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No matter how careful you are, stains happen. When your perfect pair of nylon athletic shorts succumbs to the greasy properties of oil, don't fret. You have a chance to chase away the stain. Using a quick and convenient method or a homemade remedy, the future of your shorts remains in your hands.
Treating
Acting fast helps keep the oil from soaking deep into the fabric. The longer you wait, the more serious a stain you risk. Blotting the oil with paper towels removes the excess. As soon as you can, slip out of the shorts. Spray the stained area with a laundry pre-treatment product. Allow the spray to remain on the stain for the time recommended on the product label. Another option is to pour 1/2 teaspoon of liquid laundry detergent onto the stain and work it into the fabric with your fingertips. Let it sit for about five minutes before washing. If all you have on hand is powdered laundry detergent, pour 1 tablespoon in a cup and slowly add water while stirring. Make a cleaning paste and spread it onto the stain. Leave it for about five minutes before moving on to the next step.
Laundering
Toss the shorts into the washing machine. Dump in the right amount of liquid laundry detergent and set the machine for "Hot" water wash. Close the lid and let the washer do its work. The combo of hot water and detergent creates a blasting power to break up the stain and banish it.
Drying
Whatever you do, don't dry the nylon shorts until you're positive the stain has made its exit. If you dry the shorts and the stain is still hanging out, it's forever embedded in the fibers of the shorts. So inspect the shorts first to see if you can give them the "all clear" for the dryer. If the stain lingers, retreat it and wash the shorts again.
Precautions
Always eyeball the label of the nylon athletic shorts before working on stains or washing. Some manufacturers may give specific directions for washing the shorts. Or they may advise against using certain cleaning methods or products. Learn how to care for the clothing before you start cleaning to avoid more damage.
