How do I remove body oil marks from shirts and linen (not body oil that is applied - buy DH's own body oil!)

[Alliwantisaroomsomewhere]

DH's shirts and the sheets on his side of the bed seem to be stained with his body oil. I have washed his things on a high wash, but the marks on still there.

How can I get rid of these stains?

Are you washing them in hot water, say 60? Other than that I'd say you'll need a good stain remover, or washing up liquid as it's fairly strong detergent, applied directly to the area prior to washing.

Yes, hot wash at 60 and sheets at 90. Still no luck. I will try washing up liquid! Thanks. One shirt is so marked that if the washing up liquid messes it up further, it will be no loss :)

Thanks, AdoraBell.

Do you use bio powder or non bio? I usually use non-bio, but in this weather the sheets will need bio or DH's side will stay like an oil slick!

Ah, good point! I always use non-bio! I remember my mum using something called Biotex when I was growing up in South Africa. My dad had the same problem with his shirts.

Thanks, AuditAngel!

A good soak in Napisan, then wash at 40 with biological powder with a dash of Napisan should do it

My Mum swears by shampoo. She puts it on the necks of my Dad's shirts and they come out lovely. She did it to DH's shirts when we were there for Christmas and it took the stains right out.

I've done it with baby shampoo and it works. Haven't tried it on sheets, though. Must do that.

soda crystals in a medium to hot wash. It is brilliant for getting up oily stains.

as it is oil, you need plenty of soap/detergent, and to wash, hot, soon (if left, the oil oxidises and goes yellow, this sometimes happens on collars of white shirts that have been washed and put away), and is much harder to clean off.

Bleach will not help, but pre-wash laundry sprays will. I have sometimes used washing up liquid on grease spots, and it can leave a green stain.

Washing soda crystals are a good idea, because it is effective on oil and grease.

Thanks for the replies! Will give soda crystals a go. I tried dish washing liquid and it worked well, but it was clear where I had not used any so that shirt had a big oily stripe in it.