How to Get Lanolin Out of Clothes – 6 Effective Methods

While lanolin is beneficial for our skin, it can be a bit troublesome when it comes into contact with our clothes. The greasy nature of lanolin can leave stubborn stains on fabrics, making it challenging to remove.

If you find yourself with clothes stained with lanolin, don’t fret! In this guide, we’ll provide you with step-by-step instructions and effective tips on how to get lanolin out of clothes without causing any damage to the fabric.

Whether you’ve spilled lanolin-based lotion, ointment, or any other lanolin-containing product on your garments, these methods will help you restore your clothes to their pristine condition.

How to Get Lanolin Out of Clothes

Removing lanolin stains from clothes may require a bit of effort and patience, but with one of these techniques and methods, you can successfully restore your garments to their original condition:

Method 1: Absorbent Materials

This method involves using absorbent materials to soak up the excess lanolin before treating the stain further.

Materials Needed:

• Clean white cloth or paper towels
• Baking soda or cornstarch

Steps:

1. Blot the Stain: Take a clean white cloth or paper towel and gently blot the stain to remove any excess lanolin. Do not rub the stain, as this can push the grease deeper into the fabric and spread the stain further.
2. Apply Absorbent Material: Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda or cornstarch directly onto the stained area. Both baking soda and cornstarch are excellent absorbents and can help lift the greasy residue from the fabric.
3. Let it Sit: Allow the baking soda or cornstarch to sit on the stain for at least 15-20 minutes. During this time, the absorbent material will work to draw out as much lanolin as possible.
4. Brush Off: After the waiting period, use a soft brush or a clean cloth to gently brush off the baking soda or cornstarch. You should notice that some of the greasy residue has been lifted from the fabric.
5. Wash as Usual: Wash the garment following the care label instructions. Use the hottest water appropriate for the fabric and a good quality laundry detergent. This should help break down the remaining lanolin residue and wash it away.
6. Check Before Drying: After washing, check the stain to see if it has been completely removed. If any trace of the stain remains, avoid drying the garment, as heat can set the stain further. Repeat the process with the absorbent material until the stain is completely gone.

Method 2: Dishwashing Liquid

Dishwashing liquid is designed to cut through grease and can be quite effective in removing lanolin stains from clothes.

Materials Needed:

• Dishwashing liquid (mild and clear, without added dyes)
• Clean white cloth or sponge
• Warm water

Steps:

1. Blot the Stain: As with the first method, start by blotting the stain with a clean white cloth to remove any excess lanolin. Avoid rubbing the stain.
2. Apply Dishwashing Liquid: Dampen the stained area with warm water and then apply a small amount of mild, clear dishwashing liquid directly onto the stain.
3. Gently Rub: Using your fingers or a clean white cloth or sponge, gently rub the dishwashing liquid into the stained area. Be careful not to be too harsh, as aggressive rubbing can damage the fabric.
4. Let it Sit: Allow the dishwashing liquid to sit on the stain for about 10-15 minutes. This will give it time to break down the lanolin.
5. Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the stained area under running warm water. Check the stain to see if it has been completely removed. If not, repeat the process until the stain is no longer visible.
6. Wash as Usual: After successfully removing the lanolin stain, wash the garment as you normally would, following the care label instructions.

Method 3: WD-40

Surprisingly, WD-40 can be an effective solution for removing lanolin stains from clothes. However, exercise caution while using it and ensure proper ventilation, as WD-40 has a strong smell and contains chemicals that may cause irritation.

Materials Needed:

• WD-40
• Clean white cloth or sponge
• Dishwashing liquid
• Warm water

Steps:

1. Ventilation: Before starting, make sure you’re in a well-ventilated area. Consider wearing gloves to protect your hands.
2. Blot the Stain: Begin by blotting the stain with a clean white cloth to remove any excess lanolin without spreading the stain further.
3. Apply WD-40: Spray a small amount of WD-40 directly onto the stain. Be sure to focus on the stained area and avoid spraying too much of the product.
4. Gently Rub: Using a clean white cloth or sponge, gently rub the WD-40 into the stained area. The WD-40 helps to dissolve the lanolin and make it easier to remove.
5. Dishwashing Liquid: Apply a small amount of mild dishwashing liquid onto the stained area and gently rub it in. The dishwashing liquid will help break down the WD-40 and lanolin mixture.
6. Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the stained area under running warm water until all the WD-40 and dishwashing liquid have been washed away.
7. Wash as Usual: Once the stain is gone, wash the garment following the care label instructions to remove any remaining residue.

Method 4: Pre-Treatment Stain Removers

Pre-treatment stain removers are designed to tackle tough stains, and they can be effective for removing lanolin stains from clothes.

