The Best Ways to Remove Stubborn Grease and Oil Stains From Clothes
Taking immediate care of grease or oil stains is “Laundry 101.” Even if you don’t know how to deal with all the other types of stains and spills, understand that they really can’t wait and that dish soap will come in handy. with them.
Unfortunately, these stains can be tricky because when the area around them is damp, it’s difficult to see if the grease is truly gone. And if you then throw it into a pile of laundry, you can inadvertently fix the stain by drying it in a hot dryer.
If this happens to you, you’ll probably find that the dish soap trick no longer works. Luckily, there are a few other methods you can try. Here’s how laundry experts suggest removing stubborn grease and oil stains from clothes. ( Note: The effectiveness of these methods may vary depending on the size of the stain, what was spilled, and the material of the clothing. If one doesn’t work, you can always try another.)
Test the method first
Before trying any of the methods below, Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless Cleaning in Washington, D.C., recommends testing the solutions on a small, inconspicuous area of fabric to make sure they won’t cause any damage or discoloration.
Scrub for washing soda paste
Because you’ll be working with washing soda, which is not the same as baking soda, Katie Cohun, operations manager at Two Maids, recommends wearing gloves and working in a well-ventilated area. When you’re ready, make a paste of washing soda mixed with warm water and apply it to the stain. Leave the paste on for 30 minutes (depending on how much oil has been spilled), then use a soft toothbrush or sponge to gently rub the paste into your clothing in a circular motion. Then rinse it with warm water and repeat the process if necessary before letting the garment dry completely, says Cohun.
Apply some shampoo for oily hair.
As director of Workwear Gurus , which specializes in industrial clothing, Chris Gamlin and his clients have dealt with their share of stains and dirt. He often recommends using a shampoo designed for oily hair to combat stubborn oil stains, advising clients to apply it to the stain, rub in and let sit for a while before washing. Depending on the stain, you may have to repeat the process.
Coat with cornstarch
Cornstarch can be used to draw oil out of clothes, Gamlin says. He recommends adding a little water to the cornstarch to make a paste, then gently rubbing it into the material with a cloth or soft-bristled toothbrush, then letting it dry before trying another wash cycle.
Meanwhile, Cohoon has a slightly different method. She suggests sprinkling cornstarch over the stain, then blot with a dry cloth and let it sit for five hours before washing.
Mix dish soap and hydrogen peroxide.
If dish soap on its own doesn’t do the trick, try mixing it with hydrogen peroxide, says Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless Cleaning , a cleaning service in Washington, D.C. Apply the mixture to the stain as a pre-treatment, giving it time to work before throwing it in the wash.
Mix dish soap and baking soda
As a variation on the method above, Toner also recommends mixing dish soap and baking soda to form a paste, applying it to the stain and giving it time to break down stubborn grease before washing it again.
Try wiping with alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is a great oil dissolver, Toner says. Apply a small amount to the stain with a clean cloth, then leave for at least 30 minutes before washing.
Break it up with WD-40.
It may seem counterintuitive, but both Toner and Jennifer Rodriguez, director of hygiene at Pro Housekeepers, recommend using WD-40 to remove stubborn grease and oil stains. It’s best to be careful and place a piece of cardboard inside the garment to prevent the WD-40 from leaking onto the other side. Next, Rodriguez suggests spraying a little onto the stain, waiting 30 minutes, and then washing.
Absorb the stain with talcum powder or chalk.
“Like cornstarch, talc can be used to absorb grease,” Rodriguez says. She suggests sprinkling it on, leaving it on for a few hours, then brushing it off and washing it as usual. Likewise, Rodriguez suggests rubbing white chalk over the grease stain to help it absorb the oil, then letting it sit for a while before wiping it off.
Use the right tools
As shown in several sets of instructions above, using the right tools—in this case, a soft cloth, sponge, or toothbrush—can make a big difference. While they provide the necessary abrasive action on the stained area, Toner emphasizes the importance of a gentle touch to avoid damaging clothing.
Let clothes air dry
Once you think you’ve removed a stubborn grease or oil stain from an item of clothing and then wash it, Toner and Rodriguez advise not putting it in the dryer but air drying it. Once the item is dry, Toner suggests inspecting it carefully for any remaining signs of stain before wearing, washing or drying it again.