How to Remove Oil Stains from Paper

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff |10 References

Oil stains can be one of the most stubborn stains to get out of any type of material, especially a piece of paper. If you managed to get an oil spot on an important paper document that you can’t replace, it’s important to act fast. The sooner you start working to remove the oil, the better your chances are of leaving the paper oil-spotless.

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Either way, with just a little chalk or vinegar and a delicate touch, you will be able to at least reduce the visibility of the oil stain!

1 Create a cleaning solution with half plain water, half white vinegar. Combine ¹⁄₂ c (120 ml) of white vinegar and ¹⁄₂ c (120 ml) of plain water in a cup or bowl. Set your solution aside for now until you are ready to clean.^[1]
- Vinegar is a natural cleaner that works like a mild bleach and can be used to clean many types of materials.
2 Lay the affected piece of paper out flat on a hard, waterproof surface. Flatten it out as much as possible. You can place heavy objects on the corners to stretch it out and keep it flat and stable.^[2]
- Remember that the sooner you start working on the oil stain, the easier it will be to remove.
3 Moisten a cotton ball or swab with the cleaning solution and clean the spot. Gently and carefully dab the oil stain with the moistened cotton ball or swab. Be careful not to use too much of the cleaning solution as you could damage the paper you are cleaning if it gets too wet.^[3]
- If the oil spot looks like it is getting too wet, dab it dry with a paper towel or let it air dry so that you don’t create a hole in the paper.
- Keep dabbing rather than letting the vinegar soak in, until the stain appears to be lifted, then you can dry the area.
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