{ "title": "How to Remove Oil & Grease Stains | The Swiss Laundry", "description": "Oil stains on fabric respond well to dry cleaning solvent but become progressively harder to remove as they oxidise.", "keywords": "", "robots": "index,follow,max-snippet:-1,max-image-preview:large", "canonical": "https://www.theswisslaundry.com/blog-how-to-remove-oil-stain-from-clothes-india", "hreflangs": [ { "hreflang": "en-IN", "href": "https://www.theswisslaundry.com/blog-how-to-remove-oil-stain-from-clothes-india" }, { "hreflang": "en", "href": "https://www.theswisslaundry.com/blog-how-to-remove-oil-stain-from-clothes-india" } ], "og": { "type": "article", "title": "How to remove oil and grease stains from clothes — ghee, cooking oil, mustard oil. — The Swiss Laundry", "description": "Oil stains on fabric respond well to dry cleaning solvent but become progressively harder to remove as they oxidise. 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Bypass (East)", "addressLocality": "Kolkata", "addressRegion": "West Bengal", "postalCode": "700107", "addressCountry": "IN" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "How do I remove a ghee stain from a silk saree?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Do not apply water. Do not machine wash. Blot the excess gently with a clean dry cloth, then apply cornstarch or talcum powder to absorb the surface fat. Bring it to a professional dry cleaner within 24–48 hours. Ghee on silk is very treatable when fresh — the hydrocarbon solvent dissolves it cleanly. After 48 hours, polymerisation begins and removal becomes more difficult." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "My white cotton shirt has an old oil stain that went through the dryer. Can anything be done?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Heat-set oil stains on cotton can sometimes be partially treated professionally. Complete removal is less likely once the oil has polymerised and been heat-set, but improvement is usually achievable. Bring it in and we will assess it honestly before attempting treatment." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does dry cleaning remove body oil stains?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. Body oils are fat-based and dissolve readily in hydrocarbon dry cleaning solvent. The yellowing under collars and in underarm areas is caused by oxidised body oils — professional dry cleaning removes both fresh and mildly oxidised body oils. Very old, heavily oxidised body oil staining (years of accumulation) may only be partially improved." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I use WD-40 to remove oil stains?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "WD-40 is sometimes recommended online for oil stain removal because its solvent component can dissolve the stain. However, WD-40 leaves its own oily residue in the fabric that is difficult to remove completely and may attract more soiling. For valuable or delicate garments, this creates a second problem alongside the first. Use the dry absorbent powder method at home and bring it to a professional for complete treatment." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How do I prevent oil stains from becoming permanent on stored garments?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Clean all garments before storing — even if they appear clean. Invisible surface oils from food proximity, cooking vapour, and body contact oxidise during storage and emerge as yellow staining. The rule is simple: if it has been worn, clean it before storing it." } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "HowTo", "name": "How to remove oil and grease stains from clothes — ghee, cooking oil, mustard oil.", "description": "Oil stains on fabric respond well to dry cleaning solvent but become progressively harder to remove as they oxidise. The complete home method, where it fails, and what professional treatment achieves.", "supply": [ { "@type": "HowToSupply", "name": "Clean dry cloth" }, { "@type": "HowToSupply", "name": "Cold water" } ], "tool": [ { "@type": "HowToTool", "name": "Professional dry cleaning (recommended)" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": [ ".hero-summary", ".glance-points", ".faq-q" ] } ] ], "styleCss": "[data-reveal]{opacity:1!important;transform:none!important}\n/* NAV */\nnav{position:fixed;top:0;left:0;right:0;z-index:200;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;padding:0 3rem;height:70px;transition:background 0.5s,border-color 0.5s,box-shadow 0.5s;border-bottom:0.5px solid 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var(--ease)}\n[data-reveal].in{opacity:1;transform:none}\n@media(scripting:none){[data-reveal]{opacity:1!important;transform:none!important}}\n.btn{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:.45rem;font-family:var(--ss);font-size:10px;font-weight:500;letter-spacing:.18em;text-transform:uppercase;border:none;cursor:pointer;text-decoration:none;transition:background .2s,transform .15s,box-shadow .2s}\n.btn svg{flex-shrink:0}\n.btn-g{background:var(--gold);color:var(--ink);padding:.8rem 1.8rem}\n.btn-g:hover{background:var(--gold-l);transform:translateY(-1px);box-shadow:0 4px 16px rgba(201,168,76,.3)}\n.btn-dk{background:var(--ink);color:var(--gold);padding:.85rem 2rem}\n.btn-dk:hover{background:#000}\n.btn-ol{background:transparent;color:rgba(245,240,232,.7);padding:.8rem 1.6rem;border:1px solid