How to Remove Grease Stains from Clothes: Expert Tips from Love2Laundry
Grease appearing on clothes is a problem that comes out of nowhere. Let’s take a look at some examples. The oil used for cooking dinner, makeup products, and lotions all contain grease. So even a single drop will leave grease behind, and if you don’t pay attention, the stains will dry and spread further. To remove grease stains from clothes, you should seek an expert cleaner like Love2Laundry for guidance.
We provide our customers with effective cleaning instructions for using a durable grease-stain remover to clean the outfit. Moreover, our guide for the washing cycle and drying technique keeps the fabric durable and spotless.
To know more about instructions to get grease out of clothes, continue reading our blog.
Understanding Grease Stains on Clothes
The grease stains attach firmly to the fabric fibers. Sources of these stains include cooking oil, butter, salad dressings, and gravy; besides these, petroleum-derived products, cosmetics, and skin products are among other common offenders.
Because grease does not dissolve easily during a regular wash, it seeps into the fibres and forms dark, translucent patches that may go unnoticed if left untreated.
Are Grease Stains Permanent?
Oils can become permanent stains when exposed to excessive heat, left to age untreated, or washed and dried without proper pre-treatment. The heat from the dryer sets the oil into the fibers, making it much more challenging to lift later. Early action, blotting away excess oil and adding a degreasing agent, increases the likelihood of complete removal.
Types of Fabrics and Stain Sensitivity
Different types of fabrics respond differently to grease. But with the instructions below, you can get grease out of clothes without any hurdles.
Easiest to treat fabrics:
Cotton – This fabric absorbs grease quickly but tolerates strong cleaners and warm water, making it easier to remove stains.
Polyester and blended materials – These fibres absorb oil less readily, but their smooth surface prevents grease from penetrating deeply. This makes it easier for detergents to lift and remove oil during washing, allowing them to work effectively in degreasing treatments.
The most delicate fabrics:
Wool – Most natural fibers can be felted or shrunken; they require very gentle, specialized products and cool water.
Silk – Requires mild detergents and little agitation, which the very delicate nature of the fiber renders it prone to water spots or discoloration.
Essential Tools and Supplies to Remove Grease Stains
When removing grease stains from clothes, you should know the tools and supplies required for the procedure. Instead of using the wrong ones, you can seek the instructions of stain removal experts.
Here are the supplies and tools for removing grease spots on clothes.
- Baking soda
- Cornstarch
- Baby powder
- White Vinegar
- Laundry Detergent (Liquid or Non-Enzyme-Based)
- Soft-Bristle Brush or Toothbrush
- Microfiber Cloths or Paper Towels
Step-By-Step Guide to Remove Grease Stains from Clothes
Grease spots on clothes can be a great nuisance; however, they can be dealt with promptly, using the right wash care product, and the results are appreciable. Cooking oil, butter, splatters from food, the key is acting fast, never using heat, employing absorbent materials, or grease-cutting cleaners. A simple and effective routine outlined here will help remove grease from fabrics without damaging them.
In the following, you will see that each identified stage is broken down into a process to remove oil stains from fabrics.
Step 1 – Blot Excess Grease Immediately
Gently dab any excess liquid from the wet stain with a clean paper towel or cloth. Avoid rubbing, as this pushes the grease deeper into the fibers and spreads the stain. Just press down and lift as much residue as possible.
Step 2 – Apply a Grease Stain Remover or Dish Soap
Put a few drops of dish soap or a grease stain remover on the stain. Gently massage it into the fabric with your finger or a soft-bristle brush for about 5 to 10 minutes. It should be allowed to activate and dissolve the oils.
Step 3 – Sprinkle Baking Soda or Cornstarch
Baking soda and cornstarch are both excellent natural absorbents that help finish absorbing the grease left on your fabric. Sprinkle the grease stain you just treated with the solution and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. After that time, brush or shake it off the powder.
Step 4 – Rinse and Pre-Wash Treatment
Rinse the area with warm water to loosen old grease marks from your clothes. After rinsing, apply a small amount of laundry detergent directly to the stain for a basic pre-wash boost. This way, you can improve the performance of your washing process, as your clothes will be properly pre-treated.
