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Commercial Stain Remover: For tough stains, use a commercial stain remover specifically designed for grease and oil. Always follow the product instructions carefully.
Washing Oily Clothes:
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Separate from other laundry: Wash oily clothes separately from other items to prevent transferring oil or grease to clean clothes. Washing greasy clothes with other items can alter the pH balance of the wash cycle and make the detergent less effective (as noted in the Reddit cleaning tips thread).
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Pre-soak (Optional): For heavily soiled clothes, consider pre-soaking them in a bucket of water with detergent and optionally, a small amount of ammonia (½ cup per gallon of water). Allow soaking for at least 12 hours, stirring occasionally. This is particularly helpful for heavily soiled work clothes like those worn by mechanics.
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Enzyme Detergent: Use an enzyme-based laundry detergent designed for grease and oil removal. This type of detergent is especially effective at breaking down the oil molecules. Adding extra detergent (such as two squirts instead of one) for dirty and oily clothes is permissible.
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Hot Water Wash: A hot water wash (check garment care labels) is generally more effective at removing oil than cold water.
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Clean your Washing Machine: Regularly clean your washing machine to prevent residue buildup that can cause new stains on your clothes. Use a washing machine cleaner according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Dealing with Stubborn Stains:
If stains persist after washing, repeat the pre-treatment steps or consider:
- Dry Cleaning: For delicate fabrics or particularly stubborn stains, professional dry cleaning may be the best option.
Addressing Washing Machine Concerns:
- Grease won't permanently damage your washing machine. While grease can make a mess inside, cleaning will resolve it. (Source: Quora)
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can effectively clean oily and dirty clothes, keeping both your garments and washing machine in good condition.
