There's nothing quite as frustrating as spilling food on your favourite clothes, particularly when the stain leaves an oily residue deep within the fabric. Oil stains are notoriously tricky to remove, as they repel water during washing and penetrate deeply into porous fabric fibres.

As oil oxidises, it turns sticky and sets firmly into the material, while its tendency to spread makes it even harder to tackle. Fortunately, cleaning expert Chantel Mila, widely known as Mama Mila on TikTok, has shared her trusted technique for combating stubborn oil-based stains using just a handful of kitchen staples. In a recent video, Chantel explained in the caption: "Say goodbye to oil stains on your favourite clothes.

"I saw this trick for oil stains and ran to try it! I found it works well on new oil stains, but for older stains I still think my original method of dish soap and baking soda works better. This one is great if you're in a pinch and don't have time to do a load of washing."

Specifically for oil-based stains, you'll only require two household items. If your standard wash cycle isn't getting the job done, look no further than your kitchen cupboards.

All you'll need is some baking soda, washing-up liquid and a sheet of baking paper. When tackling oil stains, take a small sheet or strip of baking paper and position it behind the stain, reports The Mirror.

You may need to slip the baking paper inside the garment. Generously sprinkle baking soda over the stain, ensuring it is completely covered. The baking soda will assist in drawing out the oil from the stain.

Take a fresh sheet of baking paper and fold it in half. Carefully run an iron over the top of the baking paper, generating heat through to the baking soda beneath. This will help lift the oil even further.

Gently brush away the excess baking soda using your fingers, and watch the stain vanish before your eyes.

This method is particularly effective at tackling stubborn stains such as oil, as baking soda functions as an absorbent material. This means that once applied to oil stains, it soaks up the oil and draws it out from deep within the fabric.

By combining washing up liquid with baking soda, you reap the dual benefits of absorbing the grease while simultaneously cutting through it. Washing up liquid works to break down stubborn oil stains, loosening them prior to washing.

Specialists at cleaning product firm Tide have urged anyone tackling oil stains to act swiftly. Any excess oil should be dabbed away with a piece of kitchen roll before attempting to treat the affected area.

However, exercise caution when using this technique on dark or coloured garments. Baking soda has the potential to fade or discolour the material.

This can occur when baking soda is applied to delicate fabrics or clothing featuring pH-sensitive dyes. Baking soda's high pH level can cause damage to protein-based fibres such as wool, cashmere and silk, and may also cause certain dyes to fade.

While baking soda is not a bleach, it can produce a bleaching effect on coloured fabrics, potentially resulting in discolouration.