Aquaphor can be useful for skin irritation, but it can leave oily stains on clothes. To remove the stains, you can use corn starch and stain-removing enzymes such as lipase. In this guide, we’ll show you how to get rid of Aquaphor stains from your clothes effectively.
Ointments like Aquaphor are helpful for skin healing, but they can also cause oily stains on clothes and linens. Even though oil-based stains can be tough to remove, they can still be eliminated. How do you remove Aquaphor stains from your clothes?
To remove Aquaphor from your clothes, start by scraping off any excess ointment with a dull knife. Next, apply a powder-based substance like corn starch or baby powder and then treat the area with a heavy-duty stain remover or laundry detergent. Wash the clothes as usual and repeat if necessary, and avoid drying until the stain is entirely gone.
This article will teach you how to remove Aquaphor from your clothes, but you can use these methods for other ointment-based products like Neosporin and Vicks. It’s crucial to act quickly to prevent stains from becoming too stubborn to remove.
What Does Aquaphor Do To Clothing?
Aquaphor, being an ointment, can stain clothing as it can penetrate the clothing fibers and change the color. It resembles a grease stain and can be worse if you added color to the ointment for an art piece.
It’s a good practice to avoid contact between Aquaphor and clothing. If you use Aquaphor as medication or tattoo sealant, make sure to keep the area uncovered. You can also cover the area with saran wrap to prevent it from getting onto your clothing.
While washing off Aquaphor from your skin, you can use hot water, but gently rub with dry gauze or cotton balls to remove all the ointment.
However, when washing Aquaphor out of clothing, only use cold water. Hot water can make the ointment set further into surfaces and cause unpleasant stains.
How To Get Aquaphor Out Of Clothes
If you accidentally spill Aquaphor or another ointment on your clothes, there are steps you can take to remove it. However, if the clothing item is labeled as “dry-clean only,” it’s best to take it to a professional cleaner as soon as possible. Be sure to inform them about the Aquaphor spill to ensure proper removal and prevent staining.
Before you start removing Aquaphor stains from your clothes, it’s important to ensure that you have all the necessary materials.
Materials You Need To Get Aquaphor Out Of Clothes
- An oxygen-based whitener
- Blunt-edged knife or credit card-shaped piece of plastic
- Washing machine
- Vacuum cleaner
- Soft-bristled brush
- Paper towel
- Stain remover
- Cornstarch or talcum powder
- Laundry detergent
- Soaking bowl or bucket
Step 1: Remove Excess Residue From Clothes
To remove Aquaphor from fabric, first use a blunt-edged knife or the edge of a credit card to lift off as much of the product as possible.
Avoid scrubbing the stain, as this can drive the product deeper into the fibers and make it more difficult to remove.
Use a paper towel to blot the area and remove any remaining residue. It is crucial to begin the process as soon as possible to increase the chances of success.
Step 2: Powder The Stain
This step is crucial if you cannot treat the stain immediately. Products such as cornstarch or talcum powder will help absorb some of the oil and prevent it from penetrating deeper into the fabric’s fibers.
Step 3: Treat With Stain Remover Or Heavy-Duty Laundry Detergent
If you have an oily or waxy stain, it can be treated using a stain removal product in gel or spray form. Such products usually contain a specific enzyme called lipase, which helps dissolve the oil. This is particularly useful for synthetic fabrics like polyester, which are more likely to attract and retain oils.
- To apply the product, start by using your fingers or an old toothbrush to work a small amount of the lipase product into the stain.
- If you don’t have a product with lipase, you can use a liquid laundry detergent like Tide or Persil, which contains stain-dissolving enzymes that can also remove oil.
- Allow it to sit for around 15 minutes, and then gently scrub the area with a soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush.
- Rinse the site thoroughly in the hottest water recommended by the garment’s care label.
Step 4: Wash The Clothes As Usual
Check the condition of the stain, and then follow the garment care label’s recommendation for the highest water temperature when washing. Make sure to check again before putting the clothing into the dryer. If the Aquaphor has created a stain, the dryer’s high temperature can cause it to fall deeper into the fabric.
If there is still some stain left after washing, it would be a good idea to apply the stain remover again and wash the clothing again. This will help to release any additional oil that may be stuck to the clothing fibers, which should remove the stain.
What If The Aquaphor Has Color In It?
If the ointment has a colored dye, it may be necessary to take extra steps to eliminate all traces of the ointment. Create a solution of an oxygen-based brightening product and room-temperature water, following the instructions on the package.
Soak the garment, ensuring it is fully submerged in the mixture for at least 8 hours. Then, check the stained area for any remaining dye traces after removing it. If the stain remains, it may be a permanent stain.
Conclusion
The ointment Aquaphor has become a household essential for various purposes, but accidents can happen when using it. Transferring the ointment from your skin to your clothes is possible, which can cause staining.
If you accidentally get Aquaphor on your clothing, start by using a blunt knife to scrape off as much of the excess ointment as possible. Then, apply talcum powder or corn starch onto the stain to help absorb the oil, and follow up with some stain remover or laundry detergent. Wash your clothes as usual, and repeat the process if any of the stains remain. Do not put clothes in the dryer until you are sure the stain is completely gone.
It is essential to treat the stain as soon as you discover it, preferably by washing it immediately. If you cannot wash it right away, sprinkle it with talcum powder or cornstarch. The sooner you treat the stain, the easier it will be to remove, and you will not need to spend money on new clothing.