Quck answer
To remove grease stains on already-washed, stained clothes, try the following methods:
1. Dish soap: Apply a small amount of dish soap directly onto the stain, rub gently, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Rinse with warm water and repeat if necessary.
2. Baking soda: Make a paste by mixing baking soda with water. Apply the paste to the stain, rub gently, and let it sit for 15-30 minutes. Rinse with warm water and repeat if needed.
3. WD-40: Spray WD-40 on the grease stain, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wash the garment as usual.
4. Cornstarch or baby powder: Sprinkle cornstarch or baby powder onto the stain, let it absorb the grease for several hours or overnight, and then brush off the powder before washing.
Remember to always check the care label of the clothing before trying any of these methods and test on a small, inconspicuous area first.
Eliminating greasy stains can be particularly challenging, especially if you unknowingly put your favorite outfit in the washing machine with a grease stain. Removing old grease from clothes requires more effort and different techniques compared to fresh grease stains. You may need to try multiple methods until you successfully eliminate all traces of grease.
Why Grease Stains Are Difficult
Grease, being a lipid, is not soluble in water. This means that you cannot simply wash it away with soap and water. Old grease stains tend to be more stubborn than fresh stains, which makes them harder to remove. This is especially true if you have dried the clothes, as the heat from the dryer essentially bakes the grease into the fabric.
Before attempting any cleaning methods, always check the care label on the clothing. Do not use these methods on clothes that are labeled as dry-clean only. Delicate fabrics may also be damaged by certain cleaning techniques.
Prepare the Clothes
In some cases, it is easier to work on removing an old grease stain when the fabric is dry rather than wet. Before applying your chosen stain remover, insert a piece of cardboard inside the clothing, such as in the leg of jeans or in the arm of a shirt, to prevent the grease and stain remover from seeping through to the other side. This helps contain the grease stain.
Soak and Wash
Using a dish soap specifically designed to fight grease is one of the simplest methods to try for a set-in grease stain. Apply the soap to the greasy area, gently rubbing it into the fabric to ensure it penetrates the fibers. Wait for at least 10 minutes before scrubbing the stain gently with an old toothbrush. Rinse the dish soap out of the fabric and wash the clothing according to the care instructions. After the clothing air dries, check for any remaining traces of grease.
Try Aloe Vera
Pure aloe vera gel, whether purchased from a store or obtained from an aloe vera plant, can help break down a grease stain. Rub the aloe vera gel onto the old grease stain, allowing it to sit for five minutes or more. Then, wash the item with cold water. After the item air dries, closely inspect it for any remaining grease stains.
Grab Your Hair Spray
The hair spray that you use on a daily basis can also assist in removing a grease stain. Saturate the greasy area of your clothing with hair spray to dampen it. Wait for 20 to 30 minutes, then wash the garment in the washing machine following the care instructions. Check for any remaining grease after the item air dries.
Reactivate the Stain
If none of the previous cleaning methods work, you can try using WD-40 to reactivate the grease stain. Spray the lubricant onto the stain and wait for 15 to 30 minutes. Then, attempt the previous cleaning methods again, starting with dish soap to help loosen the grease.
Keep in mind that these types of lubricants can be flammable, so it is best to hand-wash the clothing. Fill your sink with laundry detergent and water, and then soak and rinse the clothing. Repeat this process until you can no longer detect the scent of the lubricant. The safest option is to always hand-wash clothing that has come into contact with flammable materials to prevent the risk of fire in your washing machine and dryer.
Air Dry your Clothes after Washing
Regardless of the cleaning technique you decide to use, it is important to allow the grease-stained clothing to air dry completely before determining if the grease has been completely removed. Even though the fabric may appear grease-free when wet, it is only after it has dried that you can be certain. If you choose to put the clothing in the dryer while there is still grease present, it will become even more challenging to remove.
