The Retro Trick That Makes Cleaning Up Oil Spills So Convenient

Cleaning up oil stains is among the top household nightmares for many, as they're notoriously stubborn. Still, some mishaps like spilling cooking oil on the kitchen floor can happen to the best of us. And if you don't move quickly, the oil can seep into the surface, leaving an unsightly permanent mark on your pristine floors. This is especially true of porous surfaces like hardwood and certain types of tile. In your hurry to not let that happen, you might reach for your commercial kitchen cleaner, which may or may not be able to get the job done. But if you're in a pinch and need a tried-and-true solution, it might already be sitting in your bathroom cabinet. One of the oldest tricks in the book is sprinkling the spill with some talcum or baby powder.

The reason why oil spills don't stand a chance against these household items is that they're highly absorbent. When you sprinkle these powders over a fresh oil spill, they act fast to soak up the oil before it settles in. It's a quick, low-cost way to prevent a permanent stain, and it's especially helpful when you're caught off guard and don't have any heavy-duty cleaners on hand.

This retro cleaning hack is one of the many ways you can use baby powder around the house, and it's refreshingly simple. First, take talcum or baby powder and sprinkle it directly onto the oil spill. Don't be shy with the amount, as there should be enough powder to completely cover the spill and soak up all the oil. Then, let that sit for 15 minutes so the powder can work its absorbent magic. Once the time is up, just sweep the powder up or use a paper towel to wipe the area clean.

The best part about this trick is that it doesn't stop at floors. The budget-friendly cleaning hack removes oil stains from laundry, too. If you've ever leaned over a pan and ended up wearing some of your cooking, try sprinkling the stains on your clothes with some talcum or baby powder. After letting it sit for a bit, brush the powder off before laundering as usual. This way, you won't have to say goodbye to a favorite top just because you let your guard down a bit in the kitchen.