Set-in grease stains can often be removed, even after the clothing has been washed or dried. The key is to break down the oil before washing again.
What you’ll need
- Liquid dishwashing detergent
- Baking soda
- An old toothbrush or soft brush
- Warm water
- Regular laundry detergent
Step-by-step
- Don’t put the garment in the dryer yet. Heat can make the stain even harder to remove.
- Apply liquid dish soap directly to the dry stain. Use enough to completely cover it.
- Gently work it into the fabric with your fingers or a soft toothbrush. Don’t scrub aggressively, especially on delicate fabrics.
- Let it sit for 15–30 minutes.
- For a particularly stubborn stain, sprinkle a little baking soda over the dish soap and gently work it in. Leave it another 15–30 minutes.
- Rinse with the warmest water that’s safe for the garment.
- Apply your normal laundry detergent, then wash according to the garment’s care label.
- Inspect before drying. If any grease remains, repeat the treatment. Don’t tumble-dry until the stain is gone.
For old, stubborn stains
For a stain that’s been through the dryer several times, you may need 2–3 treatments. You can also use a commercial laundry stain remover formulated for grease/oil, following its label directions.
Important: Test any treatment on an inconspicuous area first. Avoid using bleach unless the garment’s care instructions specifically permit it; chlorine bleach generally isn’t the best treatment for grease stains.
If you tell me what the fabric is (cotton, polyester, white shirt, colored clothes, etc.) and whether the stain has already gone through the dryer, I can give you the safest method for that specific garment.
