Removing Grease Stains from Clothes

Greasy stains are nothing but oil based stains on the clothes. It mostly occur when clothes are exposed to cooking oil or lubricating oil or automotive grease. We are aware of the fact that removing stains from clothes is tough as they tend to get into the woven fiber. Greasy stains are all the more difficult as they are sticky and get set on the fabrics in no time. When the clothes are exposed to greasy stains, then the situation is all the more difficult. This is because it is sticky that clings to the fabrics. Removing grease stains from clothes becomes easier if you act quickly.

How to Treat Grease Stains on Clothes

The best way to remove grease stains from clothes is to take quick action. As soon as you get grease stains on your clothes, collect a few essential items and treat the stain immediately. For this, you need a spoon, white paper towels, talcum powder or cornstarch and a soft toothbrush. Once you are ready follow the step by step instructions given below:

Step #1: First of all, spread the grease stained cloth on a flat table with the stain facing upward. Take a spoon and try to scrape out some of the grease with it. Do not rub the spoon over the grease as then it will be pushed deeper into the fibers.

Step #2: Take white paper towels and place it on the greasy stain. Then lift the towel and you will find that some greasy material is soaked out of the clothes. If required repeat it with a few more fresh paper towels. Do not use any colored paper towels for this as the color of the paper may stain the fabric.

Step #3: Spread generous amount of talcum powder on the stained area and leave it untouched for few hours. For best results, you can keep it overnight. Next morning, take a soft bristled toothbrush and clean up the powder with it. If you find the residue is still sticky, then add some more powder and wait for few more hours in order to get rid of the stickiness.

Step #4: Now wash off the garment in washing machine using regular laundry detergent. Then air dry it by hanging on a clothes line but do not put it in a dryer. This is because if there are any greasy stain is left behind, then heat of the dryer will make the stain permanent. If it is a delicate fabric, then send it for dry cleaning.

Step #5: After washing or dry cleaning, check out the clothes carefully. If you find that there is still some greasy spot left, then take some alcohol on a cotton ball and rub it over the clothes to get rid of the remaining stain.

How to Remove Old Grease Stains

The stain removal technique that we have discussed in the previous section can be safely used in all types of fabrics. However, some people prefer to wash grease stained clothes with some commercial cleaning product that are specifically formulated for removal of oil stains. When they do not get satisfactory results, then they start looking for how to remove grease stains after washing the stained clothes. In that case, you can try out one or more of the following measures for oil stain removal:

Liquid Dishwashing Soap: This is the same detergent that cleans up grease from your dishes. So, why not use it on trapped grease from clothes. It works effectively on both old as well as new stains. Pour some detergent on the stain and let it get absorbed into the fabric properly for 15-20 minutes. Then give the clothes a normal wash.

Ammonia: Ammonia is an excellent choice for greasy stain removal from clothes. You can directly apply the ammonia on the stain. It can remove even some bad greasy stains. Or you can add it along with the laundry detergent while washing the grease stained clothes

Aloe Vera Gel: Soak the stained part of the fabric in water thoroughly for some time. Then mix a few drops of water to the aloe vera gel and rub it over the greasy stain. Later on, give a regular wash to the fabric.

Hairspray: Hairspray works really well as a grease stain removal agent. Spray a good amount of hair spray on the affected area and let it sit for few minutes. Then wash off as usual.

Before using any product or chemicals for cleaning grease stains on clothes, you must test it on one corner of the fabric to see whether it is safe for the fabric or not. When there is grease stain on silk or wool, it is advisable that you take your garment to a professional cleaner.