How To Get Lanolin Stains Out Of Clothes | 5 Clever Tips

Lanolin is a great moisturizing agent used for various reasons. It is a common ingredient in lotions, nipple creams, and lip balms but can leave a stain on your clothes if you’re not careful enough.

Lanolin is our best friend right up till it gets on our clothes.

Treating a lanolin stain from your clothes shouldn’t be rocket science! We describe 5 great methods to get rid of this stubborn stain: 1)powder, 2)dishwashing liquid, 3)ironing, 4)natural hand cleaners, 5)steam cleaner.

What Is Lanolin Oil And Its Uses?

Lanolin oil works best for breastfeeding mums with nipple pain and cracking skin. Many mothers report satisfaction with this oil, which can even be paired with a few drops of breast milk for extra relief.

Many infant care products also have lanolin, like diaper rash cream and baby oil. Other products also have lanolin, such as:

• Lip balm
• Lotions
• Medicated shampoo
• Eye cream
• Cosmetics
• Shaving cream

Many people love that this oil is a natural substance, but its wide range of uses is bound to get your or your baby’s clothes stained eventually. Its fatty nature makes it hard to handle and might have you pulling your hair out, but there are several ways to get rid of it.

How To Get Lanolin Cream Out Of Clothes

Fortunately, lanolin oil and cream stains can come out of clothes even if it seems impossible. Here are 5 tips to get lanolin out of your clothes:

1 Chalk, Baby Powder, Or Cornstarch

Chalk, baby powder, and cornstarch are dry options that act as absorption agents to remove stains. This will not immediately remove the stain, but it will break down the waxy, fatty substance on the fabric.

This can also prevent the stain from spreading everywhere!

2 Your Trusty Friend, Dishwashing Liquid

Dawn Dishwashing Liquid is the solution for almost anything and everything, and it will actually work here too. Apply a good amount to the lanolin stain and leave it to soak for a while.

Rub it in the stained spot on the two sides while pinching the fabric as you do this. By doing this, you don’t have to scrub the fabric and risk damage. Let the liquid soak for a full day and rinse it out the following day.

Dishwashing liquid or laundry detergent is an age-old trick for clothing stains. These are created in a way to break down the grease on your clothes and wash away the residue left.

3 Ironing

You can use your iron on low heat to get rid of a lanolin stain. First, get a paper towel and put it on both sides of the shirt/nursing bra/baby garment. Make sure that the iron is on low heat setting, then place it over the paper towel.

This process will cause the lanolin to stick to the towels. It may take a long while, but you won’t have to wash your clothes afterward.

4 Natural Hand Cleaners

D-Limonene is a natural active ingredient that’s found in many hand cleaners, which is made from the skin of different citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, and limes.

These hand cleaners contain something called turpentines, which can help break down oils on contact. Combining both these additives can help you wash away a lanolin stain easily and quickly. You can use this hand cleaner with water and spray it on the stained area and voilà – stain no more without damaging your clothes!

5 Handheld Steam Cleaner

Yes, using a steam cleaner can help you with a lanolin stain!

A handheld steam cleaner heats up water to very high temperatures that clean and sanitizes areas with ease. You can use your steam cleaner to iron your clothes, and that heat can loosen the lanolin oil.

You can also put a bit of lemon juice in the steam cleaner (only if it’s okay, according to the manual!) so the citrusy hot steam can get into the fabric and drive out the lanolin once and for all.

What To Avoid When Tackling a Lanolin Stain

You should not use heavy-duty chemical cleaners, such as oxygen-activated cleaners. These are meant for heavy stains and can damage your clothes in an attempt to reduce the lanolin stain. You also shouldn’t use brushes, scrubbing sponges, and toothbrushes.

Constant scrubbing can loosen the fibers, stretch the fabric, and eventually ruin the clothing. Even if your nursing bra is made from durable material, it can eventually fall apart with several washes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lanolin oil toxic?

No, it’s not poisonous, but it may cause a minor skin rash for the first time you use it. This only happens to certain people and does not last forever. Lanolin is very similar to wax, so it should not be ingested as it can cause a blockage in the intestines.

How to remove lanolin stains from my carpet?

Blot the stain first with a soft cloth or a paper towel. Absorb the greasiness with baking soda and gently rub it in with a toothbrush.

If you can still see some of the stains, you can use vinegar or a combination of vinegar, dish detergent, and hydrogen peroxide.

Is lanolin better than Vaseline?

Lanolin has a high-fat content (our skin loves healthy fats) compared to petroleum jelly. The high content of fat makes lanolin makes better for skincare. It makes your skin super moisturized and plump. Vaseline is also a good moisturizing agent too.

What stains cannot be removed from clothes?

A simple soap and water trick cannot work for the following stubborn stains:

• Hot cocoa
• Chocolate
• Poop
• Tomato and mustard sauce
• Grass stains
• Permanent marker
• Red wine

It will take a lot more to try treating these stains!