Things You'll Need
Baby powder
Aerosol petroleum-based stain remover
Liquid laundry detergent
1/4 cup ammonia
Oils are used during massage to help hands move more smoothly over the skin to manipulate muscles. A lack of oil causes friction and can impede the masseuse's ability to provide you with an effective massage. During massage, oils often transfer from the body to the sheets covering the massage table. These stains are par for the course and must be removed regularly to keep the massage sheets in clean condition.
Step 1
Sprinkle baby powder over the massage oil stains to cover them completely. Allow the baby oil to soak up the oil for 20 minutes. Brush the baby powder into the garbage.
Video of the Day
Step 2
Spray the stain with an aerosol petroleum-based stain remover. Oil-based stain removers are most effective for removing greasy stains. Gently rub the stain remover into the sheet at the site of the oil stain before allowing it to soak into the fabric for 10 to 15 minutes to loosen the stain.
Step 3
Launder the massage sheets in the hottest water possible to help remove remaining oil stains. Use a liquid detergent known to work well on grease stains. Add 1/4 cup ammonia to the wash cycle to lift the grease from the fabric fibers.
Step 4
Check your massage sheets before placing them in the dryer. If any grease stain remains repeat these steps until it's removed. Once the oil is gone, place the sheet in the dryer or hang dry.
Tip
Cotton fabric is too absorbent and should be avoided for use on massage tables. Percale fabric with a high thread count, such as 180, is comfortable with a tendency toward being stain- and tear-resistant.
Lighter-colored sheets are less likely to show oil stains.
Warning
Avoid almond oil for massage as it's difficult to remove and can cause sheets to smell.
Video of the Day
- Association Canadienne des thérapeutes en Médecines Douces; Maintenance of Massage Sheets; Jocelyn Vincent
- Reader's Digest: 9 Ways to Remove Grease Stains: Baby Powder
- Good Housekeeping: Stain Buster: Grease: Fabric
- Ohio State University: Quick and Easy Stain Removal Guide: Oil- based Stains
- Mrs. Clean USA: Removing Grease Stains: More Tips for Removing Oily Grease Stains: Ammonia