Grease stains are a nightmare. Whether you're a mechanic, a fry cook, just cook with oil at home, or work in any other greasy environment, you know what I'm talking about. It seems like I'm always wearing a favorite shirt when my cooking oil (or bacon grease) decides to "pop" on the stove and hit my shirt.
Grease is notorious for being one of the most difficult substances to remove from clothing (next to ink stains). If you're at home and have an unfortunate grease/fashion emergency, try using these 5 tricks for how to remove grease stains from clothes to save you time, money, and frustration and get rid of those stains. Let's get scrubbing.
*Before we jump in, I need to say I have tried all of these and have not had a problem with color bleaching, staining, or otherwise ruining my clothing. If you have concerns about this, test one of the methods on an inconspicuous area of the garment before going crazy on the stain.*
Hairspray
No, not the musical. The beauty product. Saturate the grease stain with hairspray (with a paper towel liner underneath the garment) and let it sit for about 30 minutes. This step alone should start to show an improvement. Regardless, pop your clothing in the washer for a full cycle and then air or hang dry. Don't dry your clothing article until you're sure the grease stain has been removed. Otherwise, drying to set in the stain.
Shampoo
Rub the shampoo into the grease stain like you would with any detergent pre-treatment. The shampoo works in much the same way that it removes the oils and grease from our hair. Wash the clothing like normal afterward.
WD-40
Although this might seem odd to get rid of a stain by making a stain, you can use WD-40 to get rid of an oil stain. Be sure to use a piece of cardboard under the stain to keep the WD-40 from staining additional sections of your clothes.
Saturate the grease stain with WD-40, sprinkle with baking soda, and use an old toothbrush to scrub the baking soda into the WD-40. Wash by hand with blue Dawn dish soap to remove the oils from the grease and WD-40 and then wash the garment as directed on the tag.
Coca-Cola
Pour Coke liberally onto the grease stain and let it soak in for an hour or two. Toss it in the washer like business as usual, and air dry. No sign of the grease stain and no stain from the Coke either.
Aloe Vera Gel
Soothe your sunburn and your grease stains all at the same time! Soak the garment in water, scrub the aloe vera gel into the stain in a tight circular motion. Wash the clothing as directed and air dry or hang dry.
Laundry is enough of a chore as it is. Trying to get rid of grease stains just makes it worse. Use these 5 tips to remove grease stains from clothing next time you find yourself going toe to toe with a difficult stain.
Did your favorite method make the list this time? let me know in the comments if you have any additional tips for getting grease stains out of your clothes.
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Laura Riley says
50% blue dawn dish soap, combined with 50% hydrogen peroxide. Put in a spray bottle and it works on just about any stain. If it is a tough stain like oil, as in your subject, it is best to spray it and then use an old toothbrush to help loosen the stain. Then wash as usual. Works every time. My son-in-law spilled red wine on a light carpet and called in desperation. I told him to try that….it worked! I have used this for over a year now for all stains. Hope this helps someone!!
Bonnie O'Neill says
I love this method but need to test for color fastness I had it bleach a spot on one of my garments.
Carla says
I've found that cornstarch is the best for oily stains even if has already been washed. I put the cornstarch on the inside and outside on the stain. It clings to the oil/ grease and leave a distinct bright white spot where the grease is. Wash it and it's gone
Gabby says
Is the stain sapos to be wet before applying the cornstarch?
Corrie C says
No, sprinkle the cornstarch on while the stain is dry to absorb the grease. Then, gently rub some dish soap and/or water into the stain and cornstarch to create a paste and then wash in the washing machine. Check for stains before drying.
Kelsey says
I use either dawn dish soap right on the stain and rub in with a drop of water. Let it sit for a few minutes and then wash. Even washing with cold water takes it out! And my husband is famous for having grease on his clothes at least once a week. Avon bubble bath will also work in a pinch... (was on vacation and had nothing else to use)
Anna says
The hairspray did not work.
Stephanie says
I drove trucks for the military, and lubricating a Freightliner is greasy work- like covered from chest to knees in oily gunk. We'd pour a can of Coke in the washer when we started a load and wash our uniforms as normal. Comes right out. Fun fact: drivers for Coca Cola will use a can of Coke to degrease their engine block.
Zoila says
I am faithful user of Lemon Joy dish detergent . Apply it in the grease stain and let it sit for a while. Wash as usual It works perfect.
Mary says
Spray hydrogen peroxide and then rub in baking soda paste (baking soda and water) let it dry then wash it.