Accidents happen – and when they do, you can find yourself in a bit of a sticky situation. If you’ve recently had a diesel spill on your clothes, don’t panic. We’ve put together this blog post to help you remove those pesky stains without damaging your clothes.
Understand the Type of Diesel Stain
It is important to understand the type of diesel stain you are dealing with to ensure that you use the right methods and products for removal. Diesel is a type of oil, so it is important to use a solvent-based stain remover on the affected area. You should also test the cleaning solution on a small area of the fabric before treating the entire stain. This will let you know if the product will damage or discolor the fabric. Additionally, you might want to consider using a clay-based cat litter on any diesel stains on your driveway.
Test a Small Area Before Treating the Stains
Before treating the diesel stains on your clothes, it is important to test a small area first. To do this, mix a small amount of your cleaning solution in a bowl and dip a cloth in it. Rub the cloth against an area of the fabric that is not visible, like the inside of a pocket or the seam of the clothing. If the fabric does not show signs of damage or discoloration, then you can proceed with cleaning the stain. If it does, then you should switch to a different type of cleaning solution.
Create a Cleaning Solution
Once you’ve identified the type of diesel stain, the next step is to create a cleaning solution. Solvent-based stains can be treated with a thick layer of clay-based cat litter, which can be left on the stain for about 15 minutes. Grease-based stains can be removed with a mixture of Fels Naptha soap and hot water. For both types of stains, it’s important to test a small area of the fabric before applying the cleaning solution to the entire stain. This will help ensure that the fabric is not damaged or discolored by the cleaning solution.
Pre-Treat the Stains
Before you begin cleaning the diesel stains, it is important to pre-treat the affected areas. Solvent-based stain removers and clay-based cat litter can help to break down the diesel fuel and make it easier to remove. For particularly stubborn stains, you can also use Fels Naptha soap. Start by pouring a thick layer of the clay based cat litter onto the diesel stains on your driveway. Let the cat litter sit for about 10 minutes, then use a stiff brush to gently scrub the area. For Fels Naptha soap, rub a small amount into the fabric then let it sit for about 15 minutes before rinsing out the soap with warm water.
Wash the Clothes in Hot Water
Once you’ve pre-treated the diesel stains on your clothing, it’s important to wash them in hot water to remove any remaining oil and dirt. Hot water helps to break down the oils so that they can be lifted from the fabric. Be sure to use a detergent designed for the type of fabric you are washing and to check the care label for instructions. You may need to add a cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle in order to help reduce odours. Allow the clothes to go through a full wash cycle before checking for any remaining stains.
Rinse and Check for Remaining Stains
After washing your clothes in hot water and detergent, it is essential to check for any remaining diesel stains. To do this, rinse the clothes in cold water and inspect them for any remaining stains. If there are any residual stains, you may need to repeat the pre-treating and washing steps before the diesel is removed completely.
Repeat Steps as Necessary
If you still find that the diesel stains remain after the initial cleaning process, you may need to repeat the steps. To do this, create a new cleaning solution and pre-treat the area again. Then, wash the clothes in hot water once more and check for any remaining stains. If you find that there are still some residual diesel stains, you may need to repeat the process several times until they are completely removed.
Use Bleach as a Last Resort
If the diesel stains are still not completely gone after following the steps outlined above, you may need to use bleach as a last resort. It is important to test a small area of the fabric first to make sure the bleach won’t cause any further damage. If the test area is okay, then you can add a cup of bleach to the washing machine along with detergent, and wash clothes on a hot water cycle for an extra boost of cleaning power. Be sure to double rinse them at the end of the cycle to make sure no bleach residue is left behind.
Air Dry or Machine Dry the Clothes
Once the clothes have been washed, it’s important to properly dry them. If possible, air drying the clothes should be your first option. Air drying is the best option for removing any lingering diesel stains and odors. However, if air drying is not an option, you can also machine dry the clothes on a low setting. Be sure to check the stained areas after drying to make sure the diesel stains have been removed before putting the clothes away.
Prevent Future Diesel Spills
Once your clothes have been thoroughly cleaned of diesel stains, you can take steps to prevent future spills from occurring. Make sure to always store and transport diesel in a secure container to prevent any accidental spills. If you do spill diesel, make sure to act fast and work on removing the stains quickly. Also, you should always wear protective gloves and clothing when handling diesel or any other type of fuel. Taking these steps will ensure that your clothes and other fabrics remain free of diesel stains in the future.