How to Remove Grease Stains from Clothes

Wipe off any remaining grease or oil with a paper towel. Try to remove as much grease or oil from the fabric as possible before proceeding to the next step.

Cover the grease stain with baby powder. You can use regular baby powder if you prefer. If you don’t have baby powder, consider using other absorbent materials such as:

• Cornstarch
• Salt

Use a paper towel or a spoon to scrape the baby powder off the fabric. Be sure to scrape carefully to avoid spreading the stain to other areas of the fabric.

Apply a small amount of dish soap and water to the grease stain using your thumb. Once the soap starts foaming, use an old toothbrush to gently scrub the stain in a circular motion.

• Make sure to clean both sides of the fabric (for example, both the inside and outside of a shirt).

Wash the clothes separately using laundry detergent. Follow the washing instructions carefully as specified on the clothing label.

• When preparing to dry, air dry the clothes outside. Using a dryer at high temperatures can cause any remaining grease stains to set permanently on the fabric.

Apply dishwashing liquid to the entire grease stain. While grease removers can be effective, they aren't strictly necessary. You can also use shampoo this way since it's designed for body oils, so it will work for this type of stain. Additionally, using any body or hand soap will also be effective, just make sure it doesn't contain additives that interfere with cleaning (for instance, Dove soap isn't ideal). For stubborn grease stains, find a bar soap labeled for laundry use. Wet the area with water (or ammonia for better grease removal), then rub the bar soap on the stain until it foams. You can also grate the soap and apply the powder or soap shavings to the stain after wetting it.

• If using bleach, ensure it's diluted, as undiluted bleach may cause clothing discoloration.
• For tough stains, using an old toothbrush will help remove the stain more effectively than using your hands. A foot brush or old nail brush also works, as long as the bristles are strong enough to clean.

Apply soap foam, dishwashing liquid, or shampoo to the stain. You'll notice the stain breaking down. Dishwashing liquid and laundry soaps contain special agents designed to remove grease, and so does shampoo.

Pre-rinse the stained area with water, then wash with vinegar water (optional). Vinegar is a natural cleaner widely used for various purposes, but it reduces the alkalinity of soap or detergent, making them less effective, so avoid using soap or detergent with any type of vinegar. If desired, mix one part vinegar with two parts water and soak the stained area in the water-vinegar solution, then rinse the vinegar out and use the cleaner/shampoo/soap as described earlier.

Wash clothes separately using detergent. Follow the care instructions on the clothing label exactly.

• When drying, hang the clothes outside. Drying in a high-temperature dryer can set the grease or stain into the fabric.

Use a stain remover like Spout to eliminate stubborn stains caused by oil and/or grease. Spray an appropriate amount of the cleaner on the stain and scrub it with a toothbrush.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil. Let the stain remover sit while you prepare for this step.

Carefully lift the pot and pour the water onto the stain from a height. Keep the following tips in mind during this step:

• Place your clothing in a basin, sink, or any other safe location. Do not set it on the floor, and avoid pouring hot water directly onto the floor (or on your feet).
• Try to lift the pot as high as possible. This method works for two reasons:
  • The hot water helps to break down oil and/or grease stains.
  • The impact of the water from a greater height creates stronger pressure on the stain, improving the cleaning effect on the fabric.
• Be cautious! You are handling boiling water. Ensure you pour the water directly onto the clothing and try to avoid splashing yourself.

Repeat these steps for each area with oil/grease stains. Turn the garment inside out and treat the stain with the cleaner/boiling water again if the method doesn't work on the first try.

Wash clothes separately using detergent. Follow the instructions on the clothing label carefully.

• Once you're ready to dry the clothes, hang them outside to dry. Using a high-temperature dryer can cause oil or stains to set deeply into the fabric.

Instead of using bleach, spray a little WD-40 or gasoline on the stained area of the fabric. WD-40 is effective in removing grease stains, much like certain types of gasoline.

• Test in an inconspicuous area of the garment before attempting to clean the stain with WD-40 or gasoline. It's always better to be cautious.

Let WD-40 or gasoline sit on the fabric for 20 minutes.

Wash away WD-40 or gasoline by completely soaking the clothing in warm water.

Wash clothes separately with detergent. Follow the exact washing instructions on the clothing label.

• When preparing to dry clothes, hang them outside. High-temperature drying in a tumble dryer can cause grease stains to become more stubborn.

Complete.

• Dishwashing liquid (preferably clear)
• White vinegar.
• Old toothbrush (optional)