How to Remove Grease Stains from Clothes

The faster you get to treating a grease stain the easier it will be to get it out. Grease stains; both food grease or motor oil grease, clings to the fibers of fabric and can sometimes make it more difficult to just wash the stain out in a laundry cycle but taking steps prior to washing can remove many greasy stains successfully.

Using a dull edged tool, like a butter knife or similar, and blotting with paper towels can help draw out the grease. What stain is left you can pretreat to help break up the stain further.

Removing Leftover Stain

After blotting up the initial grease stain you will now need to remove the rest of the leftover staining. Below are some suggestions you can try for getting rid of a these stains.

You will have better results working on fresh stains, and be sure after washing you don’t put any item in the dryer until you are sure the stain has been removed as the heat from the dryer can permanently set the stain.

Using Powders/Absorbents for Removing Grease Stains

Sprinkle talcum powder, baking soda, cornstarch, or cornmeal on the entire stain to soak up as much grease as possible. Let it sit on the stain until it has absorbed much of the grease. You can gently use a clean toothbrush or fingernail to move the absorbent around every so often. When finished, brush powder off.

Dish Detergent (Degreaser)

Pour a small amount of dish detergent on the stained area. Dawn Dish Detergent is an effective grease remover. Gently rub into the stain and let it sit a few minutes. Rinse under warm water to remove detergent. If any stain remains, treat again, leave on item, then wash as usual.

Baking Soda and Dish Detergent

Make a paste of baking soda and dish detergent. Apply it to both sides of the fabric. When you’re done, rinse the area with clean water.

Ammonia

Ammonia is strong and if you use this option for removing grease, be sure to use in well ventilated area or outside. Wear a pair of heavy cleaning gloves, mask and eye protection as well.

And never mix ammonia with other cleaning agents or bleach as it can create dangerous fumes. Do not use ammonia on wool or silk items as it could eat through the fabric.

Mix together equal parts clear ammonia and bleach free dish soap (about 3/4 cups), 2 1/2 cups of warm water and a quarter cup baking soda. Using a clean sponge or rag, generously apply to stained area and blot. Let this sit for about 30 minutes and then rinse. If necessary, repeat prior to washing.

Lestoil

Apply full strength Lestoil to the greasy stain and let it sit for about 20 minutes. Rinse and repeat until the stain is gone before washing.