A guide for anyone who has ever spilled oil on their pants – or had a piece of pizza land where you really didn't want it. Let's see how to remove grease stains from clothes!
Greasy stains. Those silent saboteurs of white shirts, jeans and dresses that appear in moments of culinary euphoria. One bite into a buttery croissant or salad with dressing and boom – grease finds its way to your textiles. But the good news? These stains are completely manageable. They don't require miracle potions or a trip to the laundry clinic. Just a few home tricks, a little patience and timely action.
First aid for grease stains: act quickly
The sooner you act, the better. Grease likes to linger – like the last guest at a party – so speed is key. Don’t rub (you’ll just spread the stain), but gently blot up the excess grease with a paper towel or cloth. And then? Action!
Method No. 1: Powder Tactics – For Fresh Grease Stains
If you're dealing with a very fresh grease stain, kitchen superheroes come to your aid: baking soda, cornstarch, baby powder or talcum powderTheir job? To soak up as much grease as possible before the stain cements itself into your favorite shirt.
How to:
- Sprinkle the stain with the selected powder – without sparing.
- Leave it on for about an hour (enough time to watch one episode of your favorite series).
- Gently wipe or blow away the powder.
- Wash the garment according to the instructions on the label.
- Before drying it, check the condition – if the stain is still not gone, switch to the next method.
Bonus trick: Dry shampoo can work similarly if you're on the go and out of kitchen supplies. Yes, seriously.
Method #2: Liquid Power – Detergent and Soap
When a greasy stain refuses to go away, it's time for a stronger weapon. Liquid laundry detergent or dishwashing liquid They are ideal because they contain surfactants – molecules that trap grease and help wash it off the fabric.
How to:
- Rub detergent or soap directly into the stain (your fingers or a soft brush are great tools).
- Leave on for 15–30 minutes.
- Wash the garment as directed on the label – hot water can help if the fabric can handle it.
- After washing checkIf the stain is gone, repeat the process if it still persists.
- Only when the stain is truly history can you throw the garment in the dryer.
Method No. 3: Stain Sprays – When You Need an Instant Solution
If you're more of a "click-through" type, there are great stain removal sprays, which are made specifically to combat grease. Application is simple: spray, wait, wash. Some work after just one use, others need to be repeated – like most serious conversations in life.
Tips that save fabric (and nerves)
- Always test first: Before you completely soak or spray the garment, test the cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area. No one wants the stain to disappear, but the fabric color will with it.
- The label is not an ornament: Check what the manufacturer recommends. If it says “dry clean only,” don’t risk using household chemicals.
- Don't dry the stain! The heat will set the stain—literally. If you're not sure the stain is gone, air dry the garment.
What about old grease stains?
If you only discovered the grease stain after you pulled out your summer shirt (and remembered that pizza from last August), the game is tougher—but not lost. Repeat the detergent method several times, use hot water (if it's safe for the fabric), and consider combining it with a stain remover. With a little effort, the old grease will be a distant memory.
Finally, clean.
Grease stains are a part of life – like annoying noises during a Zoom call or red wine drips on a white couch. But with a little smarts, a few tricks from your pantry, and the right approach, you can beat almost any stain. And remember: even if everything goes wrong, at least you’ll have a good excuse to buy a new shirt.
