Grease stains can be seriously annoying—one slip while eating, a drizzle of oil while cooking, or even a car repair mishap, and suddenly, your favorite outfit has an oily mess on it. Unlike regular stains, grease doesn’t just rinse away with water, making it one of the toughest stains to deal with. The moment it settles into fabric, it clings like it was meant to stay there forever.
Nonetheless, don’t fret—there are simple and effective ways to tackle these stains without ruining your clothes. If you’ve been struggling with oil stains and wondering how to get grease out of clothes, you’re in the right place. With the right approach and a few laundry hacks for grease stains, you can rescue your clothes and keep them looking as good as new.
Let’s break down why grease stains are tricky and how to remove grease stains from fabric using everyday household items.
Does Grease Permanently Stain Clothes?
Not necessarily, but time matters. Knowing how to get grease out of clothes is important because grease becomes harder to remove the longer it sits. Fresh stains? They’re much easier to handle. But if you’ve ever found an old, set-in grease stain that’s already been through the washer and dryer, you know how stubborn it can be.
Grease is different from other stains because it doesn’t dissolve in water. Instead, it seeps into the fabric fibers, making it resistant to regular washing. That’s why using the best grease stain remover or certain home remedies for grease stains is crucial.
Pro tip: If you notice a grease stain, act fast—the sooner you treat it, the better the chances of completely removing it!
What Dissolves Grease from Clothes?
Since grease is oil-based, water alone won’t do the job. To successfully clean grease off clothing, you need something that can break down and lift the oil. Some of the most effective solutions include:
- Dish soap for grease stains – This is a go-to method because dish soap is designed to break down grease on dishes. It works just as well on clothes!
- Baking soda – Great for absorbing excess grease, especially if the stain is fresh.
- Rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer – These help dissolve grease stains and make them easier to wash out.
- Laundry detergent – A strong detergent, especially one designed for tough stains, works wonders when paired with hot water.
Now that we know what works, let’s go step by step on how to get grease out of clothes using these methods.
How to Get Grease Stains Out of Clothes
Dish Soap and Hot Water Method
This is one of the best ways to remove grease stains from fabric quickly.
- Blot excess grease with a paper towel—don’t rub, or it will spread.
- Apply dish soap for grease stains directly to the spot.
- Use a soft brush or your fingers to work the soap into the fabric.
- Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing with hot water.
Launder as usual. If the stain remains, repeat the process before drying.
Baking Soda Absorption Technique
If you can’t wash your clothing right away, baking soda can help absorb the oil before it sets.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the grease stain.
- Let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour—it absorbs oil from fabric.
- Brush off the baking soda and check the stain.
- Wash the garment in the hottest water safe for the fabric.
- Air dry and check—heat from dryers can set the stain permanently.
Rubbing Alcohol or Hand Sanitizer Hack
This method works amazingly well for set-in grease stains that have already dried.
- Dab rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer directly on the stain.
- Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to break down the grease.
- Rinse with warm water and follow up with laundry detergent.
- Wash as usual and air dry.
How to Remove Old Grease Stains from Clothing
Older grease stains are stubborn, but not impossible to remove. If you have a shirt that’s already been washed and dried, you’ll need a little extra effort.
✔ Use dish soap and baking soda together—this double attack works great on set-in stains.
✔ Apply white vinegar before washing—vinegar helps loosen grease from fibers.
✔ Use the hottest water safe for the fabric—heat dissolves grease more effectively.
✔ Scrub with a toothbrush—especially on stubborn stains.
If home remedies for grease stains don’t fully remove the mark, a commercial grease stain remover might be your best bet. Just always check the care label before applying strong cleaners.
Additionally, using the right technique can help get oil stains out of clothes that have been left untreated for too long. The combination of dish soap, baking soda, and hot water is one of the best approaches for breaking down set-in grease stains.
For those looking for grease stain removal tips, remember that pretreatment is key—the faster you apply the right cleaner, the easier it is to remove the stain completely. And when it comes to how to get grease out of clothes, persistence is everything. Multiple treatments may be necessary, but with the right steps, even old grease stains can be removed successfully.
Conclusion
Understanding how to get grease out of clothes can save your favorite outfits from ruin. Grease stains might seem impossible to remove, but they don’t have to. Whether it’s cooking oil, butter, or automotive grease, a little dish soap, baking soda, or rubbing alcohol can work wonders.
If you ever find yourself dealing with a stain and need laundry hacks for grease stains, just remember: act fast, blot the excess grease, and use the right method for the best results.
With these simple techniques, you can clean grease off clothing and keep your wardrobe looking fresh. And if you’re ever unsure about the best way to tackle a tough stain, following grease stain removal tips can make all the difference.
For professional laundry services that take the hassle out of stain removal, check out Bubble Bliss Laundromat. Whether you need wash & fold, pickup & delivery, or expert stain removal, they’ve got you covered!
So the next time an oil stain tries to ruin your favorite outfit, you’ll know exactly what to do!