rgba(245,240,232,.22)}\n.btn-ol:hover{color:var(--cream);border-color:rgba(245,240,232,.5)}\n.btn-row{display:flex;gap:.6rem;flex-wrap:wrap}\n/* hero */\n.bsc-hero{min-height:100svh;background:var(--dark);display:flex;flex-direction:column;justify-content:flex-end;padding:0 8vw 5rem;position:relative;overflow:hidden}\n.bsc-hero::before{content:'';position:absolute;inset:0;pointer-events:none;\n background:radial-gradient(ellipse 60% 50% at 80% 30%,rgba(139,26,26,.08) 0%,transparent 60%),\n radial-gradient(circle,rgba(201,168,76,.04) 1px,transparent 1px);\n background-size:100% 100%,32px 32px}\n.bsc-bg-word{position:absolute;bottom:-0.1em;right:3vw;font-family:var(--s);font-style:italic;font-weight:300;font-size:clamp(130px,20vw,300px);line-height:1;color:transparent;-webkit-text-stroke:1px 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rgba(201,168,76,.15);margin-top:4rem}\n.bsc-stat{padding:1.4rem 0;border-right:1px solid rgba(201,168,76,.1)}\n.bsc-stat:last-child{border-right:none}\n.bsc-stat-n{font-family:var(--s);font-style:italic;font-weight:300;font-size:clamp(18px,2.8vw,34px);color:var(--gold);display:block;line-height:1;letter-spacing:-.02em}\n.bsc-stat-l{font-family:var(--ss);font-size:9px;font-weight:300;letter-spacing:.18em;text-transform:uppercase;color:rgba(245,240,232,.35);display:block;margin-top:.3rem}\n/* def box */\n.bsc-def-sec{background:var(--cream);padding:6rem 8vw}\n.bsc-def-inner{max-width:860px;margin:0 auto}\n.bsc-def-box{border:1px solid rgba(201,168,76,.35);border-left:4px solid var(--gold);padding:2.2rem 2.5rem 2.2rem 2.2rem;background:var(--white);margin-bottom:2rem}\n.bsc-def-label{font-family:var(--ss);font-size:9px;font-weight:500;letter-spacing:.3em;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--gold);display:block;margin-bottom:.8rem}\n.bsc-def-text{font-family:var(--s);font-style:italic;font-weight:300;font-size:clamp(17px,2.1vw,24px);line-height:1.55;color:var(--ink)}\n.bsc-def-text em{font-style:normal;color:var(--gold)}\n.bsc-def-source{display:block;margin-top:.9rem;font-family:var(--ss);font-size:10px;font-weight:300;letter-spacing:.1em;color:var(--muted)}\n.bsc-def-note{background:var(--off);padding:1.4rem 1.6rem;font-family:var(--ss);font-size:13px;font-weight:300;line-height:1.85;color:var(--muted)}\n.bsc-def-note strong{color:var(--ink);font-weight:400}\n/* body */\n.bsc-body{background:var(--off);padding:0 8vw 7rem;display:grid;grid-template-columns:220px 1fr;gap:5rem;align-items:start;max-width:1200px;margin:0 auto}\n.bsc-sidebar{position:sticky;top:90px}\n.bsc-sb-label{font-family:var(--ss);font-size:9px;font-weight:500;letter-spacing:.28em;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--gold);display:block;margin-bottom:1.2rem}\n.bsc-sb-list{list-style:none;display:flex;flex-direction:column}\n.bsc-sb-link{display:block;font-family:var(--ss);font-size:11px;font-weight:300;letter-spacing:.06em;color:var(--muted);text-decoration:none;padding:.55rem 0 .55rem .9rem;border-left:2px solid rgba(26,25,24,.08);transition:color .2s,border-color .2s;line-height:1.4}\n.bsc-sb-link:hover,.bsc-sb-link.active{color:var(--ink);border-left-color:var(--gold)}\n.bsc-content{padding-top:5rem}\n/* clauses */\n.clause{margin-bottom:5rem;padding-bottom:5rem;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(26,25,24,.07)}\n.clause:last-child{border-bottom:none;margin-bottom:0;padding-bottom:0}\n.clause-num{font-family:var(--s);font-style:italic;font-weight:300;font-size:clamp(44px,6vw,72px);color:rgba(201,168,76,.15);display:block;line-height:1;margin-bottom:.3rem;letter-spacing:-.04em}\n.clause-title{font-family:var(--s);font-style:italic;font-weight:300;font-size:clamp(24px,3vw,40px);color:var(--ink);line-height:1.1;margin-bottom:1.4rem;letter-spacing:-.02em}\n.clause-title em{font-style:normal;color:var(--gold)}\n.clause-body{font-family:var(--ss);font-size:14px;font-weight:300;line-height:1.95;color:var(--muted)}\n.clause-body p{margin-bottom:1.1rem}\n.clause-body p:last-child{margin-bottom:0}\n.clause-body strong{color:var(--ink);font-weight:400}\n.clause-body a{color:var(--gold);text-decoration:none;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(201,168,76,.3);transition:border-color .2s}\n.clause-body a:hover{border-color:var(--gold)}\n.fact-box{margin:1.8rem 0;padding:1.4rem 1.6rem;border-left:3px solid var(--gold);background:var(--gold-a);font-family:var(--ss);font-size:13px;font-weight:300;line-height:1.75;color:var(--ink)}\n.fact-box strong{font-weight:500}\n.warn-box{margin:1.8rem 0;padding:1.4rem 1.6rem;border-left:3px solid var(--pink);background:rgba(192,65,90,.06);font-family:var(--ss);font-size:13px;font-weight:300;line-height:1.75;color:var(--ink)}\n.warn-box strong{font-weight:500;color:var(--pink)}\n/* banarasi variety grid */\n.variety-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(2,1fr);gap:1px;background:rgba(26,25,24,.08);margin:1.8rem 0}\n.variety-card{background:var(--white);padding:1.8rem 1.6rem;transition:background .2s}\n.variety-card:hover{background:var(--cream)}\n.variety-name{font-family:var(--s);font-style:italic;font-weight:300;font-size:clamp(17px,2vw,23px);color:var(--ink);display:block;margin-bottom:.25rem}\n.variety-weave{font-family:var(--ss);font-size:9px;font-weight:300;letter-spacing:.18em;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--gold);display:block;margin-bottom:.5rem}\n.variety-care{font-family:var(--ss);font-size:12px;font-weight:300;color:var(--muted);line-height:1.7}\n.variety-care