As oily stains age they become more difficult to remove. On woven fabrics, oxidized oil stains form a small cross or ragged edge pattern. In knit fabrics, the stains feature sharp leave off marks caused by the inability of the oil to bridgeacross the yarns. Preliminary steps to remove an oxidized oil stain include saturating the stained area with a volatile dry solvent; tamping the area with a brush; applying oily type paint remover to help lubricate the oil; and flushing the area with volatile dry solvent, drying or flushing, and re-drycleaning. Potassium hydroxide may remove oxidized oil stains that cannot be removed by conventional procedures. Prolonged contact with potassium hydroxide, however, may damage the fabric. Because it is not a commercial product, drycleaners must mix potassium hydroxide themselves or purchase it from a pharmacist or local chemistry laboratory.