How to Get Tough Grease Stains Out of Clothes

Grease stains can be notoriously difficult to remove from clothing. Over time, the oil soaks deep into the fibers, making it a challenge to lift out. However, grease stains don’t have to mean the end for your favorite shirt or pair of pants. With some tried and true removal methods, even tough grease stains can be conquered.

Prep the Stain

Before doing anything else, you’ll want to prep the grease stain to make it easier to remove. Here are some tips:

Act quickly – The sooner you can get to the stain after it happens, the better. The longer grease sits, the more it can penetrate fibers and become stubborn. Ideally, treat stains immediately.
Blot excess grease – Use a clean paper towel or cloth to gently blot up any excess grease sitting on top of the fabric. Don’t scrub, which can grind the grease in further.
Sprinkle on baking soda – Liberally sprinkle baking soda over the stain. The baking soda will work to draw out and absorb grease.
Let sit – Allow the baking soda to sit on the stain for at least 15-30 minutes. Overnight is even better to give the baking soda time to really pull out grease.

Use Dish Soap and Water

One of the most effective homemade stain removers for grease is simple dish soap. Here’s how to leverage its grease-cutting power:

Add a few drops of liquid dish soap like Dawn to a bowl of warm water. Use a mild detergent without added scents or moisturizers.
Using a clean toothbrush or other soft brush, gently scrub the dish soap solution into the stain. Make sure to work the solution thoroughly across the whole stain.
Let the dish soap sit for 15-20 minutes to penetrate the fabric and lift the grease.
After sitting, rinse the clothing under running warm water while continuing to gently scrub the stain.
Check to see if the grease is gone. Repeat scrubbing with dish soap as needed until the stain lifts.
Launder as usual once the stain is removed. The dish soap helps release grease so it can be washed away.

Use Baking Soda and Vinegar

For an all-natural stain-fighting duo, reach for baking soda and vinegar. The combination of the two helps dissolve and lift grease. Follow these steps:

Start by sprinkling a generous layer of baking soda over the grease stain.
In a spray bottle, mix equal parts water and distilled white vinegar. Thoroughly spray the stain with the vinegar solution until damp.
Allow the baking soda and vinegar to bubble and fizz on the stain for 20-30 minutes. As it reacts, it will go to work lifting the grease.
Once done sitting, use a clean toothbrush or brush to gently scrub the paste that forms over the stain.
Rinse well with warm water. Check to see if the stain is gone. Repeat application of baking soda and vinegar as needed.
Wash as usual to remove any residue. The combination of the acid in vinegar and the absorbency of baking soda helps conquer stubborn oil stains.

Use Liquid Laundry Detergent

For machine-washable items, liquid laundry detergent can be used as an effective pre-treatment for grease stains. Here’s how:

Apply a generous amount of liquid laundry detergent like Tide directly onto the stain.
Using your fingertips or an old toothbrush, gently work the detergent into the fabric. Make sure to scrub across the entire stain.
Allow the laundry detergent to sit on the stain for at least 30 minutes before washing to give it time to penetrate and lift grease.
Wash the item as usual per care label instructions. The laundry detergent helps release the oil so it can be rinsed away.
Check after washing to see if the stain is fully removed. Repeat detergent treatment and washing as needed.

The surfactants and enzymes in laundry detergent work to dissolve oil-based stains and prep them for removal in the wash.

Use Pre-Treatment Sprays and Gels

For a convenient option, look to pre-treatment sprays and gels specifically designed to target grease stains. Options like Shout, Zout, and Spray ‘n Wash are specially formulated to break down fat and oil.

Start by thoroughly spraying or applying the pre-treatment directly to the stain. Really focus on covering the entire affected area.
Let the product sit and penetrate for 5-10 minutes. Some products may require longer dwell time for optimal effect.
For sprays, blot lifted grease with a clean paper towel or cloth. For gels, use a brush to gently scrub.
Rinse the treated area with cool water. Check to see if the stain has lifted.
Launder as usual. The stain should release in the wash after pre-treating.
Repeat pre-treatment if any residue remains. Multiple applications may be required for tough stains.