strong{color:var(--ink);font-weight:400}\n/* stain table */\n.stain-table{width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;font-family:var(--ss);margin:1.8rem 0}\n.stain-table th{font-size:9px;font-weight:500;letter-spacing:.18em;text-transform:uppercase;padding:.8rem 1rem;background:var(--ink);color:rgba(245,240,232,.6);text-align:left}\n.stain-table th:first-child{color:var(--gold-l)}\n.stain-table td{padding:.75rem 1rem;font-size:12px;font-weight:300;line-height:1.6;color:var(--muted);border-bottom:1px solid rgba(26,25,24,.06);vertical-align:top}\n.stain-table tr:last-child td{border-bottom:none}\n.stain-table td:first-child{color:var(--ink);font-weight:400}\n.stain-table .do-cell{color:#5A8A5A}\n.stain-table .warn-cell{color:var(--pink)}\n/* storage steps */\n.storage-steps{display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:1rem;margin:1.8rem 0}\n.storage-step{display:flex;gap:1.2rem;align-items:flex-start;padding:1.2rem 1.4rem;background:var(--white);border:1px solid rgba(26,25,24,.07);border-left:3px solid transparent;transition:border-color .2s}\n.storage-step:hover{border-left-color:var(--gold)}\n.storage-step-n{font-family:var(--s);font-style:italic;font-weight:300;font-size:32px;color:rgba(201,168,76,.25);line-height:1;flex-shrink:0;width:2.2rem;text-align:center}\n.storage-step-body{padding-top:.1rem}\n.storage-step-h{font-family:var(--ss);font-size:12px;font-weight:500;color:var(--ink);display:block;margin-bottom:.25rem;letter-spacing:.02em}\n.storage-step-d{font-family:var(--ss);font-size:12px;font-weight:300;color:var(--muted);line-height:1.7}\n/* do/dont */\n.do-dont{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:1.5rem;margin:1.8rem 0}\n.do-list,.dont-list{list-style:none;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:.5rem}\n.do-list-h,.dont-list-h{font-family:var(--ss);font-size:10px;font-weight:500;letter-spacing:.2em;text-transform:uppercase;display:block;margin-bottom:.7rem}\n.do-list-h{color:#5A8A5A}\n.dont-list-h{color:var(--pink)}\n.do-list li,.dont-list li{font-family:var(--ss);font-size:12px;font-weight:300;line-height:1.7;color:var(--muted);padding-left:1.2rem;position:relative}\n.do-list li::before{content:'✓';position:absolute;left:0;color:#5A8A5A;font-size:11px;top:.05em}\n.dont-list li::before{content:'✗';position:absolute;left:0;color:var(--pink);font-size:11px;top:.05em}\n/* kolkata note */\n.kolkata-note{background:var(--dark);padding:2rem 2.2rem;margin:1.8rem 0;border-left:4px solid var(--gold)}\n.kolkata-note-label{font-family:var(--ss);font-size:9px;font-weight:500;letter-spacing:.28em;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--gold);display:block;margin-bottom:.6rem}\n.kolkata-note-text{font-family:var(--ss);font-size:13px;font-weight:300;line-height:1.8;color:rgba(245,240,232,.7)}\n.kolkata-note-text strong{color:var(--cream);font-weight:400}\n/* pressing guide */\n.press-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(2,1fr);gap:1.5rem;margin:1.8rem 0}\n.press-card{border:1px solid rgba(26,25,24,.08);padding:1.6rem}\n.press-card.correct{border-color:rgba(201,168,76,.3);background:var(--gold-a)}\n.press-card-label{font-family:var(--ss);font-size:9px;font-weight:500;letter-spacing:.22em;text-transform:uppercase;display:block;margin-bottom:.5rem}\n.press-card.correct .press-card-label{color:var(--gold)}\n.press-card:not(.correct) .press-card-label{color:var(--pink)}\n.press-card-title{font-family:var(--s);font-style:italic;font-weight:300;font-size:clamp(16px,1.8vw,22px);color:var(--ink);display:block;margin-bottom:.7rem}\n.press-card-items{list-style:none;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:.4rem}\n.press-card-items li{font-family:var(--ss);font-size:12px;font-weight:300;color:var(--muted);padding-left:1rem;position:relative;line-height:1.6}\n.press-card.correct .press-card-items li::before{content:'✓';position:absolute;left:0;color:var(--gold);font-size:11px}\n.press-card:not(.correct) .press-card-items li::before{content:'✗';position:absolute;left:0;color:var(--pink);font-size:11px}\n/* related */\n.related-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr);gap:1.5rem;margin-top:2rem}\n.rel-card{border:1px solid rgba(26,25,24,.08);padding:1.8rem;text-decoration:none;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:.6rem;transition:box-shadow .25s,transform .25s,border-color .25s}\n.rel-card:hover{box-shadow:var(--sh2);transform:translateY(-3px);border-color:rgba(201,168,76,.3)}\n.rel-tag{font-family:var(--ss);font-size:9px;font-weight:500;letter-spacing:.2em;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--gold)}\n.rel-title{font-family:var(--s);font-style:italic;font-weight:300;font-size:clamp(15px,1.8vw,20px);color:var(--ink);line-height:1.2}\n.rel-desc{font-family:var(--ss);font-size:11px;font-weight:300;color:var(--muted);line-height:1.65}\n.rel-arrow{font-family:var(--ss);font-size:9px;font-weight:500;letter-spacing:.14em;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--muted);margin-top:auto;padding-top:.8rem;transition:color .2s}\n.rel-card:hover .rel-arrow{color:var(--gold)}\n/* faq */\n.bsc-faq{background:var(--cream);padding:7rem 8vw}\n.bsc-faq-inner{max-width:860px;margin:0 auto}\n.bsc-ey{font-family:var(--ss);font-size:10px;font-weight:500;letter-spacing:.32em;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--gold);display:flex;align-items:center;gap:.8rem;margin-bottom:1.2rem}\n.bsc-ey::before{content:'';width:24px;height:1px;background:var(--gold);flex-shrink:0}\n.bsc-h2{font-family:var(--s);font-style:italic;font-weight:300;font-size:clamp(28px,4vw,52px);color:var(--ink);line-height:1.05;margin-bottom:2.5rem;letter-spacing:-.02em}\n.bsc-h2 