How to remove grease stains from clothes: These are the right home remedies and the best methods
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Whether you’re a modest or an enthusiastic eater, grease will eventually reach a piece of your clothing. Be it through bacon or a delicious vinaigrette, it will find a way and try to claim your clothes for the dark side of the closet. Since it can be so difficult to remove grease stains from clothes, we’ve gathered the best methods.
How to remove grease stains from clothes efficiently?
Of all the possible enemies of laundry, grease and oil stains are among the most annoying. Not only do these stains show up like a sore thumb on your clothes, but just like red wine stains, they are also notoriously difficult to remove. However, getting rid of grease stains from clothes is not impossible if done properly. The most important thing is to act as soon as possible, preferably as soon as the stain appears. Do not dry your clothes until you are sure it has been removed. Otherwise, grease may set as it dries. Once it sets, the grease stain will be difficult to remove.
Treat the stains with dish soap
When you think about it, this method makes a lot of sense. Liquid dishwashing detergents are designed to penetrate grease. And the best part is that this trick works even on old stains that have been washed and dried several times.
Just squirt some dish soap directly on the stain and let it sit for about 15 minutes before washing. Put the stained garment in the washing machine and check after the wash cycle that the stain has disappeared. If not, repeat the process with more detergent.
Remove grease stains from clothes with baking soda
With this method you can easily remove grease stains from both clothing and fabrics that cannot be washed, such as heavy coats or furniture.
You need:
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Water
- Soap
Remove the excess grease with a paper towel or cloth. Sprinkle the baking soda on the affected fabric and leave it on for 24 hours. Vacuum or brush off the baking soda after a day. Then spray the stain with a solution of vinegar and water. Scrub the area with soap and a brush, then rinse. Repeat the process if the stain persists.
Rub the stain with chalk
Chalk should remove a grease stain from clothing the same way baking soda does. It draws grease out of the fabric and asorbs it. However, don’t use it on large or stubborn stains. Instead, try this trick for small splashes of grease, such as when you’re cooking and a grease stain lands on your T-shirt.
Wipe away the excess food and grease with a clean paper towel. Cover the stain with plain white chalk or scrape some of the powder over it. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes until the grease is completely absorbed, then rub it off. Wash the stained garment as soon as possible.
Remove grease stains from clothing with salt and rubbing alcohol
This method works best for stains on thicker fabrics, like denim and linen, but it can also be used on larger items like chair cushions and rugs.
Mix one part salt and four parts rubbing alcohol and rub the mixture vigorously onto the stain. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes until the stain dissolves and the solution dries. Then vacuum up the excess salt and use a damp cloth to wipe away any stain left behind if you are treating a larger item. If it is a garment, then wash it as usual.
Also read: How to remove makeup stains and save your clothes
How do you get rid of old grease stains?
However, if you’re faced with a stubborn stain that has remained untouched and unaffected by the above methods, then it’s time to bring out the heavy artillery.
Spray the grease stain with hairspray by placing a paper towel under the garment. Leave it on for about 30 minutes. Place the garment in the machine for a full wash cycle and then allow to air dry. If this method doesn’t work the first time, you can repeat it until the stain is completely removed.
It has long been known that cola drinks have amazing cleaning properties, as they can dissolve almost anything. Even if you fear that it will make your stain worse, cola can remove old grease stains. Pour directly onto the stain and let it sit 1-2 hours. Then wash the clothes in the washing machine and let them air dry.
Use waterless mechanic’s soap, which is a type of powdered detergent used in workshops around the world to remove grease from mechanics’ hands. Pour the powder onto the stain, then rub it in vigorously. Leave it on for 30 minutes and repeat the process. Wash the clothes and let them air dry. If the stain is still there, repeat the process until it is completely removed.