How To Get Body Oil Stains Out Of Your Sheets
UHG! Oil stains suck. They can make a mess that isn’t so easy to wash away. But don’t be afraid to use oil because of how your sheets may look after it, because this is something we can certainly avoid. And if you weren’t able to prevent it, we’ve got plenty of hacks for you to use to erase all traces of an oil spill.
First, we’ll mention all the ways you can prevent oil stains, and if it comes to it, what to do when you are faced with one.
Option One
Fact: not all oils stain. So if you don’t want to deal with the clean-up and the possible stress of seeing an oil stain and feeling worried it doesn’t wash out - just simply opt for a lightweight oil that doesn’t stain. Easy, right? Yup!
Stain-Free Oil
Jojoba Oil
Not only is jojoba oil great for your skin, but it easily washes out of bed sheets with some detergent and won’t leave your duvet stained. The reason for this is because it's not oil! It is technically a wax derived from the seed of the jojoba plant.
Its lightweight consistency makes it perfect for spreading all over your or your lover’s arches. It isn’t greasy or too oily, and it’s the ideal carrier for essential oils to add some aromatherapy to the vibe. In addition, it is non-allergenic, making it great for sensitive skin and non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores and lead to breakouts.
The Bawdy Oil
Try to stake out a non-greasy oil formula that absorbs well into your skin, so it’s not left to rub off onto your linens. This one is luxurious with a sweet yet musky aroma that is perfect for everyday use. It is made with thoughtful ingredients like marula oil to firm and revitalize, patchouli oil to clarify and moisturize, 300 mg full-spectrum CBD oil to soothe and calm. The addition of frankincense helps to even out your skin tone while horsetail extracts to repair and restores the skin.
Option Two
If you already have oil, you love that it tends to be a little bit more heavy and greasy, consider oiling up in a place where the oil won’t be able to stain.
In the Tub
Since the best time to apply oil is after a bath or shower, lay down in the tub and oil up, and give it some time to soak into your skin before getting into bed or getting dressed for the day. Then, take your bawdy tool in with you, play some tunes, and make a relaxing routine out of laying in the tub and stroking your curves.
The bawdy tool is made of 100% agate, which allows for smooth and broad strokes that help promote blood and lymphatic flow.
Maybe Just Use White Sheets?
White sheets are super chic, fresh, feel like a hotel, never go out of season, and here’s the kicker: you can just bleach the oil stains out. Easy peasy.
Some Sheets Stain Easier Than Others
Who knew that the materials your sheets are made of and how they were woven could cling to stains more so than other types of sheets. If you tend to get messy in the bedroom, cotton and linens are good options that don’t hold tight to stains, while silk and satin may put up a bit of a more challenging fight in removing them.
Option Three: Accidental Stains
Sometimes you just can’t fight the inevitable. And the truth of the matter is when you play with oil, sometimes you get oil spills...stains, marks, drips, whatever. But, chill, here are all the ways to fix it.
Spot Clean
Step 1: Wet the stain with water and rub a teaspoon (depending on the size of the stain) of grease-cutting dish soap or detergent directly to the stain.
Step 2: Let that sit for about 30 minutes.
Step 3: Toss it in the wash right after in hot water. If you use dark sheets, you may want to opt for warm for cold water, but TBH, hot water is most effective with removing oil stains.
Step 4: After the wash cycle, check to see if the stain is gone before you toss them in the dryer. If the stain didn’t come out, it would surely be there for good after you dry them because the heat sets the stain.
Stain Remover
Step 1: Spray or apply a bleach-free stain remover to the stained area
Step 2: Let that sit for about five to ten minutes.
Step 3: Toss it in the wash right after in hot water. (or cold for dark sheets, but it doesn’t work so well)
Step 4: After the wash cycle, check to see if the stain is gone before you toss them in the dryer. If the stain didn’t come out, it would surely be there for good after a hot, dry cycle.
Soak in baking soda Bath
Step 1: Mix about a half cup of baking soda with room temp water and let it soak overnight in a bucket or the bathtub.
Step 2: Wash, check for stains, then when you’re all clear, feel free to dry as usual.
Coat with Baking Soda Paste
Step 1: Make a paste with about four tablespoons of baking soda and enough water to make it goopy--like paste.
Step 2: Paint the paste over the stain, completely covering it.
Step 3: Once the paste has completely dried, wash and dry as usual.
Why Choose Body Oil?
Oil provides a barrier - it is a gatekeeper, per se, for your skin. Oil is an “occlusive” - a moisturizing agent that works by forming a protective layer on the skin’s surface to prevent moisture loss. It is an armor you can provide your precious body with before going out into the world where your skin will be subject to irritants like cold air, wind, friction, and the like.
In a nutshell: occlusives stop water and natural moisture from escaping and evaporating by creating a waterproof coating.
Many natural oils are also chock-full with the key ingredient your skin loves, vitamin E. Vitamin E, found in many body oils, is easily absorbed into the skin. It’s a nutrient your skin adores for the soothing properties that help it look its best - reducing blemishes, soothes irritation, and consequences of sun exposure.
Essentially, vitamin E searches your skin’s surface for harmful imposters and stabilizes them. As a result, it decreases redness, clears pores, could provide a brighter and more even complexion, and can minimize signs of aging. It also has properties that reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks.
Don’t Stress
Your body oil routine should not be stressful; it should be a relaxing, blissful experience between you and yourself or you and your partner. Do your best to stay present, to experience the moment without worrying about what the future may hold. Don’t rush through the process, but take care in coating and protecting your body with the armor it needs to stay hydrated, moisturized, and healthy.
In Summary
If you do happen to spill some oil, don’t worry if it drips or rubs off onto your bedsheets. Just keep it moving, worse things have happened, and now you’re strapped with several different ways to get the stains out.
Sources:
Vitamin E and Skin Health | Linus Pauling Institute | Oregon State University