em{font-style:normal;color:var(--gold)}\n.faq-item{border-bottom:1px solid rgba(26,25,24,.09)}\n.faq-item:first-of-type{border-top:1px solid rgba(26,25,24,.09)}\n.faq-q{font-family:var(--s);font-style:italic;font-weight:300;font-size:clamp(14px,1.5vw,18px);color:var(--ink);cursor:pointer;display:flex;justify-content:space-between;align-items:center;gap:1rem;background:none;border:none;width:100%;text-align:left;padding:.9rem 0;transition:color .2s}\n.faq-q:hover,.faq-item.open .faq-q{color:var(--gold)}\n.faq-ico{width:16px;height:16px;color:rgba(26,25,24,.22);flex-shrink:0;transition:transform .3s,color .2s}\n.faq-item.open .faq-ico{transform:rotate(45deg);color:var(--gold)}\n.faq-a{display:none;font-size:13px;font-weight:300;line-height:1.9;color:var(--muted);padding-bottom:1rem;font-family:var(--ss)}\n.faq-item.open .faq-a{display:block}\n/* cta */\n.bsc-cta{background:var(--gold);padding:8rem 8vw;text-align:center;position:relative;overflow:hidden}\n.bsc-cta::before{content:'';position:absolute;inset:0;background-image:repeating-linear-gradient(-60deg,transparent,transparent 30px,rgba(255,255,255,.04) 30px,rgba(255,255,255,.04) 31px)}\n.bsc-cta-inner{position:relative;z-index:1;max-width:680px;margin:0 auto}\n.bsc-cta-rule{width:36px;height:2px;background:var(--ink);opacity:.2;margin:0 auto 2rem}\n.bsc-cta-h2{font-family:var(--s);font-style:italic;font-weight:300;font-size:clamp(40px,8vw,96px);color:var(--ink);line-height:.88;letter-spacing:-.05em;margin-bottom:.8rem}\n.bsc-cta-sub{font-family:var(--ss);font-size:13px;font-weight:300;color:rgba(26,25,24,.55);line-height:1.8;max-width:440px;margin:0 auto 2rem}\n.bsc-cta-btns{display:flex;gap:.7rem;justify-content:center;flex-wrap:wrap}\n/* wa/cursor/intro */\n.wa-float{position:fixed;bottom:2rem;right:2rem;width:56px;height:56px;border-radius:50%;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;z-index:9990;box-shadow:0 4px 20px rgba(37,211,102,.35);transition:transform .3s;text-decoration:none;background:none}\n.wa-float:hover{transform:scale(1.1) translateY(-2px)}\n.wa-float::before{content:'';position:absolute;inset:-4px;border-radius:50%;border:2px solid rgba(37,211,102,.35);animation:waPulse 2.5s ease-out infinite}\n@keyframes waPulse{0%{transform:scale(1);opacity:.6}100%{transform:scale(1.5);opacity:0}}\n@media(hover:hover) and (pointer:fine){*{cursor:none!important}.cur-d{position:fixed;top:0;left:0;z-index:99999;pointer-events:none;width:8px;height:8px;border-radius:50%;background:var(--gold);transform:translate(-50%,-50%);transition:width .15s,height .15s,opacity .3s}.cur-r{position:fixed;top:0;left:0;z-index:99998;pointer-events:none;width:28px;height:28px;border-radius:50%;border:1.5px solid rgba(201,168,76,.45);transform:translate(-50%,-50%);transition:width .25s var(--ease),height .25s var(--ease),opacity .3s}body.cur-hl .cur-d{width:12px;height:12px}body.cur-hl .cur-r{width:40px;height:40px}body.cur-hd .cur-d,body.cur-hd .cur-r{opacity:0}}\n#introEl{position:fixed;inset:0;z-index:99997;background:var(--dark);display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex-direction:column;gap:1.2rem;transition:opacity .6s ease}\n#introEl.hidden{opacity:0;pointer-events:none}\n.intro-m{font-family:var(--s);font-style:italic;font-weight:300;font-size:88px;color:var(--gold);letter-spacing:-.04em;opacity:0;animation:iFade .8s var(--ease) .15s forwards}\n.intro-l{width:0;height:1px;background:var(--gold);opacity:.4;animation:iGrow .7s var(--ease) .35s forwards}\n.intro-w{font-size:10px;font-weight:300;letter-spacing:.35em;text-transform:uppercase;color:rgba(245,240,232,.38);opacity:0;animation:iFade .6s ease .55s forwards}\n@keyframes iFade{from{opacity:0;transform:translateY(8px)}to{opacity:1;transform:none}}\n@keyframes iGrow{from{width:0}to{width:64px}}\n.pg-ov{position:fixed;inset:0;z-index:99996;background:var(--cream);opacity:0;pointer-events:none;transition:opacity .35s ease}\n.pg-ov.visible{opacity:1;pointer-events:all}\n@media print{.wa-float,.cur-d,.cur-r,#introEl,.pg-ov,.bookPill,.seasonal-banner,.scroll-bar{display:none!important}body{font-size:11pt;background:#fff;color:#000}}\n@media(max-width:960px){.bsc-body{grid-template-columns:1fr;padding-left:6vw;padding-right:6vw}.bsc-sidebar{position:static;display:none}.bsc-content{padding-top:2rem}.variety-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}.do-dont{grid-template-columns:1fr}.press-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}.related-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}}\n@media(max-width:640px){.bsc-hero{padding:0 6vw 4rem}.bsc-strip{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr}.bsc-stat:nth-child(3),.bsc-stat:nth-child(4){border-top:1px solid rgba(201,168,76,.1)}.bsc-stat:nth-child(even){border-right:none}.bsc-def-sec,.bsc-faq,.bsc-cta{padding-left:6vw;padding-right:6vw}}\n\n/* ═══════════════════════════════════════════════\n GLOBAL FEATURES — added to every page\n ═══════════════════════════════════════════════ */\n\n/* ── Sticky booking pill (mobile only) ── */\n.book-pill{\n display:none;\n position:fixed;bottom:1.5rem;left:50%;transform:translateX(-50%);\n background:var(--pink);color:#fff;\n font-family:var(--sans);font-size:10px;font-weight:500;\n