Q&A for How to Remove Grease from Clothes

Using circular motions, brush baking soda paste into the stain with a small bristle brush until you see the stain subside. Then, wash the jeans in warm water with regular laundry detergent—you can also add vinegar to the wash cycle to ensure that the stain is completely removed. Dry off the jeans by sticking them in a low-heat dryer cycle.

You can pour 1/2 cup of vinegar onto 2 tablespoons of baking soda and mix up the solution. Once the baking soda is mixed in, take a sponge to soak up the liquid you have created and scrub throughouly for 30-60 seconds until grease is removed.

Antique fabric may be too fragile to be cleaned. If it's an item that has sentimental or monetary value, it may be best to consult a textile conservator before doing anything. (A local museum may be able to point you in the direction of one.) A textile conservator will also be able to advise you on how valuable the item is. Also, how you proceed will depend on what caused the stain to begin with.

On any fabric, use cornstarch (or baby powder). Dab it on the stain, on both sides of the fabric. Then fold up the blouse and put in a bag. Let it sit for however long you can. On a silk blouse you would probably need to lightly brush it off with an old soft toothbrush or something similar. If there is any grease remaining, repeat the process. If it's a washable silk you could wet a wash cloth and dab up the cornstarch. If it is not washable, brush off the cornstarch, then take it to a dry cleaner.

Gojo hand cleaner from the auto parts store, sometimes available at the grocery or hardware store. Rub in and it will dissolve the grease. Then wash as usual, but maybe add 1/2 cup Simple Green to the washing machine.