Giving your wood furniture a beautiful finish with wood stain can be a satisfying yet messy experience. The purpose of stain is to provide a lasting and vibrant color to the wood, making it a piece of art that you can take pride in. Unfortunately, this chemical can be hard to remove from skin and nails, even with the most careful attempts. So, how do you remove oil stains from your hands?
When cleaning oil stains from your hands, it’s always best to start with soap and water, and if that doesn’t work, you can move on to more aggressive methods like using powerful solvents such as rubbing alcohol or acetone. Other methods include using baking soda, olive oil, or makeup remover.
Although your skin will eventually get rid of the stains from your hands and nails naturally, having them there is still unsightly. Fortunately, there are numerous methods to get rid of the stains. Let’s jump right into the details and look at these methods and some tips to prevent oil-based wood stains from getting on your skin.
How to Remove Oil Stains from Hands
When removing oil stains from hands, it’s generally best to start with the least aggressive approach and work your way up if necessary. Sometimes, plain old soap and water can be surprisingly effective at removing oil stains or wood stain from your skin.
It’s important to act quickly, though, before the stains have a chance to dry on your hands. As soon as the oil stains your hands, quickly wipe off any excess before washing the area with soap and water.
Removing Water-Based Stains
Removing water-based wood stains is much easier since you just need to clean them with soap and water. You can use original Dawn liquid dish soap as it’s gentle on your skin and washes away dirt and oil in a flash.
Apply a tiny amount of the soap on the stained area and wash with warm water. Use your hands or a washcloth to scrub the area gently, then rinse with clean water afterward.
Removing Oil-Based Stains
Whether the wood stain is oil-based or water-based, it’s always advisable to start with soap and water, and if that doesn’t do the trick, you can try something more potent. Some of these remedies are everyday household items you may already have in your kitchen, bathroom, or garage and require multiple applications before removing the stains. They include:
Solvent Method
If you have oil-based stains on your skin that are hard to eliminate, you may need to use solvents. These powerful liquids can dissolve the resins, binders, pigments, and dyes that give wood stains their color and make them difficult to remove.
Unfortunately, solvents that are the most effective in removing a stain from the skin are usually composed of harsh chemicals.
Here are some of the most common solvents:
Rubbing Alcohol and Acetone
Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) and acetone (nail polish remover) are two of the most powerful solvents used in home improvement work and are usually in a DIYer’s toolbox in the garage.
Both substances can be drying, but they are also the most effective at removing wood stains from skin. They break down the stains, so it becomes easier to wipe them away.
To use these chemicals:
- Apply rubbing alcohol or acetone to a clean cloth, then place the cloth on the stained area for a few minutes.
- Wipe it away with a clean, damp cloth, and repeat the process until the stain is gone.
- Once the stain is gone, wash the area with soap and lukewarm water to remove any residue.
Keep the following in mind while using these solvents:
- They’re highly flammable, and you should keep them away from any heat sources or open flames and use them in a space with good ventilation.
- They can cause dryness on the skin, so it is advisable to use a moisturizer afterward.
- They may sting if you have any open wounds on your skin.
- Acetone is more potent than rubbing alcohol and has the potential to dissolve most fabrics, damage surfaces, or strip away paint from furniture. Therefore, be cautious when using it to avoid ruining any clothing or work rags. Wash any rags used with acetone separately from regular laundry.
Mineral Spirits
Mineral spirits or paint thinner is another excellent solvent that can easily remove oil-based wood stains from your hands.
However, like alcohol and acetone, It’s highly flammable, so avoid using it near sources of heat or open flames. It also has stinky fumes, so use it in a well-ventilated area. Additionally, it contains harsh chemicals that can cause severe skin irritation or stinging or burning on your skin.
To remove oil-based wood stains from your hands with mineral spirits:
- Take the lid off the mineral spirits container, cover the opening with a clean rag, and carefully pour a small amount onto the rag to dampen it.
- Wipe the stains with the rag, applying mineral spirits to the entire affected area.
- Move your hand in a circular motion, beginning on the outer edge of the stain. Gradually work your way to the middle, applying pressure as you go. Keep rubbing until you remove the stains.
- Once you’ve removed all the stains, wash your hands with soap and lukewarm water to remove any residue.
- If the mineral spirits irritate your skin, apply lotion or moisturizing cream to soothe the area.
Note: Don’t mix these solvents, as doing so could create dangerous fumes that may harm your health.
Baking Soda Method
The baking soda method is an effective and gentle way to remove oil-based wood stains from your hands. Baking soda is a natural abrasive that can scrub away stains instantly.
To use this method:
- Combine equal parts of baking soda and water to form a paste.
- Apply the paste to your hands and rub it for a few minutes.
- Rinse the area with water and repeat as many times as you need until all the stains are gone.
- Once you’ve removed the stains, wash your hands with soap and water to remove baking soda residue.
Olive Oil Method
If you have sensitive skin, olive oil or any other cooking oil is a great way to remove wood stains from your skin without causing irritation or drying. These natural oils are both safe to eat and use on your skin. The catch, however, is that it may not be as effective as other methods for removing oil-based wood stains.
Here’s how this method works:
- Apply the olive oil on your hands and rub it in for a few minutes before wiping it off with a clean cloth. Repeat this process until there are no more stains.
- Once all the stains are gone, wash your hands with soap and water to remove the oil.
Makeup Remover Method
Using makeup wipes is another gentle way of removing oil-based wood stains from your hands. The benefit of using makeup wipes is that they don’t break down and eliminate makeup from your skin only but do likewise for wood stains.
Since most makeup removers are oil-based, it makes sense that this option would effectively lift away both water-based and oil-based wood stains.
This approach may not be successful for everyone, depending on how long the stain has been there, but it is worth a try if other solutions haven’t worked.
To use the makeup remover method:
- Take a makeup remover wipe and gently rub it over your hands.
- Continue rubbing your hands until the stains are gone. You may need to use several wipes to remove all the stains.
- When there are no more stains, wash your hands with soap and water.
Alternatively, you can use a bottled makeup remover to do the job. Apply a liberal amount to a cotton ball and rub it on your hands until you remove the wood stains.
Tips for Preventing Oil-Based Wood Stains from Getting on Your Skin
You can prevent oil-based wood stains from getting on your skin with the following tips:
Wear Protective Gloves
This is quite obvious, but it’s worth mentioning that wearing gloves is important, as it creates a barrier between your skin and the wood stains. You can buy disposable gloves in bulk to use for various activities, from cleaning the house to working on furniture.
Wear Old Clothes
Put on old clothes- long sleeves and long pants- that you don’t mind getting stained when working on your wooden furniture. If you’ve already stained your favorite outfit, check out our guide for removing wood stains from clothes.
Have a Damp Rag Nearby
Keep a damp rag or paper towel handy to wipe off stains immediately after you get them on your skin. You’ll have to act quickly because the sooner you do this, the better your chances of avoiding long-lasting stains that are tougher to remove.
Use Lotion
Before kicking off a DIY project on your wooden furniture, apply lotion on your body. This way, any stains that come into contact with your skin won’t adhere. If you’re not wearing long sleeves, apply more lotion to your arms so that if anything splatters on them, you can remove the stains easily.