Step 5 – Machine Wash Appropriately
Pop the stained clothing into the machine and wash at the temperature indicated on the care label. Hot water works best against grease, cleaning it, that is, but only if the fabric allows for this temperature of wash. This way, you can tackle the grease spots on clothes easily.
Step 6 – Air Dry Only
Hang the garment to dry; do not put it in the dryer. Any remaining grease is likely to become permanently set by heat. After the garment dries, check the area; if the stain is still there, redo the steps above before drying again.
How to Remove Old or Set-In Grease Stains
Old grease stains may require some more time and stronger treatments. The first steps may be the same as above. An enzyme stain remover or oxygen bleach, safe for colorfast fabrics, would be suitable to remove grease stains from clothes. Then scrub gently, wash, air-dry, and check again. Usually, older stains can be removed after two or three treatments.
Removing Grease Stains from Delicate Fabrics
For delicate materials such as silk, wool, or fine knits, the approach will have to be very gentle to remove grease stains from clothes:
Silk: While soft dish soap or baby shampoo is acceptable, do not rub; blot. Rinse with cold water; baking soda is not recommended because it can be too abrasive. If needed, spot-treat with a silk-safe stain remover.
Wool: Use a wool-safe detergent or very mild dish soap diluted in water. Gently press into the fibers and rinse with lukewarm water; twisting or wringing must be avoided.
Knitted Fabrics: In a very gentle manner, treat the spot with dish soap and lightly massage the stain area. A tiny sprinkle of cornstarch could be used to absorb the stain if necessary. Rinse with caution, as doing so should not stretch the knit.
For all delicate fabrics, always do a minimal test of products on an inconspicuous area, prep in cool water, and let dry flat in the air to preserve shape and texture.
Tips to Prevent Grease Stains on Clothes
Even after washing your clothes, there’s no guarantee that grease won’t spill on them. If it does, follow the tips of laundry & dry cleaning in Dubai to get grease out of clothes and prevent it from spreading. You can see those tips below.
- Wear an apron or protective layer.
- Keep a kitchen towel or napkin in reach.
- Treat any spot immediately.
- Never touch your clothes with oily hands.
- Use a splatter guard while cooking.
- Choose the right fabrics for messy activities.
Expert Advice from Love2Laundry
There might be a time when removing grease stains from clothes feels like an impossible challenge. But don’t panic. The assistance from an expert laundry service like Love2Laundry would be effective.
Not only do we deliver high-quality wash results, but we also offer cost-effective laundry prices suitable for every customer. This way, you can choose a plan that best suits your requirements.
For convenience, you can download our Love2Laundry app for quick laundry service. Everything would be at your fingertips, just open our app, book your schedule, and let us remove the grease stain on shirts.
FAQs – Grease Stains on Clothes
How do you get dried grease stains out of clothes?
Dried grease stains get into the fibers quickly but are still removable if the right steps are followed. Start the process by sprinkling baking soda or baby powder on the stained area and leaving it for 15 minutes. Now, gently brush the stained area with dish soap, then wash the fabric after 15 minutes to remove grease stains from clothes.
Will vinegar remove grease stains?
Vinegar is effective when the grease stains are light or fresh. For heavy and dried grease stains, you might need a more durable cleaning agent. Dish soap or a specific stain remover would be the right choice for removing old grease stains.
What is the best homemade stain remover for clothes?
You can make a homemade stain remover for your clothes with just baking soda, dish soap, and hydrogen peroxide. Take a bowl, add one tablespoon of each cleaning agent, and mix well. Your homemade stain remover is ready to use.
Conclusion!
Now that you know how to remove grease stains from clothes, you can follow a hassle-free cleaning procedure. Cleaning agents like baking soda and dish soap would work fine to remove old grease marks from your clothes.
Moreover, a grease stain remover protects your clothes from further damage and keeps the fabric soft, fresh, and spotless. So, whenever you find grease marks on your clothes, you will know how to deal with them.
