You’re in your office, getting ready for an important presentation. You glance at the wall, and there it is – an unsightly oil stain, boldly defying your attempts at a polished, professional look. With an essential presentation around the corner, you might start an internal panic about removing that stubborn oil stain on the wall while still looking fresh during the presentation. It’s like a stubborn smudge on the canvas of your workspace, threatening to steal the show. But fear not, for in the next few moments, we’ll equip you with the knowledge and tools to transform this oily antagonist into a vanquished foe.

How to Remove Oil Stains on Walls

Determine the cause of the oil stains.

Wondering where the oil stain came from? Or is this a repeated occurrence? If the answer to both questions is yes, then it’s time for you to look for the cause of your oil stain problems. Start by inspecting nearby appliances or surfaces for potential oil leaks. Your paint job might be the culprit if it’s not their fault. Old, oil-based paint can be a sneaky troublemaker.

Ensure to use protective equipment before you start.

Using protective equipment before diving into your cleaning tasks (no matter what it is) is crucial! Not only does it keep you safe from potential hazards in cleaning solutions, but it also ensures that you can do your job effectively and comfortably. So, think of it as your superhero costume – don your gloves, safety goggles, and any other gear before tackling those stubborn wall oil stains. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in keeping you healthy, happy, and ready to conquer your cleaning tasks confidently.

Start cleaning the oil stain as soon as possible.

Just like wine stains, cleaning oil stains promptly is essential. The longer you wait, the more demanding they become to remove. So, when life gives you oil spills, tackle them right away. Your office wall, floors, or parking lot will thank you, and you’ll save yourself the headache of battling stubborn stains later.

Use a clean cloth or sponge.

If you immediately followed the step above about cleaning oil stains, this next step is another crucial step you don’t want to skip. After seeing that fresh oil stain, immediately grab a clean cloth or sponge and carefully dab it on the oil stain. By doing so, you’re not spreading the oil further and actually absorbing it. Plus, it’s cost-effective and eco-friendly!

Give these cleaning solutions a try:

• Dish soap plus warm water: This is your best bet if you don’t want to damage your paint. It is the most gentle solution for removing oil stains compared to the others.
• White vinegar plus water: If the streak is on the stubborn side, then try this solution. We recommend putting it inside a spray bottle for ease of usage. Spray on the stain, leave it for a few minutes, and wipe it off using a clean cloth.
• Baking soda plus warm water: Another solution for stubborn oil stains is this (3 tbsp baking soda and 1 part water), but you might want to be careful when using it since a paste-like solution with grains might damage your paint if you use too much force when scrubbing the stain off.
• Household ammonia plus water: The last solution on the list is household ammonia. Like the white vinegar solution, spray on the stain, wait, then wipe. BUT! Remember to open your windows and doors when using this if you want a well-ventilated office while cleaning.

How To Remove Oil Stains on Different Types of Paint

Limewash Paint

A limewash paint is a type of mineral paint wherein instead of sitting on the wall, the pain penetrates the brick. Below are three easy steps to remove oil stains on limewash paint.

Baby Powder

Grab baby powder or any powder, then dab some on the stain. Doing so lets the powder absorb the oil stain before seeping through the paint and to the wall. Put enough powder to cover the color and leave it for 30 minutes or more.

Brush off

Go back to your powder-covered stain and start brushing the powder off. A used toothbrush or a duster would suffice if the powder on top of the dye is removed.

Sand the wall

Lastly, sand the stain using sandpaper. Be gentle when sanding if you want to avoid ruining your limewash paint.

(NOTE: This method only works on limewash paint, so don’t try it on other paint types.)

Flat Wall Paint

On the other hand, flat paint (also known as matte paint) boasts a unique charm with its smooth, non-reflective surface that adds elegance to your walls. But, it can be sensitive when it comes to oil stains. No worries, though! Dealing with oil stains on your flat-painted walls can be a breeze. And you have two cleaning options to choose from!

• One handy trick is to mix up some mild dish soap with warm water and gently blot the stained area using a soft cloth. This method helps you tackle the oil without messing up that lovely flat paint texture.
• Another option in your stain-fighting arsenal is white vinegar. Just dilute it with water and give the stain a gentle blotting. For those stubborn spots, whip up a paste using baking soda and water, apply it, let it sit, and gently rub it off.

You’ve gained the upper hand in your battle against stubborn oil stains on your office wall. Armed with simple yet effective techniques, you can now confidently face these blemishes and restore the pristine look of your workspace. So go ahead, conquer those oil stains, and confidently step into your presentation, knowing you’ve triumphed over the uninvited smudge on your canvas of professionalism!

If your office walls are sporting more grease than a fast-food joint’s kitchen, fear not; your cleaning experts at Burgos Cleaning are coming to the rescue! Wall stains will be gone in no time, but Burgos Cleaning offers so much more! With a wide range of cleaning services, from wine stain cleaning to municipal hall cleaning to office cleaning, you name it. We have experienced and trained cleaners to solve your cleaning problems at reasonable prices.