How to remove an oil stain (olive, sunflower, coconut...):
When the grease won't let go

A story from life

"I was making a salad with olive oil, and some dripped on my linen pants. I thought it would dry and go away. But after washing, there was a greasy spot that looked even worse than before. Fortunately, I know the trick: soda, lemon, EcoHaus paper - and the problem was over."

- Verča, EcoHaus customer

Why the oil is so resistant

Oil is pure fat. It doesn't leave a colour, but it soaks deep into the fibres. Over time, it oxidizes, turns grey or dark and remains as a shiny or matte shadow, especially on cotton, linen or light fabrics. Unlike fruit stains, it can't just be "bleached out" - you need to break up the grease.

How to treat an oil stain step by step

What helps:

lukewarm water (not hot)
Baking soda
Citric acid or lemon juice
White vinegar 10%
EcoHaus Washing Papers
Sodium percarbonate - ideal for light-coloured laundry

Procedure:

Dry any residual oil with a paper towel, do not press, just press.
Sprinkle with baking soda and let it soak up the grease for 10-15 minutes.
Rinse with lukewarm water and apply a paste of soda and lemon or citric acid.
Why it works: Soda draws out grease, acid degreases and refreshes fibers.
Gently wash, leave on for another 15 minutes.
Wash with EcoHaus wash cloths at 30-40°C.
For white/light clothes, add sodium percarbonate.
Why it works: Active oxygen will finish off the last of the grease and shadows.

What to watch out for

Don't use hot water when pre-treating. It will fix the grease.
Do not let the stain dry. Older oil stains are harder to dissolve.
Don't trust the stain to go away on its own. You can't see the grease - but it's there.

➙ Tip from Grandma Petra

We used to put baking soda directly on the oil stain. Then you add a little lemon, let it fizz, wash it and put it in the washing machine. If that wasn't enough, a second round with percarbonate and the stain was gone.

➙ Tip from Vlaďka - the cleaning lady

Oil is a bugger - whether from cooking or cosmetics. I recommend a mixture of vinegar and soda directly on the spot, leave for 10 minutes, wash with paper. On light wash add percarbonate and put to dry in the sun.

Dealing with another stain?

Check out Spotter - for butter, tartar, chocolate, wine, ketchup, and snacks. Need help now? Write to Vlaďka - you'll find her in the bottom right corner and she has the answer to stains that don't ask.

Do you have your own tip?

Email it to us at marketing@ecohaus.cz or in the comments below the article. We'll publish the best tips from you - and thank you, because together we're smarter than any spot.

Summary

An oil spill isn't a problem if you know how to fix it. You can remove invisible grease with natural ingredients, without chemicals or stress. Laundry clean, soul at peace.