How to get grease stains out of clothes

Do you ever struggle with getting grease stains out of your clothes? Well, I’m sure you’ve tried every trick in the book, but nothing seems to work.

If you have oily skin, you probably know how much trouble it is to get rid of those greasy marks left behind from cooking or grilling. The good news is that there are some simple ways to remove them without having to resort to harsh chemicals.

Here are three effective methods to get grease stains out without damaging your clothing.

get grease stains out of clothes

What you’ll need

To remove grease stains from clothes, you will need:

  1. Dish soap or laundry detergent: These products can help break up and lift grease stains from fabric.
  2. Cold water: Rinsing the stain with cold water can help remove as much of the grease as possible.
  3. A washcloth or sponge: You will need something to dab and rub the pre-treatment and rinse water onto the stain.
  4. A commercial stain remover: If the stain is particularly stubborn or does not respond to the initial treatment, you may need to use a commercial stain remover to help lift the grease.
  5. A washing machine and laundry detergent: You will need these to wash the garment according to the care instructions.
  6. A drying rack or clothesline: If the stain is still present after washing, do not dry the garment in a dryer. Instead, hang it to dry and re-treat the stain once it is dry.

Steps to remove the stain

To remove a grease stain from clothes, follow these steps:

  1. Act quickly: The sooner you treat the stain, the better your chances of removing it.
  2. Pre-treat the stain: Dab a small amount of dish soap or laundry detergent onto the stain, then rub it in gently using a washcloth or sponge. Let the pre-treatment sit for a few minutes to allow it to work on breaking up the grease.
  3. Rinse the stain: Rinse the stain under cold water to remove as much of the grease as possible.
  4. Wash the garment: Wash the garment according to the care instructions, using the hottest water and detergent that is safe for the fabric. If the stain is still present after washing, you can try repeating the steps above or using a commercial stain remover.
  5. Dry the garment: If the stain is still present after washing, do not dry the garment in a dryer. The heat from the dryer can set the stain, making it harder to remove. Instead, hang the garment to dry and re-treat the stain once it is dry.
  6. Repeat the process if necessary: If the stain is still present after washing and drying, you may need to repeat the process. It can take a few tries to completely remove a grease stain, but persistence can pay off.

Keep in mind that certain fabrics and dyes may be more prone to staining and may be more difficult to remove grease stains from. If you are unsure about how to safely treat a stain on a particular garment, it is always a good idea to consult the care instructions or test a small, inconspicuous area before proceeding.

Other ways to remove grease stains

Here are a few additional methods you can try to remove grease stains from clothes:

  1. Cornstarch or baking soda: Sprinkle a small amount of cornstarch or baking soda onto the stain and let it sit for a few hours or overnight. The absorbent powder will help soak up the grease, making it easier to brush off.
  2. Vinegar: Mix equal parts vinegar and water, then dab the mixture onto the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse with cold water.
  3. Rubbing alcohol: Dab a small amount of rubbing alcohol onto the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Rinse with cold water, then wash the garment according to the care instructions.
  4. Baby powder: Sprinkle a small amount of baby powder onto the stain and let it sit for a few hours or overnight. The powder will help absorb the grease, making it easier to brush off.

Remember to test a small, inconspicuous area of the garment before using any of these methods to ensure that they are safe for the fabric. If the stain is particularly stubborn or does not respond to these treatments, you may need to use a commercial stain remover.

Tips to prevent grease stains

Here are a few tips to help prevent grease stains on clothes:

  1. Use a napkin or paper towel to blot away excess grease: If you spill grease on your clothing, try to blot away as much of the excess as possible using a napkin or paper towel. This can help prevent the stain from setting in.
  2. Wear an apron: If you are cooking or working with grease, consider wearing an apron to protect your clothing.
  3. Use a grease-proof or stain-resistant fabric: Some fabrics, such as polyester and nylon, are more resistant to grease stains than others. If you are prone to getting grease stains on your clothing, consider wearing garments made from these types of fabrics.
  4. Pretreat clothes with a stain repellent: You can apply a stain repellent to your clothes before wearing them to help prevent grease and other types of stains from setting in.
  5. Keep a stain remover on hand: Keep a commercial stain remover in your laundry room or carry one with you in your bag. This can come in handy in case you do get a grease stain and need to treat it quickly.

By following these tips and taking quick action when you do get a grease stain, you can help prevent or remove stains on your clothing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about removing grease stains from clothes:

Can I use hot water to remove grease stains?

Hot water can help dissolve and remove grease stains, but it is important to use the hottest water that is safe for the fabric. Some fabrics, such as wool and silk, can shrink or be damaged by hot water. Always consult the care instructions for the garment before washing it with hot water.

Can I use bleach to remove grease stains?

Bleach can be effective at removing stains, but it can also damage or discolor certain fabrics. It is generally not recommended to use bleach on grease stains, as it can cause the grease to spread and make the stain worse. Instead, try using dish soap, laundry detergent, or a commercial stain remover.

How do I remove old or set-in grease stains?

If the grease stain has been on the garment for a while and has had time to set in, it may be more difficult to remove. In this case, you may need to use a commercial stain remover or repeat the steps for treating the stain several times. Be sure to follow the instructions on the stain remover and test a small, inconspicuous area of the garment before applying it to the entire stain.

Can I use white vinegar to remove grease stains?

Vinegar can be effective at removing grease stains, as it is able to dissolve and lift the grease from the fabric. To use vinegar to remove a grease stain, mix equal parts vinegar and water, then dab the mixture onto the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse with cold water. Keep in mind that vinegar can be harsh on certain fabrics, so it is always a good idea to test a small, inconspicuous area before treating the entire stain.

Conclusion

In conclusion, grease stains can be difficult to remove from clothes, but with a little patience and persistence, it is usually possible to get them out. The key is to act quickly and pre-treat the stain as soon as possible. Using dish soap, laundry detergent, or a commercial stain remover can help break up the grease and make it easier to remove. If the stain persists after washing, you may need to repeat the process or use a different method, such as cornstarch, baking soda, vinegar, or rubbing alcohol. By following these steps and taking preventive measures, such as wearing an apron or pretreating clothes with a stain repellent, you can help avoid or remove grease stains from your clothing.

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As the founder of Clean It Spotless, I am Melissa Walker, a leading expert in removing tough stains from fabrics, carpets, and upholstery. With over 10 years of experience in the cleaning industry, I have developed my own natural, non-toxic stain-fighting formulas that lift stains while preserving the integrity of the underlying material. My stain removal tutorials are widely read online, and I have appeared on local TV segments demonstrating my techniques. I also present popular stain removal workshops at community centers and schools.