How To Get Massage Oil Out of Sheets

Nick Durante
by Nick Durante

A massage in the comfort of your bed is arguably the most relaxing place you can get one. With that said, a bed isn’t equipped to withstand spills the same way that a spa or massage parlor would be. Because of that, many homeowners struggle with how to get massage oil out of sheets.

Scoop ¼ cup of baking soda onto the massage oil while it is still wet to prevent a stain from forming. You can also soak a rag with warm water, add mild dish soap, and scrub the massage oil to get it out of your sheets. Otherwise, you can fill a bucket with warm water, put the sheet in it, and add a mixture of dish soap and baking soda.

Time is the most important factor as it is much easier to get massage oil out of sheets if you act quickly. Put a towel, plastic sheet, or alternative protective layer on your bed so that massage oil doesn’t get on your sheets. Follow along as we take a deep dive into how to get massage oil out of sheets.

Does Massage Oil Stain Sheets?

Massage oil can easily stain sheets, especially if it has a few moments to sit there. The consistency of massage oil varies between brands, but it is generally fairly thick. It generally contains oils from nuts which can easily stain fabric if it sits for too long.

Sunflower oil and coconut oil are less likely to stain sheets than almond-based oils. You cannot ensure that any particular massage oil won’t stain your sheets. That is why it’s important to know how to get massage oil out of sheets in the event of an emergency.

How to Remove Massage Oil From Sheets

Luckily, you can get massage oil out of sheets with several household items such as mild dish soap and baking soda. There is no magical cure for a massage oil stain, but the combination of fast action and the right stain remover is key. Let’s take a look at the best ways to get massage oil out of sheets.

Baking Soda

Baking soda can soak up nearly any stain, and that includes massage oil. Simply pour ¼ cup of baking soda on the stain to get massage oil out of sheets. Try to put baking soda on the massage oil as quickly as possible after you notice it for the best results.

Baking soda is most effective when massage oil is still wet before it soaks into the sheet too deeply. You can add more than ¼ cup of baking soda if the spill is widespread and deep. Use a vacuum to remove the baking soda and run the sheets through the washing machine after you soak up the stain.

Mild Dish Soap

Mild dish soap is one of the best ways to get massage oil out of sheets. Soak a washcloth or rag in hot water and add a few drops of mild dish soap to it. Gently scrub the massage oil with the rag until you notice the stain becomes lighter.

Dish soap works particularly well if you have colored sheets because it won’t fade the tone. The best mild dish soaps to use to get massage oil out of sheets are Dawn Free & Clear and Palmolive Ultra Pure. Throw your sheets in the washing machine and wash them on the cold water setting when you are done.

Hot Water

Hot water alone isn’t always enough to get massage oil out of sheets, but it works wonders when paired with baking soda and dish soap. Fill a bucket with hot water and place the sheet in it for 1-2 minutes before you add anything. Next, pour ½-1 tablespoon of mild dish soap into the bucket with the sheet.

It is important to use mild dish soap so that you don’t discolor the sheet or soften the material too much. The combination of dish soap and hot water is enough to get massage oil out of sheets in many cases. Add ¼ cup of baking soda to the bucket if you have no success with just hot water and dish soap.

Air dry your sheets after you clean them in the bucket so that they don’t shrink. You can repeat this process and adjust the heat of the water and levels of dish soap and baking soda until it works.

Stain Remover

Stain removers can help remove massage oil from a sheet, but it isn’t always guaranteed. Some products, such as Grandma’s Stain Remover can effectively remove nearly any kind of stain from fabric. However, many stain removers feature bleach which makes them ideal strictly for white sheets.

Check the ingredients of a particular stain remover to see if it contains bleach before you use it. Bleach is a great way to get massage oil out of white sheets, but it can discolor sheets that are colored. Look for a natural stain remover than contains hydrogen peroxide for the best results.

Act Fast

Finally, the most effective way to get massage oil out of sheets is to act fast. Massage oil can quickly settle into sheets which makes it harder to remove. The longer you wait to treat the spill, the more the massage oil will soak into the sheets.

You may be able to get massage oil out of your sheets with hot water alone if you act quickly enough. It is easy to overlook a massage oil spill at first when your mind is focused on relaxation. Inspect your sheets after using massage oil so that you can save yourself the trouble and prevent a permanent stain.

Does Massage Oil Wash Out of Sheets?

Massage oil can wash out of sheets if you throw them in the machine right after you notice it. However, it depends on several factors such as what detergent you use and how bad the stain is. Massage oil is typically made of a mixture of essential oils and oil from various nuts.

Carrier oils and essential oils can both wash out in a washing machine in many cases. This isn’t ideal for every homeowner depending on their washing machine and detergent on hand. The best option is to treat the stain with baking soda, hot water, and detergent before you wash them in a machine.

How to Protect Bed Sheets From Massage Oil

The best way to protect bed sheets from massage oil is to put a thick protective layer over them. Massage oil can still spill onto the protective layer, so it’s important to use something you don’t mind getting stained. An old towel is one of the best options, particularly if you don’t use it as much anymore.

You may need to double up on towels to play it safe as the oil can soak through to your sheets. Place a plastic sheet over your bed sheets if you want to ensure that massage oil cannot soak downwards. Sure, a plastic sheet may not be a pretty sight, but it can prevent you from spending time removing a massage oil stain.

Related Guides

Nick Durante
Nick Durante

Nick Durante is a professional writer with a primary focus on home improvement. When he is not writing about home improvement or taking on projects around the house, he likes to read and create art. He is always looking towards the newest trends in home improvement.

More by Nick Durante

Next