letter-spacing:.18em;text-transform:uppercase;\n padding:.75rem 1.8rem;border-radius:30px;\n text-decoration:none;white-space:nowrap;\n box-shadow:0 4px 20px rgba(192,65,90,.4);\n z-index:9985;\n animation:pillIn .4s cubic-bezier(.16,1,.3,1);\n transition:opacity .3s,transform .3s;\n}\n.book-pill:hover{background:var(--pink2,#a8324a);transform:translateX(-50%) translateY(-2px)}\n.book-pill.hidden{opacity:0;pointer-events:none;transform:translateX(-50%) translateY(8px)}\n@keyframes pillIn{from{opacity:0;transform:translateX(-50%) translateY(16px)}to{opacity:1;transform:translateX(-50%) translateY(0)}}\n@media(max-width:768px){.book-pill{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:.5rem}}\n/* Hide pill on the pickup page itself */\nbody.page-pickup .book-pill{display:none!important}\n\n/* ── Seasonal banner ── */\n.seasonal-banner{\n background:var(--dark2,#1a1918);color:rgba(255,255,255,.75);\n font-family:var(--sans);font-size:10px;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:.08em;\n text-align:center;padding:.45rem 3rem;position:relative;z-index:10000;\n border-bottom:.5px solid rgba(255,255,255,.08);\n}\n.seasonal-banner a{color:var(--gold,#C9A84C);text-decoration:none;margin-left:.5rem;font-weight:500}\n.seasonal-banner a:hover{text-decoration:underline}\n.banner-close{position:absolute;right:1rem;top:50%;transform:translateY(-50%);\n background:none;border:none;color:rgba(255,255,255,.4);cursor:pointer;\n font-size:14px;line-height:1;padding:.2rem;transition:color .2s}\n.banner-close:hover{color:#fff}\n.seasonal-banner.hidden{display:none}\n@media(prefers-color-scheme:light){\n .seasonal-banner{background:var(--dark2,#1a1918)}\n}\n\n/* ── Dark/light toggle in nav ── */\n.theme-toggle{\n width:32px;height:32px;border-radius:50%;\n background:none;border:.5px solid rgba(128,128,128,.25);\n cursor:pointer;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;\n transition:border-color .2s,background .2s;flex-shrink:0;\n}\n.theme-toggle:hover{border-color:var(--gold,#C9A84C);background:rgba(201,168,76,.08)}\n.theme-toggle svg{width:14px;height:14px;transition:opacity .2s}\n.theme-toggle .icon-dark{display:block}\n.theme-toggle .icon-light{display:none}\n[data-theme=\"light\"] .theme-toggle .icon-dark{display:none}\n[data-theme=\"light\"] .theme-toggle .icon-light{display:block}\n\n/* ── Google rating badge in footer ── */\n.g-rating-badge{\n display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:.5rem;\n text-decoration:none;\n font-family:var(--sans);\n padding:.5rem .8rem;\n border-radius:6px;\n border:.5px solid rgba(255,255,255,.12);\n background:rgba(255,255,255,.04);\n transition:border-color .2s,background .2s;\n margin-bottom:.8rem;\n}\n.g-rating-badge:hover{border-color:rgba(201,168,76,.3);background:rgba(201,168,76,.05)}\n.g-rating-stars{color:#FBBC04;font-size:13px;letter-spacing:.05em;line-height:1}\n.g-rating-num{font-family:var(--sans);font-size:13px;font-weight:500;color:#fff}\n.g-rating-label{font-family:var(--sans);font-size:9px;font-weight:300;\n color:rgba(255,255,255,.45);letter-spacing:.08em}\n.g-rating-logo{font-family:var(--sans);font-size:9px;font-weight:700;\n color:#4285F4;letter-spacing:-.02em}\n@media(prefers-color-scheme:light){\n .g-rating-badge{border-color:rgba(26,25,24,.12);background:#fff}\n .g-rating-num{color:#1a1918}\n .g-rating-label{color:rgba(26,25,24,.45)}\n}\n\n/* ── WhatsApp share button (blogs/guides) ── */\n.wa-share{\n display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:.5rem;\n background:#25D366;color:#fff;\n font-family:var(--sans);font-size:9px;font-weight:500;\n letter-spacing:.15em;text-transform:uppercase;\n padding:.65rem 1.2rem;border-radius:6px;text-decoration:none;\n transition:background .2s;\n}\n.wa-share:hover{background:#1da851}\n.wa-share svg{width:14px;height:14px;flex-shrink:0}\n\n/* ── Reading time indicator ── */\n.reading-time{\n font-family:var(--sans);font-size:10px;font-weight:300;\n color:var(--txt3,rgba(255,255,255,.4));letter-spacing:.08em;\n display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:.35rem;\n}\n.reading-time svg{width:11px;height:11px;opacity:.6}\n\n/* ── Was this helpful ── */\n.helpful-block{\n display:flex;align-items:center;gap:1rem;flex-wrap:wrap;\n padding:1.2rem 0;margin-top:2rem;\n border-top:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,.12);\n}\n.helpful-label{font-family:var(--sans);font-size:12px;font-weight:300;\n color:var(--txt3,rgba(255,255,255,.4))}\n.helpful-btn{\n font-family:var(--sans);font-size:10px;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:.1em;\n text-transform:uppercase;padding:.4rem 1rem;border-radius:4px;cursor:pointer;\n border:.5px solid rgba(128,128,128,.2);background:none;\n color:var(--txt3,rgba(255,255,255,.4));transition:all .2s;\n}\n.helpful-btn:hover,.helpful-btn.active{\n border-color:var(--pink);color:var(--pink);background:rgba(192,65,90,.06)}\n.helpful-thanks{font-family:var(--sans);font-size:11px;color:var(--pink);display:none}\n.helpful-thanks.show{display:block}\n\n/* ── Page reading progress (long guides) ── */\n.read-progress{\n position:fixed;top:0;left:0;height:2px;\n background:var(--gold,#C9A84C);z-index:9999;width:0;\n transition:width .1s linear;\n}\n\n\n/* FOOTER */\n/* ═══ FOOTER BASE ═══ */\n.site-footer{\n background:#0a0906;\n position:relative;\n}\n\n/* ── CONTACT FORM STRIP ── */\n.footer-form-strip{\n border-bottom:0.5px solid rgba(201,168,76,0.1);\n padding:5rem 