Specialized grease stain removers use strong surfactants tailored to cutting through oil and grease – making light work of even heavy stains.

Use Oxygen Bleach

For white or color-safe fabrics, oxygen bleach (like OxiClean) offers stain-fighting power on grease. Follow these tips:

Create a concentrated paste by mixing 1 part oxygen bleach powder with 2 parts warm water.
Thoroughly work the oxygen bleach paste into the fabric using a clean toothbrush or bristled brush.
Let the paste sit for at least 8 hours or overnight. This allows time for the oxygen bleach to penetrated and lift the stain.
Rinse the paste out with cool running water. Check to see if the stain has lifted.
Launder as usual. The activated oxygen bleach helps release the bond of the oil stain so it can wash away.
Repeat oxygen bleach treatment if any residue remains and wash again. Be patient – it may take multiple applications.

The releasing agents in oxygen bleach helps dissolve the grease so it can be removed. Take care when using on colors, testing first.

Use Hydrogen Peroxide

As a household staple, hydrogen peroxide also offers grease-removing benefits. Here’s how to apply it:

Start by mixing 1 part 3% hydrogen peroxide with 1 part water.
Gently sponge or spray the hydrogen peroxide solution directly on the grease stain.
Allow to solution to sit for at least 15 minutes to penetrate the fabric.
Blot lifted grease residue with a clean cloth. Avoid scrubbing.
Rinse thoroughly with cool running water.
Wash as usual to remove any remaining hydrogen peroxide and lift grease it treats.
Repeat hydrogen peroxide treatment if needed before washing again. It may take multiple applications.

Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleaching agent that helps release oil stains, making them easier to remove. Always test first in an inconspicuous area.

Use Ammonia

For especially stubborn oil stains, ammonia is a strong grease-cutting agent. Follow safety precautions when using and work in a ventilated area.

In a spray bottle, mix 1 tablespoon of clear household ammonia with 1 cup of warm water.
Liberally spray the ammonia solution directly on the grease stain. Thoroughly saturate the fabric.
Let the ammonia sit for at least 30 minutes to penetrate and interact with the oil.
Rinse thoroughly with cool water until ammonia smell dissipates.
Wash garment as usual to lift released grease stain.
Reapply ammonia treatment if stain remains and wash again. Never mix ammonia with bleach.

The strong alkaline pH of ammonia reacts with fatty acids in grease and oil to help loosen and lift stains. Use with caution and only on colorfast fabrics.

Use Talcum Powder

For a dry treatment, talcum powder can also absorb and pull fresh grease stains from fabric. Here’s how:

Apply a generous layer of talcum powder directly over the grease stain. Use enough to completely coat the stain.
Allow the powder to sit for at least 2-3 hours to draw out the grease. Overnight is best for heavy stains.
Once the powder has dried, use a stiff brush to gently brush it off. This will lift absorbed grease with the powder.
Check to see if stain has lifted. Repeat powder application if needed.
Once grease is removed, launder the garment as usual.

The tiny particles in talcum powder work like a blotting paper, absorbing grease so it can be removed. Best for fresh stains.

Use Dry Cleaning Solvent

For delicates and dry clean only fabrics, a dry cleaning solvent like Dryel can lift stubborn oil stains at home. Here’s how to use it:

Start by applying a small amount of dry cleaning fluid directly to the stain. Only use these solvents in well-ventilated areas.
Gently rub the solvent into the stain using a soft-bristled lint-free cloth, concentrating on the stained area.
Let the solvent penetrate for 2-3 minutes. Then blot lifted grease residue with a clean section of cloth.
Repeat application of solvent and blotting until no more grease transfers to the cloth.
Once stain is treated, let garment air dry fully before wearing or dry cleaning.

Spot treat stains with dry cleaning solvents before taking any garment to the cleaners for best results. Always follow safety guidelines when using chemical solvents.

Launder with Borax

For laundry loads containing greasy stains, washing with borax can help remove them and prevent redepositing. Here’s how:

Add 1⁄2 cup borax along with regular laundry detergent to your usual wash cycle. Use hot water if safe for fabrics.
Wash greasy items using a full wash cycle, allowing borax time to work.
Avoid overloading the washing machine, which can lead to redepositing grease on clothes.
If needed, pre-treat remaining stains with dish soap or another remover before washing again with borax.

