How to Get Coconut Oil Out of Clothes

Bottle of coconut oil and fresh coconuts - How to get coconut oil out of clothes

Coconut oil is extremely versatile and has many household uses (DIY body butter, for example) and cooking uses, but it can leave a greasy stain on clothing. Fortunately, you can get coconut oil stains out of clothes with a few simple steps. 

What is Coconut Oil and Why Does it Cause Stains?

Coconut oil is a versatile and popular oil that is extracted from the flesh of coconuts. It’s commonly used for cooking, baking, and as a natural remedy for various health and beauty purposes. 

It does stain clothing, though. This is due to the chemical properties of coconut oil. When coconut oil comes into contact with fabric, it penetrates the fibers and leaves an oily residue, darkening the fabric. Since coconut oil is made up of fatty acids that are insoluble in water, it is challenging to clean the oily residue from the fabric without the right stain remover

Additionally, if the stain is left untreated and soaks into the fabric, it can set and become even more challenging to remove. That’s why it’s essential to act quickly to remove stains.

What is the Easiest Way to Remove Coconut Oil from Clothes?

The general steps to remove coconut oil are the same across fabrics:

  1. Remove excess
  2. Pre-treat
  3. Wash
  4. Air dry

Depending on the stain severity and the type of fabric, you may need an extra step or two. Like with most stains, it’ll be easiest to remove stains immediately after they occur. Stains left untreated or put through a drying cycle will set and be tougher to get out. 

How to Get Coconut Oil Out of Clothes

  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Working Time to Complete: 30 minutes
  • Total Time to Complete: 4h
  • Estimated Cost: $0-$5

Tools and Materials

  • Dish soap
  • Baking soda, arrowroot powder (for stubborn stains or delicate fabric)
  • Soft brush, such as a soft toothbrush (for delicate fabric) 
  • WD-40 (for set-in stains only) 

Instructions

To remove a coconut oil stain, pre-treat it, wash it, and then air dry it. 

Step 1: Blot the stain 

First, remove any solid coconut oil and blot the stain with a clean white cotton cloth or paper towel. Repeatedly blot the stain. Patience is key. Do not rub the stain. This will make it worse and force the oil deeper into the fabric.

Step 2: Apply dish soap

Next, apply a small amount of dish soap directly to the stain. Dish soap effectively breaks down oil and grease, making it an excellent choice for removing coconut oil. Make sure to spread the soap evenly over the stain and gently rub it using your fingers. 

Step 3: Rinse with warm water

After about 10 minutes, rinse the stained area with the warmest water your garment’s care instructions recommend. 

Step 4: If stain remains, apply powder

If the stain is still visible after rinsing, sprinkle some baking soda, arrowroot powder, cornstarch, or white baby powder over the area. Let the powder sit for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

Step 5: Wash the clothing

Finally, wash the clothing as you normally would, using your regular laundry detergent. Always follow your garment’s care label instructions.  

Step 6: Air dry

Air dry your item to ensure the stain is gone. Repeat the above steps if the stain is still visible after washing until it’s completely gone.

How to Remove Coconut Oil Stains from Delicate Fabrics

To remove coconut oil stains from delicate fabrics, you’ll use powder to absorb the stains and then hand wash.

Step 1: Apply powder to the stain 

First, apply a powder such as baking soda, arrowroot powder, cornstarch, or white baby powder to soak up the oil. Let sit for a minimum of 15-20 minutes and up to 48 hours, depending on the severity of the stain.

Step 2: Brush the powder into the garment 

After the powder has had some time to work, brush the powder into the fabric with a soft toothbrush very gently.  

Step 3: Hand wash  

Wash the clothing item by hand with a small amount of laundry detergent in the warmest water your garment can tolerate. Drain and squeeze out excess water. Don’t wring your fabric, as this can damage the fibers. 

Step 4: Air dry 

Air dry your item to ensure the stain is gone. Repeat the above steps if the stain is still visible after washing until it’s completely gone.

How to Remove Set-In Coconut Oil Stains from Clothes

To remove set-in coconut oil stains from clothes, you’ll need to use a slightly different process with a heavy-duty stain remover. While many heavy-duty cleaners are considered less eco-friendly, these products can help you keep much more expensive items in the home in good condition for longer. Sometimes avoiding discarding an item to replace later is the more eco-friendly (not to mention cost-effective) option!

Step 1: Spray the stain with oil stain remover

The first step is reactivating the stain with a water displacement lubricant like WD-40®. Let sit for 15-30 minutes away from pets and children. 

Step 2: Treat with dish soap 

Treat the stain with dish soap. 

Step 3: Wash the garment by hand  

Wash the clothing item by hand with a small amount of laundry detergent in the warmest water your garment can tolerate. Drain and squeeze out excess water. Don’t wring your fabric, as this can damage the fibers. 

Step 4: Repeat until no grease or odor remain 

Repeat the previous step to remove any remaining grease or odor. Rinse in clean water to finish. 

Step 5: Air dry 

Air dry your item to ensure the stain is gone. If the stain is still visible after washing, repeat the above steps until it’s completely gone.

Easy Ways to Avoid Coconut Oil Stains

The easiest way to avoid coconut oil stains in the first place is to prevent them from occurring. Consider these suggestions:

  • Let any coconut oil moisturizer on the skin absorb before dressing or getting into bed
  • Lay a clean but old towel on your pillowcase for any overnight hair treatments
  • Tightly close any coconut oil containers and set the container on a tray or cloth
  • Use a splatter screen while cooking
  • Use a patterned apron while cooking

FAQs

Does coconut oil permanently stain clothes?

No. It can leave a stubborn stain on clothes but does not have to be permanent. The ease of removing the stain will depend on the fabric type, the clothing color, and how long the stain has been present. It’s best to act quickly to prevent stains from setting. 

Does coconut oil wash out of sheets?

Yes, but I recommend pre-treating the sheets first to ensure the stain is removed. Then, like with any stain removal process, check that the stain has indeed been removed before throwing it in the dryer. 

How to get coconut oil stains out of any fabric - How to get coconut oil out of clothes

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