How do I get grease stains out of my clothes?
So, I was cooking earlier today and I didn’t realize it at the time, but I got this big splash of bacon grease on my favorite shirt. The stain is kind of fresh but not that fresh
, if that makes sense? Google said I should use dish soap, but I really want to make sure I pick a solution here that will actually work since I genuinely love this shirt. What should I do?
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Cornstarch or baking powder can help absorb grease stains from fabric. I've tried it and both work really well. I think cornstarch works better. Just cover the stain with the powder and leave it overnight to absorb the grease.
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Firstly, it’s important to be aware that stains are much easier to remove when they’re fresh. If the stain is old, try to remove as much of the dry, excess material with a soft-bristled toothbrush as you can. Check the manufacturer’s label for specific care instructions because some materials can be treated with water, while others may require special cleaning products.
To pre-treat the stain before cleaning it, soak a clean cloth in cold water, and gently blot the area. Then, make a paste by thoroughly mixing 1/2 cup of baking soda with 1 cup of liquid dish soap and 4 cups of water. Dip a clean cloth into the solution, and soak the affected area. Take another clean, dry cloth and blot the area to lift the stain.
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To pre-treat the stain before cleaning it, soak a clean cloth in cold water, and gently blot the area. Then, make a paste by thoroughly mixing 1/2 cup of baking soda with 1 cup of liquid dish soap and 4 cups of water. Dip a clean cloth into the solution, and soak the affected area. Take another clean, dry cloth and blot the area to lift the stain.
Yeah, I agree with this! Dawn dish soap, especially the one labeled "Heavy Duty Degreaser" is the best thing I;ve used and it saved my favorite shirt!
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My grease stain has been sitting for a few days because I didn't notice it until I was doing laundry :( I haven't washed it yet. Anything I can do to increase my chances of the stain coming out in the wash?
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If you get grease on your clothes, try using Dawn Powerwash Spray
—it seriously works. Just spray it on, let it sit a few minutes, and then toss it in the wash. It’s gotten out some tough stains for our customers clothing.
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This won't help you this time, but might I suggest wearing an apron next time you cook bacon? Even if you get grease on it, your clothes will be safe and stain-free.
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Oxi-Clean is my go-to stain remover. Take a big scoop and mix it in warm water, and soak clothes with grease stains for a few hours. Once you wash them, the stain will be a lot less noticeable.
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I've had success pretreating grease stains with rubbing alcohol. I just use enough to soak the stain and let it sit for a couple of minutes. After that, I rinse it out with warm water and immediately toss it in the washer.
Just remember to test the alcohol on an inconspicuous spot first to make sure it doesn't damage the fabric.
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Just remember to test the alcohol on an inconspicuous spot first to make sure it doesn't damage the fabric.
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Soak the spot in white spirit and wash normally. If it’s baked in, scrub it with white spirit and liquid soap using toothbrush, then leave overnight and wash it normally next day. It might take a few repetitions if it’s really tough.
Don't use excess soap or detergent; it may fade the product's color.
Reader Tips from How to Remove Cooking Oil, Grease, and Butter Stains from Clothes
Sprinkle some salt on the grease stain and leave it for five minutes. Brush it off, then repeat 3 times. It should soak up the stain.
Place a piece of cardboard behind the stain as you work to help keep it from transferring to the back of the garment.
Reader Tips from 14 Effective Ways to Get Grease Out of Clothes
I use Go-Jo's hand cleaner, usually used by mechanics to remove oil and grease. Just dab a little on the stain and let it sit overnight and then wash it thoroughly the next day.
I've used turpentine (paint thinner) to remove food grease from cotton and polyester shirts before and it seems to work.
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