Materials Needed:

• Pre-treatment stain remover (commercial product or homemade solution)
• Clean white cloth or sponge
• Warm water

Steps:

1. Blot the Stain: Start by blotting the stain with a clean white cloth to remove any excess lanolin.
2. Apply Stain Remover: Apply a generous amount of pre-treatment stain remover directly onto the stained area. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product label or use a homemade solution like a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar or water and rubbing alcohol.
3. Gently Rub: Using your fingers or a clean white cloth or sponge, gently rub the stain remover into the stained area. Allow the product to sit for the time specified on the product label or for about 10-15 minutes if using a homemade solution.
4. Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the stained area under running warm water until the stain remover has been completely washed away.
5. Wash as Usual: After pre-treating the stain, wash the garment as you normally would, following the care label instructions.

Method 5: Using Cornmeal

Cornmeal is an absorbent material that can help soak up greasy substances like lanolin from clothes.

Materials Needed:

• Cornmeal
• Clean white cloth or paper towels

Steps:

1. Blot the Stain: As always, start by blotting the stain with a clean white cloth or paper towels to remove any excess lanolin.
2. Apply Cornmeal: Sprinkle a liberal amount of cornmeal directly onto the stained area. Gently press the cornmeal into the fabric, allowing it to absorb the lanolin.
3. Let it Sit: Allow the cornmeal to sit on the stain for at least 30 minutes to an hour. The longer it sits, the more time it has to draw out the grease.
4. Brush Off: After the waiting period, use a soft brush or a clean cloth to gently brush off the cornmeal and any loosened lanolin.
5. Wash as Usual: Wash the garment following the care label instructions. Use the hottest water appropriate for the fabric and a good quality laundry detergent to remove any remaining lanolin.

Method 6: Ammonia Solution

Ammonia can help break down greasy substances like lanolin and make it easier to remove stains from clothes. However, be cautious when using ammonia, as it can cause fumes, and it’s essential to work in a well-ventilated area.

Materials Needed:

• Ammonia (household ammonia with no added detergents)
• Water
• Clean white cloth or sponge

Steps:

1. Ventilation: Before starting, ensure that you’re in a well-ventilated area. Open windows or work outdoors if possible.
2. Dilute Ammonia: In a small bowl or container, mix one tablespoon of ammonia with one cup of water.
3. Blot the Stain: Blot the stain with a clean white cloth to remove any excess lanolin.
4. Apply Ammonia Solution: Dampen the stained area with the diluted ammonia solution.
5. Gently Rub: Using a clean white cloth or sponge, gently rub the ammonia solution into the stained area. Avoid being too harsh, as excessive rubbing can damage the fabric.
6. Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the stained area under running water until the ammonia solution has been completely washed away.
7. Wash as Usual: After removing the stain, wash the garment following the care label instructions to get rid of any remaining residues.

Final Considerations on Removing Lanolin from Clothes

Before attempting to remove lanolin stains from your clothes, there are a few essential things to consider:

• Check the care label on the garment for any specific washing instructions or warnings. Some delicate fabrics may require special attention, and it’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to avoid damaging the clothing further.
• The sooner you treat the stain, the better chance you have of successfully removing it. Fresh stains are generally easier to remove than older, set-in stains.
• Always perform a spot test on an inconspicuous area of the fabric to ensure that the cleaning solution you choose doesn’t cause discoloration or damage.
• Always check the care label and follow the manufacturer’s instructions before attempting to remove stains from clothes.
• For delicate or expensive fabrics, consider seeking professional help from a dry cleaner to avoid any potential damage.
• Avoid using hot water or heat treatments before you have successfully removed the lanolin stain, as heat can set the stain further.
• Never mix different cleaning agents, especially those containing bleach or ammonia, as they can produce harmful fumes.
• It’s always best to test any cleaning solution or method on an inconspicuous area of the fabric first to ensure it doesn’t cause damage or discoloration.

FAQS

Can I use a hairdryer to speed up the stain-removal process?

It is not recommended to use a hairdryer to speed up the stain removal process for lanolin stains.

Can I use regular bar soap to pre-treat lanolin stains?

While regular bar soap can be effective for some stains, it may not be the best option for pre-treating lanolin stains.

Can I use bleach to remove lanolin stains from white clothes?

Using bleach on lanolin stains, especially on colored clothes, can lead to discoloration and damage to the fabric. Bleach is a harsh chemical that is best reserved for white fabrics and specific stains.

Can I use vinegar as a substitute for ammonia in the ammonia solution method?

While vinegar can be a useful household cleaning agent, it is not as effective as ammonia in breaking down greasy substances like lanolin.

Can I wash lanolin-stained clothes with other garments in the same load?

To avoid transferring the lanolin stain to other clothes, it’s best to wash the stained garment separately from the rest of the laundry.

To Recap

Getting lanolin out of clothes may seem challenging, but with the right approach, it is entirely possible. Acting promptly and choosing the appropriate method based on the fabric and available materials is key to success.

Whether using absorbent materials like baking soda, dishwashing liquid, WD-40, pre-treatment stain removers, cornmeal, or an ammonia solution, the goal is to break down the greasy lanolin and lift it from the fabric.

Always remember to check the care label, spot test, and avoid heat treatments until the stain is completely removed. With diligence and care, you can effectively remove lanolin stains, preserving your clothes in excellent condition.