Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Clean with a vinegar solution
• Method 2 of 2: Using white chalk

Oil stains can be one of the most difficult stains to remove, especially from paper. If you've accidentally stained an important paper document that can't be replaced, it's important to act quickly. The sooner you start removing the oil, the more likely you are to get the stain out. With a little chalk or vinegar and a gentle approach, you can at least make the oil stain less visible.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Clean with a vinegar solution

1. Make a cleaning solution of half water and half vinegar. Mix 1/2 cup of white vinegar and 1/2 cup of water in a cup or bowl. Set the solution aside for now until you are ready to clean.
   • Vinegar is a natural cleaner that acts like a mild bleaching agent and can be used to clean many types of materials.
2. Lay the affected piece of paper flat on a hard and waterproof surface. Flatten it as much as possible. Place heavy objects on the corners to stretch it and keep it flat and stable.
   • Keep in mind that the sooner you start working on the oil stain, the easier it will be to remove it.
3. Moisten a cotton ball or cotton swab with the cleaning solution and clean the stain. Gently and gently pat the oil stain with the damp cotton ball or cotton swab. Be careful not to use too much cleaning solution, as you can damage the piece of paper if it gets too wet.
   • Pat the oil stain dry with kitchen paper if you feel it is getting too wet or let it air dry to avoid poking a hole in the paper.
   • You should keep dabbing instead of letting the vinegar soak in until the stain appears to be gone, then you can dry the area.
4. Dry the cleaned area by blotting it with a paper towel and letting it air dry. When the stain is completely dry, you can see if it has really been completely removed. If there is still an oil stain on it, repeat the process to remove as much of it as possible.
   • Keep in mind that this method works better if you don't wait too long and the stain is fresher. Older stains may not come out completely, but you can make them less visible.

Method 2 of 2: Using white chalk

1. Get white chalk and a small paintbrush from a hobby store. It's best to use chalk powder if you can find it, otherwise just buy a piece of chalk and turn it into powder by shaving it over with a knife.
   • The brush should have soft bristles and be of a suitable size to wipe the oil stain you want to remove with the chalk powder.
   • White chalk powder absorbs fat and oil well.
2. Place the paper on a hard and flat surface and smooth it out. Try to smooth out any folds, creases, and ridges on the piece of paper. Make sure that the part of the paper with the oil stain is as flat as possible.
   • It's important to start by removing an oil stain from paper as soon as possible so that it doesn't have time to dry and cure completely.
3. Use the brush to brush the oil stain with the chalk powder. Dip the brush in the powder and brush it on the oil stain. The chalk will pull some of the oil stain out of the paper.
4. Place the paper between two clean pieces of white paper. Be careful when moving the paper and try not to move the crayon on the oil stain. If some of the powder does come off the oil stain, lift the top piece of paper and gently brush some more chalk onto the area.
   • You can place a sheet of clean paper next to the stained paper, slide it gently over it, and then place another clean sheet on top.
5. Let an iron heat up on a low setting and then place it on the paper for five seconds. Make sure to cover the oil slick. Remove the iron after five seconds and check the oil stain. It should be lighter or disappeared altogether. If necessary, repeat the process to continue removing the stain.
   • Test the hot iron on a blank piece of paper first to make sure it doesn't burn so you don't break the sheet of paper you're trying to save. If it's too hot, turn it to a lower heat setting and retest.
   • Depending on how much the stain has set, you may not be able to completely remove it, but you may be able to partially remove it.