Greasy stains on clothing are among the most unpleasant stains, but fortunately, there are several proven ways to get rid of them. Whether it's oil, butter, sauce, or other greasy substances, with a little patience and the right methods, you can save your clothing and turn things around.
Let's take a look at the products that can help you effectively remove grease and how to proceed when you want to get rid of greasy stains.
Home Remedies for Removing Greasy Stains
Whether you can remove greasy stains depends on the type of material, the kind of stain, and the time that has passed. As with other types of stains, it’s important to act quickly. If you don’t have a suitable cleaning product at hand, you can use ingredients and tools you can find in the kitchen or garage. What can help you?
- Baking soda – a very versatile helper that can save an upset stomach, make cakes fluffy, and also remove greasy stains. Simply sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on the greasy stain and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. Once the soda absorbs the grease, vacuum it up or brush it off.
- Cornstarch – similar to baking soda, cornstarch is a great grease absorbent. Simply apply it to the stain, let it sit, and then wipe it off.
- Dish soap – found in the room where most greasy stains occur. If you notice that your favourite shirt has been splattered with cooking grease or your kids have once again made greasy spots on their clothes, apply a small amount of dish soap to the stain, gently rub it in, and let it sit for at least 10 minutes. Rinse the clothing with lukewarm water and wash it as soon as possible.
- Vinegar and water – they are great helpers for cleaning, washing, and tidying up. Mix vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio and spray or pour the mixture onto the stain. This method is especially effective for less stubborn grease stains. Lemon juice works on the same principle and has an even better scent.
- Baby powder – first, blot the excess grease with paper towels. Sprinkle baby powder onto the stain, let it sit for a while, then gently scrape or sweep it off. If the stain hasn't completely disappeared, work a small amount of dishwashing detergent into it. Wash the clothing according to the instructions on the label.
- Rubbing alcohol or technical gasoline – for tougher grease stains, try applying a small amount of rubbing alcohol or technical gasoline directly to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before washing. Be sure to use appropriate protective gear, especially gloves.
- Iron – can help remove nail polish or wax from clothing or carpets. However, proceed with caution. Place a paper towel or newspaper over the greasy stain, heat the iron to a low temperature, and pass it over the towel on the fabric. After each pass, check if the iron's temperature is not too high. The grease will absorb into the paper. If the stain doesn't disappear, try placing another layer of paper between the fabric and the iron for better grease absorption.
Important Guidelines For Washing Greasy Stains
After treating a greasy stain, it's important to prepare the clothing properly:
- Don't delay washing – the sooner you start cleaning the stain, the easier it will be to remove.
- Use a stain remover – before washing with laundry detergent, use a special stain remover or add it to the wash – instructions can be found on the packaging of each such product.
- Wash clothes at the correct temperature – grease dissolves best in warm water, but always check the clothing label to avoid damaging the fabric.
- Check the stain before drying – if the stain hasn't completely disappeared, drying in the dryer may set it further. It's better to check the clothing first and, if necessary, repeat the process.
Grease stains on clothes don’t have to mean the end of your favorite piece. With the right approach and a combination of home remedies and professional cleaning products, you can effectively get rid of them. A stitch in time saves nine.