4rem;\n background:rgba(255,255,255,0.01);\n}\n.footer-form-wrap{\n max-width:1000px;\n margin:0 auto;\n}\n.footer-form-header{\n margin-bottom:2.5rem;\n}\n.footer-form-eye{\n font-family:var(--sans);font-size:9px;\n letter-spacing:0.32em;text-transform:uppercase;\n color:var(--gold);margin-bottom:0.8rem;\n}\n.footer-form-title{\n font-family:var(--serif);font-style:italic;font-weight:300;\n font-size:clamp(20px,2.5vw,32px);\n color:#fff;line-height:1.3;letter-spacing:-0.01em;\n}\n\n/* Form grid */\n.footer-form-row{\n display:grid;\n grid-template-columns:repeat(4,1fr);\n gap:1rem;\n margin-bottom:1rem;\n}\n.footer-form-field{\n display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:0.4rem;\n}\n.footer-form-field-full{\n margin-bottom:1.2rem;\n}\n.footer-form-label{\n font-family:var(--sans);font-size:9px;\n letter-spacing:0.18em;text-transform:uppercase;\n color:rgba(255,255,255,0.4);\n}\n.footer-form input,\n.footer-form select,\n.footer-form textarea{\n background:rgba(255,255,255,0.04);\n border:0.5px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.1);\n color:#fff;\n font-family:var(--sans);font-size:13px;font-weight:300;\n padding:10px 14px;\n outline:none;\n transition:border-color 0.3s,background 0.3s;\n width:100%;\n appearance:none;\n -webkit-appearance:none;\n}\n.footer-form input::placeholder,\n.footer-form textarea::placeholder{\n color:rgba(255,255,255,0.2);\n}\n.footer-form input:focus,\n.footer-form select:focus,\n.footer-form textarea:focus{\n border-color:rgba(201,168,76,0.5);\n background:rgba(255,255,255,0.06);\n}\n.footer-form select{\n background-image:url(\"data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' width='10' height='6'%3E%3Cpath d='M0 0l5 6 5-6z' fill='rgba(201,168,76,0.6)'/%3E%3C/svg%3E\");\n background-repeat:no-repeat;\n background-position:right 14px center;\n padding-right:32px;\n cursor:pointer;\n}\n.footer-form select option{\n background:#1a1918;color:#fff;\n}\n.footer-form textarea{\n resize:vertical;min-height:80px;\n}\n\n/* Submit row */\n.footer-form-submit-row{\n display:flex;align-items:center;\n justify-content:space-between;\n gap:1rem;flex-wrap:wrap;\n}\n.footer-form-legal{\n font-family:var(--sans);font-size:10px;\n color:rgba(255,255,255,0.2);line-height:1.6;\n}\n.footer-form-legal a{\n color:rgba(255,255,255,0.35);\n text-decoration:none;\n}\n.footer-form-btn{\n display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:0.6rem;\n background:var(--pink);border:none;cursor:pointer;\n font-family:var(--sans);font-size:10px;\n font-weight:500;letter-spacing:0.2em;text-transform:uppercase;\n color:#fff;padding:12px 28px;\n transition:background 0.25s,gap 0.3s;\n white-space:nowrap;\n}\n.footer-form-btn:hover{background:var(--pink2);gap:0.9rem}\n.footer-form-btn-arrow{\n display:inline-block;transition:transform 0.3s;\n}\n.footer-form-btn:hover .footer-form-btn-arrow{transform:translateX(4px)}\n\n/* Success message */\n.footer-form-success{\n padding:1rem 0;\n font-family:var(--serif);font-style:italic;\n font-size:16px;color:var(--gold-l);\n}\n\n/* ── MAIN COLUMNS ── */\n.footer-main{\n display:grid;\n grid-template-columns:1.5fr 1fr 1fr 1.2fr;\n gap:3rem;\n max-width:1200px;margin:0 auto;\n padding:5rem 4rem;\n border-bottom:0.5px solid rgba(201,168,76,0.1);\n}\n\n/* Brand col */\n.footer-logo{\n display:block;height:40px;width:auto;\n margin-bottom:1.6rem;\n opacity:0.85;\n}\n.footer-seo-text{\n font-family:var(--sans);font-size:11px;\n font-weight:300;line-height:1.85;\n color:rgba(255,255,255,0.38);\n margin-bottom:2rem;\n}\n\n/* Chotusingh */\n.footer-chotu{\n margin-bottom:1.2rem;\n}\n.footer-chotu-img{\n display:block;height:100px;width:auto;\n object-fit:contain;\n mix-blend-mode:lighten;\n filter:brightness(1.1) contrast(1.05);\n margin-bottom:0.4rem;\n}\n.footer-chotu-line{\n font-family:var(--serif);font-style:italic;font-weight:300;\n font-size:11px;color:rgba(255,255,255,0.22);\n line-height:1.5;\n}\n\n/* Nav cols */\n.footer-col{\n display:flex;flex-direction:column;\n}\n.footer-col-brand{\n display:flex;\n flex-direction:column;\n}\n.footer-col-title{\n font-family:var(--sans);font-size:9px;\n font-weight:500;letter-spacing:0.28em;text-transform:uppercase;\n color:var(--gold);\n margin-bottom:1.4rem;\n padding-bottom:0.8rem;\n border-bottom:0.5px solid rgba(201,168,76,0.15);\n}\n.footer-links{\n list-style:none;\n display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:0.65rem;\n}\n.footer-links a{\n font-family:var(--sans);font-size:12px;font-weight:300;\n color:rgba(255,255,255,0.42);text-decoration:none;\n transition:color 0.3s ease, padding-left 0.3s ease;\n line-height:1.4;display:block;\n}\n.footer-links a:hover{\n color:rgba(255,255,255,0.85);\n padding-left:4px;\n}\n\n/* Contact col */\n.footer-col-contact{\n justify-content:space-between;\n display:flex;\n flex-direction:column;\n}\n.footer-col-contact .footer-apps{\n margin-top:auto;\n}\n.footer-contact-item{margin-bottom:1.1rem}\n.footer-contact-lbl{\n display:block;\n font-family:var(--sans);font-size:8px;\n letter-spacing:0.22em;text-transform:uppercase;\n color:var(--gold);opacity:0.65;margin-bottom:0.25rem;\n}\n.footer-address{\n font-family:var(--sans);font-size:11px;font-weight:300;\n 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\n Stain Removal\n The Swiss Laundry  ·  Expert Guide\n
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How to remove oil and grease stains — ghee, cooking oil, mustard oil.

