How to remove oil stains from clothes – and it’s not with vinegar

Oil stains ruining your favourite garments may seem like a disaster, but help is at hand.

A savvy social media influencer has become an online sensation by sharing her foolproof method for how to eliminating those stubborn grease spots using just a common kitchen staple – and it’s not vinegar.

Cleaning guru Lese Mmolotsi, who is known as @homewithlese on Instagram, has captivated a massive audience of 442,000 followers on the platform with her ingenious household tips. And her latest revelation on battling oil stains won over her fans, as evidenced by the staggering 212,000 likes on her recent post.

In an illustrative video, Lese begins with deliberately staining her jogging bottoms with oil. The accompanying text reads: “Got oil stains on your clothes? Here’s how to remove it.”

The key, she advises, is initially dabbing away any excess oil with a paper or kitchen toweltaking care not to rub the stain.

The second move involves sprinkling baking powder, which costs a minuscule £1.50, over the stain. She says to give the powder ample time, between 15 to 30 minutes, to soak up the oily residue. With grease-fighting dish soap added and a toothbrush employed for a light scrub, the path to cleanliness is almost complete.

Rinse the treated spot with hot water, and then send the clothing through a wash cycle, and you’re set to celebrate the transformation.

Lese rounded off her instructional clip with a confident declaration, as she exclaimed: “Say goodbye to oil stain and hello to fresh clean clothes,” showcasing the now-pristine joggers.

She underscored her message in the caption, writing: “How to remove oil stains from clothes (even old ones!)”.

“Got a pesky oil stain on your favourite clothes? Dont worry! Here is an easy, step by step hack to banish those stubborn stains using ingredients you already have at home.

“What’s needed – baking soda ,dish soap and hot water! Pro tip let the baking soda absorb the oil before scrubbing. If the oil stain is old then repeat this method again and again.”

Social media users are raving about the trick, with one enthusiast saying: “Omg Lese I so needed to know this. I have a couple of oil stains on a jumper.” Meanwhile, someone else commented: “So handy to know I’ll be saving this!”

An additional voice joined the chorus of approval, saying: “You mean to tell me it’s been that easy this whole time?”

Not to be outdone, other individuals offered their personal go-to solutions, as one advised: “The best method I’ve found is putting dawn dish soap on the oil stain and leaving it on for over 24hrs, the oil will breakdown and then throw it in the wash! Works wonders.”

Someone else contributed: “I use castor oil on oil stains and let it sit for an hour then wash it. Def works.”

Adding their view, another declared: “Even easier solution: Dishwash liquid. Rub it on and let sit for a few mins before putting it the washer.”