How to Get Oil Stains Off a Wooden Headboard

When oil gets on wood, it soaks into the surface and leaves a dark spot. Unfinished wood soaks up more oil than finished wood, although oil can stain finished wood as well. Oil stains make a wooden headboard look dirty, but the stains cannot always be removed with regular soap and water. Oil stains often require special chemicals to remove them completely.

Things You'll Need

• Absorbent cloth or paper towels
• Dry-cleaning solvent
• Stiff brush
• Mild shampoo or other mild detergent
• Water
• Rags

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Blot the oil stain with white paper towels or an absorbent cloth. Try to soak up as much of the oil as possible.

   • 2

     Scrub off any residue with mild shampoo and a wet rag. Allow the wood to dry thoroughly.

   • 3

     Apply a dry-cleaning solvent, such as tetrachloride, to the stain. Scrub the stain with a stiff brush and the solvent. Allow the area to dry.