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\n The Swiss LaundryKasba, Kolkata\n 18 Jun 2026\n 5 min read\n
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Oil stains are among the most treatable stains when caught fresh. They become among the most permanent when left to oxidise. This guide covers the home method, the oxidation timeline, and what professional treatment does that home cannot.
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At a glance

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What this guide covers.

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  • Fresh oil stains are among the easiest to remove professionally — solvent dissolves fat-based stains effectively
  • The home approach of applying dish soap works for cotton and synthetics when the stain is fresh
  • Oil stains that have been through a hot wash or dryer have oxidised and become significantly harder to remove
  • Mustard oil and ghee oxidise faster than refined cooking oils — the 48-hour window matters more for Indian cooking fats
  • Invisible oil stains from food contact or body oils cause the yellowing on stored garments — clean before storing
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Home method

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What you can do at home — and when it actually works.

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Oil stains respond to surfactant-based home treatment on robust fabrics when the stain is fresh. The principle is straightforward: dish soap molecules have a hydrophobic end that binds to the oil and a hydrophilic end that allows water to carry it away. On cotton and synthetic fabrics, this works reasonably well. On silk and wool, it is significantly more risky.

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Absorb the excess immediately
For any oil stain — ghee, cooking oil, mustard oil — blot the excess immediately with a clean dry cloth or paper towel. Press gently, do not rub. For solid fats like ghee, you can gently scrape the surface with the back of a spoon before blotting.
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Apply absorbent powder — all fabrics
Cornstarch, talcum powder, or plain white chalk applied to a fresh oil stain draws the oil out of the fabric surface through absorption. Leave for 15–30 minutes, then gently brush away. This step is safe for all fabrics including silk and wool.
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Liquid dish soap — cotton and synthetics only
Work a small amount of clear liquid dish soap gently into the stain on cotton or synthetic fabric. Leave for 5 minutes. Rinse with cold water. Repeat if needed. Do not use on silk, wool, or embroidered fabric.
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Check before drying — never heat an oil stain
Before putting the garment in a dryer or ironing it, check whether the stain is fully removed. If any oil remains, heat will set it permanently. Air dry and repeat the treatment rather than applying heat to a partially treated stain.
Why ghee and mustard oil are harder than refined oil

Ghee and mustard oil are unsaturated fats that undergo oxidative polymerisation on contact with air and fabric — they gradually transform from a simple fat into a cross-linked polymer that is chemically similar to a varnish. Refined cooking oils are more saturated and polymerise more slowly. The implication: a ghee stain left overnight has already begun this process. A refined oil stain has more time before the chemistry changes.

