Remove Cod Oil Stains

By Matt Oden | Comments | Oil and Wax Stains → Cod Oil

There are a number of different theories on the medical benefits of cod oil, which has led to an increase of people needing to know how to remove cod oil stains. Because the stain is an oil it makes it a little more difficult to remove from clothing. With the right stain fighting tips you should be able to save your stained clothes.

Remove Cod Oil Stains From Clothing Method 1

What you will need:

Commercial pretreatment stain remover
Concentrated liquid detergent

With the recent research of the benefits of cod oil and omega 3s many people have begun taking cod oil supplements. Most often these supplements are encased in a gel like casing that is easy to melt. These can cause stains especially if you lose one while taking your daily pills. People can choose to take the liquid form as well, but these types of stains are even messier and harder to remove.

Completely saturate the cod oil stain with a commercial pretreatment stain remover. These can be found in any laundry aisles.
Allow the stain remover to sit for at least 1 minute. You can allow it to sit for a little longer if the stain is more stubborn.
Rinse the pretreatment stain remover from your clothing.
Next, you will want to cover the stain with concentrated liquid detergent. Again ensure that the stain has been completely saturated.
Rub the detergent into the clothing so that it penetrates the fabric and the stain. You can work the detergent into the fabric with your fingers.
Immediately launder the cod oil stained clothing as you normally would.
Inspect the stain. If the stain remains you can repeat the steps above until the stain has been removed or you can move on to method 2.

Remove Cod Oil Stains From Clothing Method 2

What you would need:

Chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach
Dry-cleaning solvent
Paper towels

If method one did not get the cod oil stains out of your clothing you can move on to this method. It is a continuation of method one, meaning it is important that you have pretreated the stain before trying this next method.

If your fabric is colorfast you can soak your clothing in a diluted solution of chlorine bleach. If the fabric is not colorfast you can use a oxygen bleach that is safe on colored fabrics.
Allow the clothing to soak in the diluted bleach for only 15 minutes.
Wash the fabric immediately so that you do not damage your clothing with the bleach. Remember if bleach is left on the fabric for too long it can change or fade the color of the garment.
Inspect the stained area. If the stain remains you can put a paper towel under the front of the stain.
Next, you should apply a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent on the back of the cod oil stain.
Allow the dry-cleaning solvent to dry.
Wash your clothing as you normally would.
Inspect the stained area. If the stain remains you can move on to method 3.

Remove Cod Oil Stains From Clothing Method 3

What you will need:

White Vinegar
Lemon juice
Baking soda
Measuring cup
Laundry brush

Cod oils can be difficult to remove so it may take more than one method to really remove the stain from your clothing. If after the first attempt the stain has not been removed do not fret just yet. As long as the stain has not been put into the dryer you still have a good chance at getting the stain out.

You will need to set your washer to the longest cycle and begin to fill the basin with warm water for colored fabrics and hot water for white fabrics. Allow the basin to fill all of the way.
Create a solution of 1/4 cup white vinegar and 3/4 cup lemon juice. Remember lemon juice is a bleaching agent and can cause the colors to change or fade. To ensure it is safe to use on your clothing you should first test a small inconspicuous area on your clothing. The inseam normally works best for the test.
Apply the solution to the cod oil stain. You will need to work in the solution using your laundry brush. This will allow the solution to further penetrate the stain.
Pour the remaining lemon solution into the washer that you have filled with water. You can mix it around so that it is evenly distributed through the water.
Next, you will add the stained clothing. If you have heavily soiled clothes you may want to wash them separately as to not transfer the cod oil stain to a clean garment.
You will need to pay attention to the washing cycles. When the machine gets to the rinse cycle you will need to add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the machine.
Allow the washer to finish its full washing cycles.
Inspect the stain. If the stain remains you can repeat the process until the stain has been removed completely. Be sure not to put the fabric in the dryer unless the cod oil stain has been completely removed. If heat is applied to the stain it will make it much more difficult to remove.