Oil stains can be problematic on any surface, and baby oil is no different. These stains are often hard to remove and can leave permanent marks on your furniture and walls. So what are the best methods for removing baby oil stains from the wall? We have researched some of the most common ways homeowners and professional cleaners get rid of these stains. In this post, we will go over them.
Here are methods that you can use to remove baby oil from your wall:
- Method 1: Apply Dish Soap
- Method 2: Use Baking Soda
- Method 3: Use Cornstarch
- Method 4: Apply White Vinegar
The best method to remove baby oil from your wall will also depend on how long the state has been on the wall and the porosity of the wall's surface. Continue reading to learn about standard methods used to get rid of it.
Methods To Remove Baby Oil From Wall
Baby oil, similar to other oils, can stick to surfaces for long periods, causing it to bond and become more difficult to remove. And the more porous the surface, the harder it is to remove it.
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Sometimes, the surface can still retain some stains, particularly if it's painted, even after the oil is removed. And in some cases, this may require re-painting the wall.
Method 1: Apply Dish Soap
One everyday household item that you can use to remove the baby oil that is regular dish soap. Dish soaps contain ingredients known for breaking down oils, which makes them effective for cleaning dishes and utensils.
The good thing is that they don't react with the ingredients in paint, so using dish soap on the wall won't be harmful to the surface. Let's look at the steps to get it done.
Things you'll need:
- Dish soap [any brand]
- Sponge or cleaning cloth
- Small bowl
- Start by filling a small bowl with about 2 cups of water.
- Next, add about 1 to 2 tablespoons of regular dish soap to the bowl. Stir it slightly with your hand [or a spoon] to blend the mixture.
- Take your cleaning cloth or sponge and submerge it in the solution until it is soaked. Then wring it out slightly to avoid over-saturating the wall.
- Apply the sponge to the affected area and use circular motions to remove the oil from the wall gently. Work your way from the outer edges of the stain to its center.
- Wring out the sponge again with warm water, and then try the area with a clean, dry cloth. If the stain is still present, repeat the process as needed.
Method 2: Use Baking Soda
As you may already know, baking soda happens to be one of the best solutions for home cleaning. Not only is it great at absorbing odors, but it's also pretty useful at absorbing oil from stains, including baby oil. Its abrasive nature makes it perfect for this task. Here are the steps to use it to clean baby oil off the wall.
Things you'll need:
- Small bowl
- Soft bristle brush
- Baking soda
- Cleaning cloth or towel
- In a small bowl, for about 1 cup of water and 3-4 tablespoons of baking soda. Stir the solution together using a spoon and add more baking soda or water is needed until the solution has a paste-like consistency.
- Apply the mixture to the affected area on the wall using a soft bristle brush, such as a toothbrush.
- Gently dab the solution on the area to cover it completely, and then let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes to penetrate the oil.
- Next, take a damp cleaning cloth or towel and wipe the solution from the wall. If the baby oil stain is still present, repeat the process until it's gone.
Method 3: Use Cornstarch
Cleaning starch is very similar to baking soda due to its absorbent properties. This makes it another excellent option for removing baby oil stains from the wall. It's a fairly gentle option and doesn't contain powerful ingredients that may damage the paint.
Things you'll need:
- Any brand of corn starch
- Cleaning cloth or sponge
- Toothbrush
- Small bowl
- Sort by pouring 1 cup of water into a small bowl. Next, add about three tablespoons of cornstarch. Add more cornstarch or water as needed until you create a paste-like mixture.
- Next, grab a sponge or toothbrush and apply the paste to the stained area on the wall.
- Let the cornstarch solution set on the wall anywhere from 7 to 10 minutes. This will allow it to absorb the oil and lift the stain from the wall.
- Next, wipe the wall down with a damp and cleaning cloth or sponge and check the stain. If the stain is still present, repeat the process as needed until it is completely gone.
Method 4: Apply White Vinegar
White vinegar is another common household item that can be used to remove baby oil stains from your wall effectively. The acetic acid and white vinegar make it especially effective at oil and stain removal. And if you're worried about the smell, note that it will dissipate once the vinegar dries.
Things you'll need:
- Distilled White vinegar
- Sponge or towel
- Plastic spray bottle
- Pour 3 cups of water into a plastic spray bottle. Next, add one cup of vinegar to the bottle.
- Next, spray the diluted vinegar solution on the affected area of the wall and let it sit for anywhere from five to seven minutes. This will give the vinegar time to help break down the oil.
- After this time, take your towel or sponge and wipe the mixture off the wall.
- Wipe down the wall using a damp sponge or a cleaning cloth. This will ensure no vinegar residue is left on the wall, as it can degrade the paint.
- Let the wall dry and inspect it to see if the stain is still present. If it is, repeat the process as needed.
How do you get oil off a painted wall?
The best way to get oil off a painted wall is to use a gentle absorbent product such as baking soda or cornstarch. Both of these solutions can absorb the oil and effectively lift the stains from the wall in a matter of minutes. You can also use everyday dish detergent to gently clean the wall to remove the stain.
How do you get oil off plaster walls?
One of the easiest methods to remove oil from plastered walls is dishwashing detergent. Mix the detergent with warm soapy water and apply it directly to the wall using a cleaning cloth or a sponge. The grease-cutting agents in the detergent will remove the stain in a matter of minutes, and you may need to repeat the process for older stains.
If the stain is several months old, you may want to apply a new coat of primer over the stain and then replaster the area and add a final topcoat. Sometimes oil stains embedded in plaster are more challenging to remove.
How do you remove dried oil from walls?
You can use absorbent agents such as baking soda or cornstarch to absorb dried oil on walls. However, if these stains are old, these solutions may not always work as effectively. And if they don't, consider using heat to treat the stain.
For this method, place an absorbent cloth or a few paper towels directly over the affected area and use a clothes iron to heat the stain. Go over the area a few times with the iron on the lowest heat setting. The heat from the iron will emulsify the oil and allow it to be absorbed directly by the cloth or towels.
How do you remove oil stains from walls without removing paint?
If you have oil stains on the wall and are worried about paint removal, it's best to use dish soap, baking soda, or cornstarch to remove the stain. You can also try the heated iron method with cleaning cloths or paper towels.
The main thing that you want to avoid is the use of any abrasive cleaner, including all-purpose cleaners. Also, when applying the solution to the stain and removing it, be sure not to rub the affected area too hard. It can cause the paint to smear on your cleaning cloth.
Wrapping things up
As you can see, there are a few different ways to remove baby oil from your wall. The best way to prevent this stain from becoming permanent is to remove it as soon as possible. To do so, you can use any of the methods mentioned in this article.
Before you go, be sure to check out our other posts:
Hi, has anyone have any idea how long it takes for Johnson’s Baby Oil the dry or possibly evaporate over time? Thanks.