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Where home treatment fails

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The point at which home treatment makes it worse.

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Two specific actions make oil stains permanent. Both are natural instincts. Both are wrong.

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Heat — dryer, iron, or hot wash
Any heat applied to an oil stain before it is fully removed causes the oil to bond permanently with the fibre. The heat drives the oil deeper into the weave and triggers the same oxidative polymerisation that makes old oil stains so difficult. A garment that goes through a hot dryer with an oil stain may have that stain permanently.
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Water on silk with an oil stain
Applying water to an oil-stained silk garment causes the water to spread the oil-water boundary and can create a ring mark around the original stain that is sometimes more visible than the stain itself. The oil does not dissolve in water — the water simply creates a new boundary.
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Storing without cleaning
The invisible oil stains on garments from food contact, body oils, and kitchen proximity oxidise during storage. A kurta stored after wearing near a kitchen may have no visible stains but contains surface oils that will emerge as yellow patches after 3–6 months in storage. Clean before storing, not before the next wearing.
The oxidation timeline for Indian cooking fats

Mustard oil: begins polymerising within 12–24 hours on fabric. Ghee: begins within 24–48 hours. Refined cooking oil: begins within 72–96 hours. Once polymerisation begins, removal difficulty increases significantly with each passing day.

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Professional treatment

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What professional treatment does differently.

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Hydrocarbon dry cleaning solvent is chemically similar to the oils it removes — this is the \"like dissolves like\" principle of solvent chemistry. A fat-based stain dissolves readily in hydrocarbon solvent in a way that it simply cannot in water-based cleaning. This is why professional dry cleaning is the correct method for oil stains, particularly on delicate fabrics.

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Pre-spotting for oxidised oil stains
For oil stains that have begun to polymerise, pre-spotting with a targeted reducing agent breaks the polymer bonds before the solvent cycle. This is the step that home treatment cannot replicate — it requires chemistry and controlled application that is not available to the consumer.
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Full solvent cycle — dissolves what detergent cannot
The enclosed hydrocarbon solvent cycle dissolves the oil and carries it away from the fabric without the water-spreading problem of home washing. The solvent penetrates the full depth of the weave, not just the surface. Oil that has migrated deep into the fabric during storage is reached and dissolved.
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The invisible soil removal — stored garment service
The most important oil stain service for Indian wardrobes is the removal of invisible oils before storage. Bringing garments for cleaning before storing — not after — removes the oxidisable surface oils that create yellowing during storage. This is the single most cost-effective garment preservation action available.
The fresh stain advantage

An oil stain on any fabric brought to us within 48 hours of the incident has a very high complete removal rate — including on silk sarees, embroidered lehengas, and heavy woolens. The same stain brought after a week, or after a hot wash, has a significantly lower prognosis. Time and heat are the two enemies. Professional treatment is most effective when used early.

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Questions answered

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Oil stain questions
answered directly.

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Do not apply water. Do not machine wash. Blot the excess gently with a clean dry cloth, then apply cornstarch or talcum powder to absorb the surface fat. Bring it to a professional dry cleaner within 24–48 hours. Ghee on silk is very treatable when fresh — the hydrocarbon solvent dissolves it cleanly. After 48 hours, polymerisation begins and removal becomes more difficult.

Heat-set oil stains on cotton can sometimes be partially treated professionally. Complete removal is less likely once the oil has polymerised and been heat-set, but improvement is usually achievable. Bring it in and we will assess it honestly before attempting treatment.

Yes. Body oils are fat-based and dissolve readily in hydrocarbon dry cleaning solvent. The yellowing under collars and in underarm areas is caused by oxidised body oils — professional dry cleaning removes both fresh and mildly oxidised body oils. Very old, heavily oxidised body oil staining (years of accumulation) may only be partially improved.

WD-40 is sometimes recommended online for oil stain removal because its solvent component can dissolve the stain. However, WD-40 leaves its own oily residue in the fabric that is difficult to remove completely and may attract more soiling. For valuable or delicate garments, this creates a second problem alongside the first. Use the dry absorbent powder method at home and bring it to a professional for complete treatment.

Clean all garments before storing — even if they appear clean. Invisible surface oils from food proximity, cooking vapour, and body contact oxidise during storage and emerge as yellow staining. The rule is simple: if it has been worn, clean it before storing it.

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\n The Swiss Laundry — Stain Removal Specialists\n 13 years of professional stain treatment from Kasba, Kolkata. P-4 Kasba Industrial Estate, Phase III, E.M. Bypass (East), Kolkata 700107.\n
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Published: 18 Jun 2026
Updated: 18 Jun 2026
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Remove the risk.
Completely.

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Fresh oil stains on silk, wool, and embroidered garments — this is exactly what we treat. Bring it within 48 hours for the best outcome.

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\n Book a Pickup\n WhatsApp for Advice\n Call 9836233354\n
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