Removing Vaseline stains

Vaseline is greasy and soaks quickly into fibres. This leaves a dark, oily spot that doesn't simply disappear from clothes or upholstered furniture. Fortunately, you can usually remove Vaseline stains well if you know which steps to follow.

In this article, you'll read exactly how to get Vaseline out of clothes and how to remove grease stains from materials such as a fabric sofa, chair or carpet.

Why Vaseline is hard to remove

Vaseline consists largely of petroleum oil. It's very greasy and clings to fibres, so water alone isn't enough to dissolve the stain. You first need a method that draws the grease out of the fabric before you wash or clean more deeply. That principle applies to clothes and furniture alike.

Removing Vaseline from clothes

The approach below works for most fabrics. With delicate materials such as silk or wool, care is important.

Step 1: Remove excess Vaseline

Use a spoon, the back of a knife or a piece of cardboard. Carefully scrape away the excess Vaseline. Don't rub. That works the grease deeper into the fabric.

Step 2: Blot the stain dry with absorbent material

Place kitchen paper on the stain and blot lightly. The goal is to absorb as much grease as possible. It helps to replace the paper several times until it absorbs less grease.

Step 3: Loosen the grease with washing-up liquid

Washing-up liquid is designed to remove grease.

• Apply a small amount of washing-up liquid directly to the stain.
• Gently rub it in with your fingers or a soft brush.
• Leave it to work for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Wash the garment

Wash it according to the care label at the maximum permitted temperature. After washing, check whether the stain is gone before putting the garment in the dryer. Heat sets grease.

Stubborn stain? Try this

• Cornflour or talcum powder: sprinkle on the stain, leave for 30 minutes and brush off. It absorbs the remaining grease.
• Stain remover for grease stains: use a product specially developed for oil and grease, such as our stain spray.

Getting a Vaseline stain out of delicate fabrics

Silk, wool and viscose can be damaged more easily.

• Don't use a harsh stain remover.
• Only blot lightly with lukewarm water and a little washing-up liquid.
• Always test on an inconspicuous spot first.

If the stain is large or the material feels fragile, professional cleaning may be the safest choice.

Removing Vaseline from a fabric sofa, chair or carpet

Grease stains on furniture behave the same as on clothes, but often sit deeper in the fibres. Work carefully and step by step.

Step 1: Remove excess Vaseline

Blot and scrape carefully without rubbing.

Step 2: Use absorbent agents

Sprinkle cornflour, soda or talcum powder on the stain. Leave it for 1 hour so the grease can bind. Then vacuum it up.

Step 3: Clean with lukewarm water and a little washing-up liquid

Mix water with a few drops of washing-up liquid and blot the stain with a clean, slightly damp cloth.

• Work from the outside in.
• Blot dry with a microfibre cloth.

Step 4: Deep clean with an upholstery cleaner

For larger stains or when grease has soaked deep into the fabric, a deep clean helps. An upholstery cleaner such as the Achaté Spot Cleaner works with water and suction to draw grease and dirt out of the fibres at the same time. This way you remove not only the surface, but also the grease that has settled deeper in the fabric.

Extra tips for Vaseline stains

• The faster you act, the better the result.
• Don't use hot water on grease stains. That can set the stain.
• Always test on a small piece of fabric first.
• Treat the stain again if it's still visible after the first clean.