The alkaline pH of borax helps saponify greasy oils, allowing them to release from fabric rather than redepositing. It’s a useful booster for laundry.

Take Other Measures

Check care labels – When tackling grease stains, always consult clothing care labels first. Follow recommended washing instructions.
Work in a well-ventilated space – When using chemical treatments like ammonia or solvents, proper ventilation is a must. Open windows and work in a well-aired area.
Test on inconspicuous spots first – To prevent damage, test stain removers in an inside seam or hidden area before treating visible stains.
Avoid excessive heat – Exposing grease stains to hot dryers or irons before removal can permanently set the stain.
Be patient – Heavy grease stains often require multiple treatments. Persistence and repeating steps pays off.

With the right techniques and products, even longtime grease stains can be removed from clothing and other washable fabrics. Follow these tips to restore stained garments and keep them in circulation. What grease stains on your clothes respond best to these removal methods?

Common Questions About Removing Grease Stains

Removing tough grease stains takes the right techniques. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

How do I get old grease stains out of clothes?

For grease stains that have set in over time:

Pre-treat with a heavy duty stain remover like OxiClean or ammonia before washing.
For heavy stains, apply remover and let sit overnight before washing.
Wash in hot water if fabric allows to fully release the stain.
Avoid drying without pre-treating first or stains may set permanently.
Repeat pre-treatment and washing as needed for complete stain removal.

What is the best homemade stain remover for grease?

Effective homemade grease stain treatments include:

Baking soda – Absorbs and lifts grease
Dish soap – Cuts through grease with surfactants
Vinegar – Helps dissolve greasy oils
Hydrogen peroxide – Bleaching agent to release stains
Liquid laundry detergent – Contains grease-fighting enzymes

Combine baking soda and vinegar for an effective stain-fighting duo.

How do you get grease out of clothes that have already been washed and dried?

For grease stains that have gone through the laundry:

Rub undiluted liquid dish soap into the stain and let sit before washing.
Pre-treat with a heavy duty stain remover like Resolve or Carbona.
For whites, make a paste with OxiClean powder and reapply multiple times before washing.
Use dried stains as a guide, concentrating treatments on stained areas before washing.

It will take persistence, but stains can still be removed even after going through the wash and dryer.

What kitchen ingredient is best for removing grease stains?

Out of common kitchen staples, dish soap is the most effective for grease stains. The degreasing agents in dish soap emulsify oils, allowing stains to be rinsed away. For an extra boost, combine dish soap with baking soda or vinegar.

How do you get rid of grease stains on clothes overnight?

To tackle grease stains overnight:

Apply a heavy duty stain remover like OxiClean or Carbona generously to the stain before bed.
For heavy stains, use a brush to work remover thoroughly into fabric.
Cover treated area with a damp towel and let sit overnight, at least 8 hours.
In the morning, launder clothes as usual.
Check for stain removal after washing. Repeat process if stains persist.

Letting grease removers work overnight gives the active agents time to penetrate and lift even stubborn oil stains.

Will washing grease stained clothes make it worse?

Washing clothes without pre-treating grease stains first can make them worse by setting them permanently into fabric. The heat from the dryer can also bake in stains. Always pre-treat grease before washing to ensure it fully releases. Borax can also help prevent redepositing grease when added to the wash cycle.

Conclusion

Grease stains can certainly be frustrating. But don’t resign your favorite shirt or trousers to the rag bag just yet. With the right stain removal methods and a bit of elbow grease, you can conquer even the toughest oil stains. Key is to act quickly and not let stains set. Knowing which grease-fighting ingredients work best for your particular stains also helps restore fabrics.

Next time you get an unfortunate grease spill, try dish soap, baking soda, vinegar or another go-to stain buster. With some scrubbing and repeat treatments, you can erase the evidence of those pesky drips and spatters. Having stain removal products and techniques in your arsenal helps keep wardrobe malfunctions at bay.