How to Get Grease Stains Out of Clothes
Grease, oil and fat stains can be some of the most frustrating to remove.
Grease stains aren’t always immediately noticeable, especially if you splash yourself when cooking, so you often won’t even notice them until they’ve already dried. Like any stain, they can be even trickier to deal with once they’ve set in.
But grease stains aren’t the end of the world, and you can remove them. In this blog, we’ll talk you through the best ways to remove grease and fat stains from clothing.
Does grease permanently stain clothes?
Grease can be a tricky stain to clean as it is a lipid, and oil and water don’t mix well.
Grease and oil cling to the fibres within the fabric of clothing and will not dissolve in just water alone. This often means a regular laundry cycle isn’t enough to remove grease stains.
However, this doesn’t mean the stains are there forever! Getting grease stains out of clothing can be tricky, but it’s not impossible.
What dissolves grease from clothes?
While there are many specific laundry products for tackling grease, you can actually treat grease stains with a regular household item – dishwashing soap!
Dishwashing soap is a great option as most people already have it to hand, and it’s designed to break down grease and oil. Some dishwashing soaps have specialist ingredients in them to dissolve grease, making them especially useful for treating stains in clothing, too.
For tougher stains, look for pre-treatment products or grease and oil-specific stain removers.
How to get grease stains out of clothes
So, how do you remove grease from clothes?
If you’re at home, treat the stain as quickly as possible. If you tackle it before it sets, you’ll have a much better chance of removing the stain completely. To remove grease stains, follow these six steps:
Step 1: Blot excess grease
As soon as you notice a grease stain on your clothing, blot away as much excess oil as possible. Kitchen roll is ideal for this, or you can use a clean, dry cloth.
Step 2: Treat with dishwashing soap
Next, rub the grease-affected area with your regular household liquid dishwashing soap. This is designed to break down grease and oil, and can help break down the stain.
Step 3: Rinse thoroughly
Before taking any further steps, ensure you’ve fully rinsed away the dishwashing soap with warm water.
Step 4: Rub with detergent
Just before you put the garment in the washing machine, rub the affected area with your regular liquid laundry detergent, similar to how you’d use a stain remover. This will help target the stain more specifically during the wash cycle.
If you have a specialist stain remover for grease, that’s even better! You can apply it to the stain following the package instructions.
Step 5: Wash on a hot wash
Next, it’s time to put the clothing in the washing machine. You should wash the affected garment on a hot wash. The cycle should be as hot as possible for the garment you’re washing.
Always double-check the label for laundry instructions to see how high a temperature the clothing can take – you don’t want to risk damaging it further
Step 6: Air or line dry
Always air or line dry grease-stained clothing, as dry heat from the tumble dryer can further set stains that haven’t been removed.
For tougher stains, you can repeat the process.
How to remove old grease stains from clothing
As with most stains in clothing, it’s best to wash the garment as quickly as possible, before the stain sets in. However, we understand this isn’t always possible, especially if you have an accident with drips from greasy food while eating out.
The following steps can help limit damage from grease stains you notice while out and about:
If you’re eating out and notice a grease stain while it’s still fresh, you can blot it immediately to remove excess oil and stop it from penetrating the fabric further.
Then, sprinkle the stain with salt, which should be reasonably accessible if you’re dining. The salt has absorption properties, similar to baking soda, and will reduce some grease. The salt will also help prevent the stain from setting and make it easier to tackle once you get home.
If the stain has dried when you get home, dampen the area with water, then apply dishwashing soap. For settled-in stains, you can work the detergent into the stain using an old toothbrush or small scrubbing brush. Then, follow the steps detailed above.
If you’re looking for a next-level clean, explore the range of high-quality washing machines at Hoover. From standard washing machines to efficient washer-dryer combos, explore the full range to find the perfect option for you.