I was cooking chicken the other night, wearing my favorite down vest (because it’s winter and 70 degrees which means it’s down vest weather!) The oil started spraying up from the pan and I quickly grabbed an apron. I was smart enough to grab an apron but not smart enough to remove my vest which ended up in front of the apron in perfect range of all the oil spatter. Lame.
I tried immediately to get it out but once it dried the oil was as visible as ever. I went to the laundry room and pulled out my secret weapon: Lighter fluid. Doesn’t everyone have that in their laundry room?! There was a time that it wasn’t a staple, but years ago, my friend gave me this tip and ever since that we’ve had a bottle or two right next to the detergent. It’s a simple fix and every time I’m shocked when I find no visible stains.
Its just this easy: Pour a little lighter fluid on the stain and let it dry. Wash the garment.
I’ll often find after one washing that there’s a faint ring around the spot where the fluid had dried. I simply spray some Resolve on it and wash it again and it’s as good as new. It’s a miracle worker on oil stains.
Do you want to make a practice of pouring lighter fluid on your clothes…probably not. Especially if you’re wearing them and decide to attend a bonfire. Both are probably big no-nos. But I’m telling you, I have saved so many pieces of clothing from the trash with this little trick.
Wait. Winter and 70 degrees in the same sentence?
I know. Offensive to most. Especially those on the east coast right now. Trust me, I've experienced real winters in the frozen tundra of Wisconsin so no it's fun to have 70 degree winters!
Hi there! I hope you don't mind me commenting. I jumped over here from Shawni's blog a while back and thought I'd dare to say "hi" (again). I have also found a certain Laundry product that has worked every time with oil spills: Shout Advanced Spray for Greasy Stains (aerosol). Your children have the cutest little faces. I've enjoyed seeing your remodeling and building projects on your blog; you're my kind of woman. I remember going by myself to Lowe's when I was 7-8 months pregnant with our last 2 children, with a long shopping list, buying stuff to finish our basement. My parents moved to Queen's Creek several years ago for health reasons from Utah (where I am from and live now). And I'm married to a Steve, too. Hope you don't mind me stopping in here to see what you're doing 🙂 Thanks!
I'm going to have to try that, I'm sure it's better for your clothing than lighter fluid!! We must be two peas in a pod because I too was scouring a home improvement store 8 months pregnant when we were finishing our basement. Got to love the looks you get in that situation!